Ways to Maximise the benefits of Abu DhabiSpatial Data Infrastructure (AD-SDI) discussed during GIS Forum MENA

Abu Dhabi, 8September 2014:The Abu Dhabi Spatial Data Infrastructure (AD-SDI), a programme managed within the Abu Dhabi Systems and Information Centre (ADSIC), showcased its latest achievements and promoted discussions on the sharing of geospatial data during the GIS Forum MENA, held at the Hilton Capital Grand, Abu Dhabi, from 8-10 September 2014.

The AD-SDI team joined regional professionals from municipalities, oil and gas, utilities, transport, telecoms, security, education and healthcare sectors in Abu Dhabi to address how to harness the significant potential of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and improve efficiencies in development planning, resource management and scientific investigations.

Khawla Al Fahim, Executive Manager, Spatial Data Centre, ADSIC, one of the key speakers at the conference, shed some light on the vision and strategic objectives of the Abu Dhabi e-Government and emphasized the importance of collaboration across core sectors to enable services that will add social, economic and environmental value to all.

“We must collaborate across sectors and turn data into Geo-Intelligence that will produce geo-enabled, customer-centric services and channels. This is the optimum way to truly transform government services and create resilient cities that will continue to evolve and adapt to the trends in technology and innovative practices,” said Al Fahim.

Al Fahim also participated in the executive panel entitled ‘Championing GIS in Your Organisation’, which discussed real life cases, including the challenges faced when seeking investment for GIS projects, successful strategies implemented, and examples of how GIS improved efficiencies from regional and international organisations. 

“Conferences such as GIS Forum MENA are very important for decision makers who believe in the potential of GIS. This is a great opportunity to raise awareness of the crucial role of GIS, share knowledge, explore strategies, discuss solutions and move forward with the development and integration of GIS in the region. It is also a perfect setting to build relationships that will assist in future collaboration,” concluded Al Fahim.