Sharjah, August , 2026: Sharjah Digital Department SDD has received the Special Achievement in GIS SAG Award, presented by Esri, in recognition of Mada Rain Simulation Project. The award underscores Sharjah’s commitment to leveraging geospatial data and advanced digital technologies to strengthen urban resilience, empowering government entities to anticipate risks, strengthen decision-making, and ensure the continuity of essential services.
Mada Rain Simulation Project is an advanced digital platform integrated with Sharjah’s 3D digital twin. It enables government entities to simulate rainfall scenarios and assess their potential impact on roads, infrastructure, buildings, educational institutions, and healthcare facilities. By supporting proactive planning, strengthening cross-government coordination, and enhancing preparedness for a range of weather conditions, the platform enhances public safety and improves the resilience of the emirate.
His Excellency Sheikh Saud bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Director General of SDD, said: “This achievement reflects the steady progress in implementing the objectives of the Sharjah Digital Transformation Strategy 2026–2028, which harnesses geospatial data and digital technologies to enable data-driven decision-making, strengthen integration across government entities, and deliver more efficient and proactive services.”
H.E. added: “Mada is a practical embodiment of this vision, providing government entities with an advanced platform that enables them to anticipate the impact of rainfall before it occurs, evaluate different scenarios, support proactive planning, improve infrastructure management, and enhance response capabilities across varying conditions.”
This achievement reinforces SDD’s commitment to developing innovative digital solutions that support data-driven government, strengthen collaboration across government entities, and enable more proactive planning. These efforts improve service delivery, enhance quality of life, and strengthen Sharjah’s position as a smarter, more resilient, sustainable, and people-centred city.
The Special Achievement in GIS Award is one of Esri’s highest international honours. Presented annually, it recognises organisations that have demonstrated exceptional innovation in the application of Geographic Information System (GIS) technologies to deliver measurable improvements in government services, strategic planning, sustainability, and quality of life.
