Dubai launches Data and AI Platform for digital transformation.

Photo: Dubai Government Media Office

Digital Dubai Initiates Development of Data and AI Platform

Digital Dubai, the governmental entity responsible for overseeing digital transformation in the emirate, has announced plans to develop the Dubai Data and Artificial Intelligence Platform. This initiative aims to adhere to the highest international standards and specifications, marking a significant step in the region's digital evolution. As part of this endeavor, Digital Dubai has awarded a contract to Moro Hub—Data Hub for Integrated Solutions, a subsidiary of Digital DEWA (Dubai Electricity and Water Authority). Work on the project is expected to commence by the end of September 2024.

Unified Data Gateway

The Dubai Data and AI Platform will serve as a centralized gateway for official data and statistics related to Dubai. It will enable both government and private entities to host and share data seamlessly while ensuring top-tier accessibility and security. The platform will utilize innovative approaches backed by Artificial Intelligence to display and analyze data, assisting the government in making informed decisions based on advanced data analytics. This initiative is designed to enhance digital maturity across the emirate, contributing to a boost in the data maturity index by improving aspects such as data quality, usability, and governance.

Key Agreements and Signatories

The agreement for this groundbreaking project was signed at Digital Dubai’s headquarters by prominent officials, including His Excellency Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD and CEO of DEWA, and His Excellency Hamad Obaid Al Mansoori, Director General of Digital Dubai. The signing ceremony was attended by key figures such as HE Younus Al Nasser, CEO of the Dubai Data and Statistics Establishment; Eng. Marwan bin Haidar, Vice Chairman and Group CEO of Digital DEWA; Mohammed bin Sulaiman, CEO of Moro Hub; and Ghaith Al Suwaidi, Chief AI Officer at the Dubai Data and Statistics Establishment.

Scalable Infrastructure and Advanced Technologies

One of the standout features of the Dubai Data and AI Platform is its scalable infrastructure, which is designed to meet future requirements. This flexibility will enhance government performance across various sectors, allowing for the provision of accurate data while emphasizing performance indicators in both public and private domains. The platform will facilitate access to a range of advanced technologies supported by Artificial Intelligence, ultimately reducing costs and promoting optimal resource utilization. This will lead to data-driven decisions that form an integrated and reliable digital ecosystem for government data.

 Vision and Economic Impact

HE Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer emphasized that this initiative aligns with the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, aimed at strengthening the UAE’s global position in digital solutions. The collaboration with Digital Dubai is a commitment to enhancing digital innovation, with the Dubai Data and AI Platform playing a pivotal role in advancing the emirate's digital infrastructure. This effort also aligns with the Dubai Economic Agenda, D33, which aims to double Dubai's economy in the next decade and secure its place among the world’s top three urban economies.

Al Tayer stated, “We are dedicated to continuing our journey toward digitizing services and operations, delivering innovative solutions that meet global quality standards, and creating platforms that enhance quality of life while supporting data-driven decision-making for sustainable growth.”

Collaborative Efforts and Economic Value

HE Hamad Obaid Al Mansoori highlighted the establishment of the Dubai Data and AI Platform as a critical moment in the digital transformation journey. He noted that Artificial Intelligence is increasingly being leveraged to enhance the economic value of digital data. “As we witness rapid technological changes, the importance of digital data remains central to all transformation efforts, notably in the Digital Dubai Experience, which is progressing towards achieving its Digital Dubai Strategy.”

The strategy aims to digitize life in Dubai and set the city as a global benchmark for utilizing modern technologies to serve the community while solidifying its status as a global digital capital. “Our shared goal with government entities and the private sector is to amplify the use of new technologies to drive sustainable economic growth,” Al Mansoori added.

Strategic National Wealth and Future Aspirations

The data available to government and private sector entities is considered a strategic national asset, essential for creating a future where Dubai stands as a global digital capital. HE Younus Al Nasser noted that the Dubai Data and AI Platform represents a continuation of a long-standing commitment to utilizing data as a primary driver of digital transformation. The platform aims to meet the government’s needs for data exchange, integration, and interconnection, fostering innovation, decision-making, and personalized digital experiences.

The agreement signifies the establishment of a sustainable digital infrastructure supported by Artificial Intelligence, aligning with Dubai’s future ambitions. The goal is to leverage the abundant data available in Dubai to create a digital reference that meets societal and partner needs across public and private sectors.

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Innovative Solutions and Integration

Eng. Marwan bin Haidar expressed satisfaction with the strategic collaboration between Digital Dubai and Digital DEWA. The partnership aims to enhance capabilities in leveraging digital data and Artificial Intelligence for innovation and sustainable development. The platform will offer integrated solutions characterized by efficiency and flexibility, including hosting on Moro's cloud and providing managed cybersecurity services.

The Dubai Data and AI Platform will serve all institutions under Digital Dubai, as well as government entities across the emirate. It will facilitate decentralized data exchange and represents the next generation of the Dubai Pulse platform, built on an integrated data fabric. This supports innovation models using the Moro Cloud, employing cutting-edge data management and analytics technologies.

Future-Proofing and Enhancing Decision-Making

The agreement includes the unification of existing platforms and portals, such as Dubai Pulse and the Dubai Statistics Center Portal, streamlining their systems for improved efficiency. The platform will be hosted on the Moro Cloud and managed by Moro Hub, with cybersecurity services aligned with the Digital Dubai Clouds Agreement. This setup ensures stability, business continuity, and infrastructure, supporting decision-making processes while reducing costs and enhancing overall value and efficiency.

The platform exemplifies the practical application of the Data Law's requirements, showcasing the government's flexibility and Digital Dubai's role in facilitating digital transformation. By harnessing the vast potential of AI, the platform will enhance sustainability and promote economic dynamism, serving as a unified framework for all data and statistics systems in Dubai.

 Conclusion: A Vision for the Future

The Dubai Data and AI Platform represents a significant step forward in the emirate’s digital transformation journey. It will integrate and connect various government and private sector entities, advancing smart city trends through proactive approaches, Internet of Things applications, cybersecurity, real-time analytics, self-service options, and community engagement. This initiative is set to redefine how data is managed and utilized, ultimately enhancing the living experience for residents and the investment climate for businesses in Dubai.