The implementation of smart city initiatives across the UAE is at its full capacity, with both the government and private sectors actively starting game-changing projects designed to catapult the country into among the most modern-day states in today's highly linked 21st century world. When one speaks of smart city, it normally refers to the integration of multiple information and communications technology (ICT) options in a bid to raise the quality of life in regional communities. Many domestic leading companies have currently taken strategic steps in this regard and among which is Sharjah Tatweer Forum (STF), a community of young people looking for not just to empower themselves but also to further the sustainable development of Sharjah and the rest of the UAE.

Through Sharjah Leadership Program (SLP), STF has announced that it will develop smart initiatives and present them to concerned parties in an effort to boost the emirate's bid to transform into a sophisticated city. The efforts will be created based on the proposed projects submitted by select SLP participants.

Jassem Albloushi, Chairman, STF, said: Smart city aims to improve quality of life by using technology to improve the efficiency of services and meet the needs of our people. By integrating ICT solutions into a wide range of daily human activities, we are in effect making things more efficient and sustainable. We have been witnessing these efforts in Sharjahs transportation, health, and education sectors, among others. We are inspired at STF to substantially contribute to this significant endeavour by working closely with the young promising leaders at SLP the result of which is a myriad of unique and innovative ideas. We look forward to strategically developing these ideas and presenting them to the concerned authorities to make a difference in the Sharjah Governments smart city initiatives.

The race to transform every emirate in the UAE into a smart city is gaining more ground, with key entities in Sharjah, including STF, have been actively taking part towards this end. Sharjah Leadership Program was launched with an aim to prepare the next generation of private and public sector leaders in line with international standards, as well as to increase their awareness on the UAEs plans on innovation and transition into a knowledge-based economy. The programme also plans to bring various institutions up to speed with best practices in management and leadership mechanisms, as well as highlight Sharjahs economic sectors and future plans. The programme will include visits to the United States, particularly California, where participants will take part in innovation conferences along with a number of visits to prestigious companies and research centres.

"It was inspiring to be able to contribute to such an essential partnership. Suggesting ideas and projects that can help transform Sharjah and the rest of the nation into a sustainable, contemporary society is a require everybody to participate and share his concepts to understand this dream. We enjoy that our proposals have actually measured up to STF's objectives. Rest assured that we will stay dedicated to our partnership as we move on to the implementation of our tasks," said Abdel Aziz Fikry, Projects Manager at Al Wasl Asset Management Group and an SLP individual.