The Federal Geographic Information Centre has announced the
launch of the first-of-its-kind Union Atlas in the UAE. The project aims to
ensure the availability of reliable geospatial and statistical information to
all members of society, and federal, governmental and private entities in vital
sectors in the UAE, strengthening the country’s leading position as a vital
economic centre.
The Union Atlas provides an integrated database which
enables entities to conduct scientific research and studies related to social,
economic, and geographical fields. It also facilitates the process of
exchanging information between various authorities to enhance their operational
performance, thereby driving the UAE’s comprehensive development.
Dr. Khalifa Mohammed Thani Al-Romaithi, Chairman of the Board
of Directors of the Federal Geographic Information Centre, said, “The Union
Atlas is one of the highly innovative and transformational projects that was
launched with the aim of providing interactive maps, reliable and updated data,
and performance indicators that enhance the business growth of various vital
sectors. The project will significantly contribute to consolidating the UAE’s
position as a global economic centre over the coming decades.
“The launch of this project by the Centre seeks to provide
an integrated database that includes all reliable geospatial and statistical
information. In doing so, the Centre aims to enhance operations and support
future planning for various government and private entities, as well as vital
sectors in the UAE, to support our wise leadership’s efforts to achieve
comprehensive development,” he added.
Hamed Khamis Al Kaabi, Director-General of the Federal
Geographic Information Centre (FGIC), said, “The launch of this significant
national project comes in line with our commitment to strengthening the UAE’s
leading position in the field of geographic and geospatial data. The Union
Atlas will serve as an integrated platform that empowers all stakeholders in
the public and private sectors in the UAE by providing them with geospatial
information to be utilised in planning, research studies, and the
implementation of major initiatives and projects. It will also play a key role
in facilitating the exchange and integration of spatial data between entities
to elevate their performance. In doing so, the Union Atlas will contribute to
enhancing the UAE’s competitiveness and leading position in various economic
indicators and strengthen its global position in economic, social and
environmental development areas.”
“The Centre is keen to continue launching projects that aim
to strengthen the position of the geospatial information sector, which serves
as a major strategic pillar in the UAE’s sustainable development," he
added.
Anwaar Al Shimmari, Executive Director of the Geospatial
Governance Sector at the Federal Geographic Information Centre, said, “The
launch of this project, which is the first of its kind in the UAE, reflects our
commitment to supporting national efforts for strengthening the country’s
leading global position in various fields. The Union Atlas will provide an
advanced platform that encompasses all geospatial and statistical information,
supporting various government and private entities in conducting scientific
research. It will also promote the growth of vital sectors’ operations,
including education, culture, and health, and develop a solid infrastructure
which contributes to achieving the UAE’s strategies for driving digital
transformation.”
“The Centre reaffirms its commitment to launching innovative
and transformational projects and building bridges of cooperation with various
federal and government entities. In doing so, we achieve the vision of our wise
leadership to consolidate the UAE’s position as a vital and competitive
economic centre,” she added.
The Union Atlas is one of the transformational projects
within the performance agreements for federal government entities for 2022,
which were signed in the presence of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al
Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai.
Performance agreements represent special projects that will
help usher the UAE into the future and enhance its competitiveness.
Transformational projects, meanwhile, are characterised by their ability to
achieve significant impact across all sectors within short periods, ensuring
the application of the new government work methodology for the UAE Government.
The Union Atlas will contribute to supporting innovation and
scientific research in the UAE through interactive maps, reliable data, and
world-class performance indicators that cement the UAE’s achievements across 13
sectors.
