ERWDA selects UAE University to develop unique environmental data portal

The project known as Abu Dhabi Global Environmental Data Initiative (AGEDI) will ultimately support sustainable decision and policy making in the UAE and beyond.

ERWDA chose UAE University's College of IT to develop the AGEDI dynamic data portal using advanced information technologies to provide interactive capabilities, which will allow scientists and researchers in the field to share and explore information in real time. ERWDA honored UAE University for its contribution to the project in a special ceremony held at the Abu Dhabi Intercontinental Hotel.

"We are very impressed with the quality of IT developers in UAE University's College of IT and proud to have such an institution in the UAE," said Mr. Majid Al Mansouri Secretary General of ERWDA. He added, "The College of IT has done a very impressive job developing phase 1 of the AGEDI portal and we look forward to continuing our collaboration on phase 2 of the portal."

"We are proud of our relationship with ERWDA and grateful for the opportunity to work with them on such an exciting project," said Dr. Maytha Al-Shamsi, Associate Provost for Research at UAE University. She added, "The AGEDI project is part of a larger partnership agreement with ERWDA that includes close collaboration between the two institutions in applied research and development in a variety of areas related to the environment."

Mr. Mohammad Al Jawdar, ERWDA's Manager of IT added, "It is a pleasure to see UAE University employing professional IT developers that can provide such high-tech solutions locally. The AGEDI portal is designed to allow maximum functionality providing the capability to remotely manage the data content."

Dr. Rafic Makki, Dean of the College of IT thanked members of the development team which include Dr. Harmain Harmain, Mr. Kamal Zellag, Mr. Waddah Kudaimi, Mr. Junaid Aziz and Mr. Ahmed Shehab for their contributions to the project, and added "The College of IT has already acquired a nucleus of IT developers that can provide professional industry-quality and robust IT solutions to Government and industry. Our involvement in projects such as the AGEDI portal will not only benefit the community but will also provide invaluable experience to our students as the college faculty and developers transfer their experiences into the classroom."

UNEP and the Federal Environment Agency (FEA) are collaborating in the implementation of AGEDI as the lead partners. ERWDA and UNEP are working together to address the need to improve environmental data infrastructure. The AGEDI project will simplify and increase the efficiency of information processing and exchange, and will provide timely quality data and information that will help guide the process of development planning and implementation.