The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) in Dubai has revealed a recent collaboration with the United Nations Committee of Experts on Big Data and Data Science. This joint initiative is centered around the development of big data, artificial intelligence, and data science, signifying a pivotal advancement in their longstanding partnership.
This strategic collaboration aims to foster the exchange of knowledge and experiences, ultimately enhancing the efficiency of transport services and various other public services provided by the RTA. The initiative reflects a commitment to continuous improvement and innovation in the realm of data-driven technologies for the benefit of the community.
The collaboration is geared towards strengthening RTA’s data-driven transformation, facilitating enhanced decision-making capabilities, and ensuring reliable data accessibility for both local and global purposes. Within the RTA, nine dedicated teams have been formed to handle diverse difficulties in methodology, quality, technology, data access, legislation, and privacy. Additionally, these teams are tasked with conducting thorough cost-benefit analyses utilizing big data.
Mohammed Al Mudharreb, the CEO of RTA’s Corporate Technology Support Services Sector, underscored the significance of the collaboration between RTA and the Committee of Experts on Big Data and Data Science.
“The RTA is steadfast in its commitment to advancing its robust data capabilities, recognizing their pivotal role in cutting-edge technologies like artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things, and other vital elements of the Fourth Industrial Revolution. The authority places vital significance on these technologies, acknowledging their significant contribution to realizing Dubai’s vision of becoming the world’s most brilliant and most comfortable city.
As an active participant in the UN Committee of Experts on Big Data and Data Science, the RTA is actively engaged in two vital working groups. These groups are dedicated to various areas, including leveraging mobile phone data for transportation analysis and delivering training, skills evolution, and capacity building in big data, data science, and artificial intelligence through the Mobile Data Task Force.
The RTA holds a dual role as both co-chair and member, playing a crucial role in collaboratively developing a comprehensive guide with the Committee. This guide aims to offer practical wisdom and methodologies for the effective utilization of mobile phone data in transportation planning and decision-making.”
Al Mudharreb emphasized that the collaboration seamlessly aligns with RTA’s vision to evolve into a data-driven entity, further bolstering the UAE’s goals of enhancing digital government services and practices. Through the strategic utilization of mobile phone data, capacity-building initiatives, and fostering international partnerships, RTA is poised to lead the way in transportation innovation, not only within the UAE but also as a trailblazer across the Middle East and North Africa.
RTA’s active participation in the training, competencies, and capacity-building team underscores its dedication to knowledge-sharing and skill enhancement in the realms of big data and data science. The objective is to enrich the expertise of transport specialists, embrace cutting-edge technologies, and cultivate a culture centered on innovation and collaborative efforts.
Stefan Schweinfest, Director of the Statistics Division at the United Nations in New York, highlighted the successful collaboration between his office and the Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Centre in the UAE on various big data projects over several years. He expressed optimism about the prospect of a productive partnership with the RTA in the development of data-driven public policies and services, particularly in the domain of sustainable transportation.
Furthermore, Schweinfest expressed a hopeful outlook for the RTA’s involvement in the collaboration with the Regional Hub for Big Data in the UAE. This joint effort aims to enhance capabilities in big data, artificial intelligence, and data science within the statistical community of the Middle East and North Africa.
“The headquarters of the United Nations Platform, dedicated to big data and data science, is now hosted by the Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Centre in the UAE. In a significant development, the RTA is actively engaged in collaborative efforts with both entities, focusing on the expansive field of big data and data science.
This prominent headquarters serves as a focal point for advancing the utilization of big data and data science for official statistics and sustainable development goals. Among its key functions, the headquarters facilitates the sharing of innovative methods, algorithms, and tools. It serves as a knowledge hub, providing essential training in big data, artificial intelligence (AI), and data science for the broader region.
This collaborative initiative underscores a commitment to leveraging advanced technologies for statistical purposes, promoting sustainable development, and fostering a culture of continuous learning and innovation in the field of data science. The UAE’s role in hosting this headquarters positions it as a regional hub for sharing expertise and advancing capabilities in the dynamic realms of big data and data science.”
The United Nations Committee of Experts on Big Data and Data Science boasts representation from around 31 countries. Comprising 16 international organizations, including the World Bank, the committee harnesses the collaborative efforts of over 100 global experts. Together, they are dedicated to the development and dissemination of contemporary methods, technologies, and best practices in the fields of data science and big data.
Also, the committee plays a key part in providing cloud services through its international platform. This initiative aims to foster global cooperation in advancing data science, utilizing novel data sources, and implementing innovative methodologies. By offering cloud services, the committee creates a framework for international collaboration, facilitating collective progress in the dynamic and ever-evolving domains of data science and big data.
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