Abu Dhabi delegation returns energized and inspired from Esri User Conference in San Diego

Abu Dhabi, 20 July 2014: A delegation of 40 government officials, led by Abu Dhabi Systems and Information Centre (ADSIC), returned this week from San Diego, USA, where they participated in the widely recognized Esri User Conference (Esri UC) - the biggest geographic information system (GIS) event globally.

Driving Abu Dhabi Government’s agenda in advancing the Emirate’s geospatial capabilities, the delegation joined thought leaders from all over the world who meet annually to find solutions to local, global and industry problems, learn the latest in spatial analysis, web and mobile apps, location analytics, big data, open data, and the ArcGIS platform.

The conference brought more than 15,000 international dignitaries and attendees to the Abu Dhabi Pavilion on the first day of the event. Esri’s Founder and President, Jack Dangermond, also visited the Abu Dhabi Pavilion, where ADSIC presented its strategic geospatial initiative – Abu Dhabi Spatial Data Infrastructure (AD SDI), while AD-SDIs community stakeholders highlighted Abu Dhabi’s GIS expertise, exchanging know-how with organizations and professionals from around the world.

H.E. Rashed Al Mansoori, Director General of ADSIC, said, “ADSIC’s participation at Esri UC is fundamental to building our capabilities as we continue to work hard towards digitizing Abu Dhabi Government’s services. This year, representatives from different government bodies had the opportunity to attend workshops, exchange know-how with organizations and professionals, and learn from best practices around the world.”

Participants at Esri UC were able to take an exclusive first look at the latest and greatest novelties in GIS technology, including ways in which it can successfully connect with education and mentor the next generation. They also had a chance to hear from inspirational keynote speakers, like Dr. Bruce Aylward, from the World Health Organization, and Dr. Vincent Seaman, from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, who shed some light on how GIS is helping to eradicate polio.

“Our delegation returned from Esri UC energized and inspired by the many new technical advances they had the opportunity to see and by the innovative leaders, who provided some insight on how they solve their problems with world-class solutions. I am positive this will be reflected in the further development of the robust spatial data infrastructure implemented by ADSIC back in 2007 and ensure additional modernization in our current government services,” concluded H.E. Rashed Al Mansoori, Director General of ADSIC.

At Esri MEA UC in 2012, ADSIC and ESRI signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aiming to collaboratively harness GIS capabilities for enabling society. This marked the first time that Esri has signed an agreement with an entire government.

Under the terms of the agreement, both parties will work together on the Advancement of Spatial Thinking, GIS Planning and Monitoring, GIS Licensing and Support, and Outreach and Sharing of Best Practices.