Sharjah Department of eGovernment Reveals Design

Sustainability and nature will be the two key design elements on display at the Sharjah government’s unified pavilion at GITEX Technology Week 2016, the region’s largest technology trade fair, which takes place from October 16-20 at Dubai World Trade Centre. The design of the stand, which will incorporate the range of the UAE’s third largest emirate’s government bodies, was unveiled by Sharjah Department of eGovernment (DeG), with one of Sharjah’s major developments as the inspiration for its theme.

During the revealing of the design of the Sharjah government pavilion, DeG outlined that its natural elements had been based on Al Noor Island - Sharjah's newest tourist and leisure destination and one that combines sustainability, innovation and creativity. The organisation highlighted that the development is one that exemplifies the emirate's far-reaching approach towards sustainability and is unique in terms of its engineering design and creative artistic touches, with the project standing out as a treasured icon and artistic masterpiece. 

“In line with the directives of our wise leadership that aims to firmly establish the key pillars for sustainability and innovation in the government work system, we created the design for Sharjah Government's pavilion at GITEX 2016. The stand is inspired by Al Noor Island, which reflects the perfect example of Sharjah's approach towards conserving its resources and ensuring sustainability for future generations. In formulating the stand’s structure we were influenced by Al Noor’s environment and its basic life elements; including its architecture, flora and fauna,” said Sheikh Khalid Bin Ahmed Bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Director General of DeG.

"With its simplistic design, Al Noor Island - which is home to more than 72,000 plants and trees - truly echoes the idea of sustainability. The development is characterised by creative uniqueness in its amenities and facilities, which signifies the level of innovation in the Emirate of Sharjah. Its intelligent utilisation of technology in the development of its diversity is a testament to the Sharjah’s progress and advancement," added Al Qasimi.

Sheikh Khalid Al Qasimi continued by saying: “We wanted to show the plant life that covers Al Noor Island and also incorporate basic components that represent the environment of Sharjah and its resources; such as sand, cement, paper, wood and recycled material. The plants are a symbol of green Sharjah while the use of wood in signifies the simplicity and durability of the buildings surrounding the island. The cement represents strong infrastructure and the sand makes reference to one of the emirate’s and UAE’s most prominent natural features. The pavilion's celling depicts rain, which signifies the technology that supports and drives Sharjah's renaissance."

DeG is the official body tasked with the digital transformation and the maintenance of electronic security across all government sectors in the Emirate of Sharjah. The department is also responsible for providing the necessary requirements and digital services that allow Sharjah government bodies to display their latest initiatives during the exhibition. As the local official body mandated to organise and manage the unified pavilion of the Sharjah Government, DeG is tasked with organising the activities at the emirate’s pavilion at GITEX 2016. 

“In its role as the electronic arm of the Sharjah Government, DeG continues to utilise the latest technologies that adopt the highest standards of sustainability in digital transformation.  It functions to connect all government departments and organisations with a unified digital network and infrastructure that meets the highest safety standards and reliability specifications. We adopted the Al Noor Island-inspired design because it represents the emirate's approach towards the integration of government services rendered to customers, based on the trilogy of sustainability, development and innovation,” Al Qasimi continued.

With its fascinating location overlooking Khalid Lagoon, Al Noor Island - Sharjah's newest tourist destination - features impressively styled architecture and engaging visual elements. The 45,470 square metre island is composed of two structures surrounded by trees, flowers and other plants, with water as its central feature. With its uniquely-designed, covered and streamlined structure, the island is inspired by the elements of the natural environment of Sharjah.