Sharjah 24: Engineer Ali bin Shaheen Al Suwaidi, Chairman of Sharjah Directorate of Public Works (SDPW), confirmed that the Directorate is carrying out several projects that enhance the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in its strategy, and employ advanced technologies for the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) that consolidate performance and translate the initiatives launched by the UAE government.

He pointed out that the SDPW is taking confident steps on this approach by adapting the services it provides and transforming them digitally, in addition to getting rid of routine procedures and converting them into digital to be smooth and fast in implementation, explaining that the Directorate continues to set ambitious goals to enhance energy security and sustainability, and apply modern innovations in reconstruction processes. He continued that the Directorate also plays a pivotal role in supporting the sustainability agenda, and elevating the sector's performance towards new heights of excellence.

The Chairman of SDPW explained that the UAE has proven its supremacy through the Arab and international indicators after the UAE government had set its sights on clear strategies to reach the first positions worldwide, and its keenness on an annual basis to be in the first place thanks to the vision and wisdom of its prudent leadership. He added that the UAE continues development, construction, scientific research and concerted efforts in all sectors racing against time to achieve leadership.

He expressed pride that the SDPW is part of the achievements of the UAE at the global level especially that the achievements have not ceased in recent times in light of the conditions that the world is going through. On the contrary, he expounded, Sharjah  has witnessed smoothness and dynamism of government work thanks to the constant support of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohamed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, to improve infrastructure and urbanisation, especially as the emirate has turned challenges into opportunities by implementing several vital projects, most notably the largest Holy Quran Academy on earth, in addition to creating a technical infrastructure apt to all circumstances. 

He indicated that one of the most important articles of SDPW strategic plan aims to maximise dependence on technology, promote a culture of excellence and creativity, and reduce engineering and operational costs, highlighting the Directorate’s keenness to employ science and technology and AI in various aspects and the projects it delivers to keep pace with 4IR.

Al Suwaidi added that SDPW seeks to develop the reality of administrative leaderships and the capabilities to build administrative leaderships that keep pace with the modern digital vision, determine the requirements for administrative leaderships, propose aspects of development, and identify strategies, methods and programmes for preparing, attracting, developing and succession of administrative leaderships in government agencies and private companies and ways to develop them.

The Chairman of SDPW also touched on the Directorate’s endeavour to find ways to cooperate with international and specialised bodies in the field of applying artificial intelligence in areas of the department’s work, developing electronic and smart services, applying the best information security systems, developing applications and an electronic portal, in addition to refining and honing employees’ skills, through joint training programmes in line with the SDPW’s strategy and objectives, which attach great importance to the transformation in the field of smart services.