RAK to deploy GIS technology to boost development

The ambitious project intends to set up a computer data base system capable of capturing, storing and analyzing geospatial and other information relating to Ras Al Khaimah and intends to link various governments departments through a network.

Speaking at a meeting of heads of various government departments convened to discuss the implementation of the GIS here today, H.H.
Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Crown Prince and Deputy Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, said that the new initiative would help to make RAK more competitive. "This project will also help in the efficient delivery of many public utility services", he said.

He added that the companies based in Ras Al Khaimah can also employ the system as a developmental tool.

The heads of various government departments were briefed about the potential benefits of the deployment of the GIS system by the officials of the RAK Electronic Government Authority (RAK-EGA).

Experts pointed out that the mapping exercise and data base created as part of the GIS project could be used to provide a variety of services like resource management, developmental planning and emergency response planning. It could also be used to deliver a whole lot of community services related to schools, hospitals and for the issuance of building permits, land registration etc, when the system is integrated to the government website.

Director General of the RAK Electronic Government Authority, Dr. Hashem Ar Refaei, said that the GIS system held out tremendous possibilities which could be utilized for the overall development of RAK. He said that the GIS project would be launched in three phases over a period of three years.

Dr. Hashem said that under the first phase of the project, a study will be launched to identify the requirements of the whole emirate and a strategic plan would be prepared out on how to meet those needs using a GIS system. A detailed mapping exercise will be initiated to build a comprehensive data base of the emirate which will be centralized in the EGA.

All the government departments will then be connected through the proposed RGIN Network (Ras Al Khaimah Government Internet Network).
The first phase of the project, which will be completed by the end of 2005, will also see the execution of a pilot project in one sector.

A host of public utility services would be offered through the project in the second and third phases after it is extended to cover the other sectors. He said that the project would be of tremendous benefit especially to the RAK Municipality, Lands Department, Public Works and Services Department and the Sewerage Authority.