Fifty Sharjah government senior officials and key decision-makers have emphasized that digital transition is no more just a concern for the emirate, but rather an area built with strategic decision making, long-term investments, human capital coaching, and persistent efforts to enhance the emirate's economic outlook, creativity, governance, and stability in all domains.

They assembled for the first edition of “NexTech: The Formula for Digital Transformation Excellence,” a modern technology project designed by Sahab Smart Solutions to showcase promising new opportunities for digital transformation for the emirate's government agencies. The event was recently held at Al Jawaher Reception and Convention Centre in Sharjah in collaboration with the Higher Committee for Digital Transformation (JRCC).

The representatives examined Sharjah's current situation of digitization, concentrating on problems and prospects, and addressing potential options for both Sharjah and the UAE. They emphasized that the right policies and regulatory structure for upskilling the nation's human capital, a clear emphasis on having the nation's cybersecurity activities more resilient, and complete convergence of various sectors were foundations of the effective digital transition.

The discussions were moderated by Amin Al Zarouni, CEO of Sahab Smart Solutions, and were headed by Sheikh Fahim Bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairman of Sharjah's Higher Committee for Digital Transformation; Sheikh Saud Bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Secretary-General of the Sharjah Executive Council; and Colonel Sami Khamis Al Naqbi, Director General of Sharjah Civil Defence.

Dr. Enginneer Khalifa Musabbah Al Tunaiji, Chairman of the Sharjah Directorate of Housing; Marwan Bin Jassim Al Sarkal, Executive Chairman of the Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq); and Hussain Al Mahmoudi, CEO of the Sharjah Research, Technology, and Innovation Park (SRTIP) were also present.

The attendees made several suggestions, particularly the need to increase collaborative investments between both the public and private sectors to improve programs, networks, and digital technologies to build stable and progressed public services, and thus make modern governance a possibility. They stated that the private sector will provide the necessary resources for this transition, while the public sector would encourage the process by creating legislation and a policy framework that preserves and preserves data through advanced security measures.

“The government of Sharjah, under the UAE's policy, continues its optimistic digitalization activities that rank with the biggest in the country,” Sheikh Fahim said. We are considering creating a digital ecosystem that links all utilities to effectively serve consumers. We are on our way to placing Sharjah as an important part of the nation's digital portal, courtesy of our wise leadership's optimistic vision. Our goals are led by our dynamic leadership, which encourages the Sharjah government and wants us to double our obligations to improve people's standard of living by improving the relationship among organizations and the society.”

Speaking about Sharjah Digital Platform, he further added: “The launch of the Sharjah Digital Platform was a milestone in the emirate’s digital transformation journey. This platform will enable us to forge Sharjah’s digital identity, which will not only cater to citizens and residents within the emirate but those living abroad and have a connection with it through investments or other ventures. It is vital to connect them all to Sharjah, and so this platform is designed to serve them all. The next three years will be crucial as we invest in the future, bolstering our digital infrastructure to enhance our competitive edge. This is a great opportunity for us to forge ahead of the competition.”

“Virtual transformation enhances interaction between government bodies and unifies service interfaces; it confirms the emirate's digital identity, forms smart cities and communities, and makes our nation an international model in the domain,” Sheikh Saoud said. Digital transformation is a critical platform for improving quality of life for people.”

Colonel Sami Khamis Al Naqbi sent a powerful message, stating that in an era of rapid technical advances, Sharjah should keep ahead rather than try and catch up.

“These innovations across industries are being guided by people who are motivated by creativity and out-of-the-box pondering,” he said. The UAE's leadership optimizes ingenuity and imagination, and adopted policy and regulations, and initiated campaigns and schemes, to encourage digital pioneers in society to assist us in building a friendly environment entirely capable of supporting our societies now and towards the future.”

Marwan Al Sarkal agreed with Colonel Sami, saying, "Digital transition is no longer a viable option; it is a requirement for all countries. This is a long-term project with relatively high and positive benefits that can not only change the business environment but also improve the quality of living and facilities available to people.”

“COVID-19 has promoted widespread acceptance of the digital transition revolution in all fields, most especially in education, where it has now become a lifeline for organizations, teachers, and students,” he said.