The announcement by the Crown Prince of Sharjah regarding the establishment of the Supreme Committee for Digital Integration marks a significant step toward enhancing digital integration within the emirate. This initiative aims to streamline the digital transformation strategy, ensuring that various governmental entities collaborate effectively to achieve shared objectives. This article explores the key aspects and objectives of this newly formed committee.
Sheikh Sultan bin Muhammad bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Crown Prince and Deputy Ruler of Sharjah, and Chairman of the Executive Council, issued a decision regarding the establishment and formation of the Supreme Committee for Digital Integration.
The decision stipulates the creation of a committee in the Emirate of Sharjah called the “Supreme Committee for Digital Integration,” which will follow the Executive Council of Sharjah and operate under its supervision, according to the Emirates News Agency (WAM).
The committee is chaired by Sheikh Saud bin Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Director General of the Sharjah Digital Department, with members including Sheikh Sultan bin Abdullah bin Salem Al Qasimi, Director of the Statistics and Community Development Department; Sheikh Rashid bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Director of the Central Finance Department; and Sheikh Muhammad bin Abdullah Al Qasimi, Director of the Municipal Affairs Department.
Other members include Abdullah Abdulrahman Al Shamsi, Director General of the Sharjah Electricity, Water, and Gas Authority; Ahmed Hamad Al Suwaidi, Assistant Secretary-General of the Executive Council of Sharjah; Lameya Obaid Al Hussan Al Shamsi, Director of the Sharjah Digital Department; Issa Saif Hanzal, Director of the Legal Department of the Sharjah Government; Ali Sultan bin Batti Al Mehairi, Director of the Planning and Survey Department; and Majid Muhammad Al Malhoom from the Sharjah Digital Department.
Objectives of the Supreme Committee for Digital Integration
According to the decision, the Supreme Committee for Digital Integration aims to align with Sharjah’s digital transformation strategy, ensuring effective implementation and continuous monitoring of the digital transformation journey in the emirate. The committee seeks to establish strong governance, enhance cooperation among governmental entities, mitigate risks, and accelerate progress to ensure the optimal application of the digital transformation strategy.
Committee Responsibilities
The decision outlines the committee’s responsibilities, which include strategic oversight and high-level decision-making to ensure the optimal execution of the digital transformation strategy. This involves ensuring alignment and cooperation among governmental entities, adopting key digital policies, frameworks, and strategies, and ensuring alignment between national objectives and local implementation.
Moreover, the committee is tasked with monitoring the progress of joint governmental digital initiatives, tracking performance against strategic objectives, and intervening when necessary. The committee will also address cross-sector challenges and resolve disputes, oversee investment decisions related to digital initiatives, and enhance collaboration among governmental entities while coordinating efforts to ensure integration and avoid duplication, along with any other responsibilities assigned by the council.
Membership Duration and Working Mechanism
According to the decision, the committee will submit reports on its activities, the challenges it faces, and the solutions it recommends to the council for appropriate decision-making. Membership in the committee will last for two years, which may be extended for similar periods starting from the date of its first meeting.
The committee will continue its work after the expiration of its term until a new committee is formed, and members whose terms have ended may be reappointed, provided that the committee’s membership is renewed after presenting its report and recommendations to the council.