The event was attended by Sheikh Saud bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Director General of the department, alongside representatives from various government entities and more than 150 GIS specialists.

The forum highlights the pivotal role of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) as a facilitator of digital transformation, by supporting integration of government entities, standardizing the use of geographic data, and enhancing decision-making efficiency by providing accurate and updated geospatial data, in addition to accelerating the adoption of GIS solutions in government projects and services.

Lamia Al Hassan Al Shamsi, Director of the Sharjah Digital Department, stated that GIS have become critical in linking data to location, providing governments with a clearer understanding of urban development, community needs, and service efficiency.

She went on explaining, during her remarks, that the GIS serves as vital facilitator in achieving digital integration, due to their ability to unify vision, connect spatial information, and improve urban planning, infrastructure management, sustainability, and digital government services.

According to Al Shamsi, the forum is seen as a hub that links entities and academic institutions, where they share knowledge, form partnerships, and strengthen integration.

The forum featured an introductory video highlighting the importance of GIS across key areas, including food and agriculture, infrastructure, smart cities, and environmental sustainability, and it also included four presentations delivered by experts from different government agencies, along with panel discussions, and a presentation showcasing the latest GIS technologies and solutions.