UAE to enhance its capabilities in statistics and AI technology

Statistics centre - Abu Dhabi (SCAD) and Khalifa University of Science and Technology announced on Sunday the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) for statistical cooperation and the exchange of data. This partnership seeks to enhance collaboration, integration and sharing of knowledge and expertise in the fields of statistics, data and AI technology.

Through the memorandum, SCAD and Khalifa University will create a framework to develop joint initiatives and projects that are in line with rapid technological developments in data provision and analysis. This partnership will also aim to address the needs of decision-makers, the business sector and the public through the provision of accurate and reliable statistical data.

In this context, the partners will focus on developing areas of mutual cooperation to utilise administrative records and big data. They will also cooperate in national capacity building and the exchange of knowledge from local and international studies.

The agreement was signed by Ahmed Mahmoud Fikri, Director General of SCAD, and Dr Arif Sultan Al Hammadi, Executive Vice President of Khalifa University of Science and Technology, in the presence of several representatives virtually.

On the MoU signing, Ahmed Mahmoud Fikri, Director General of SCAD, said: “SCAD looks forward to exploring new development horizons with Khalifa University. We endeavour to cooperate with leading academic institutions to advance the field of statistics and data by investing in national cadres to pursue the fields of research and development, innovation and artificial intelligence”.

Dr Al Hammadi said: “We are glad to enter into this partnership with Statistics centre - Abu Dhabi and consolidate our existing collaboration. The MoU will enable maximum utilization of each other’s strengths, contributing to the integration of plans for building comprehensive national statistical capabilities. We believe this partnership will lead to the creation of more advanced futuristic systems that will help government and private stakeholders.”

Statistics Centre - Abu Dhabi (SCAD) was established in 2008 in accordance with Law No. (7), to develop and organise statistical work in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi in particular and the United Arab Emirates in general.

SCAD’s purpose is to produce statistical information that is consistent with the Emirate’s  and strategic plans under the supervision and with full support of the Executive Council of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi.

Being the official statistical data collection agency in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, the centre assumes the functions of preparing the statistical plans and programmes that serve the emirate’s wider development programmes, conducting statistical surveys across the emirate.

SCAD is also responsible for the collection, classification, storage, analysis and dissemination of official statistics and the release of the results of social, demographic, economic, environmental and cultural surveys.

The activities of the centre encompass all areas relating to social conditions in accordance with relevant international standards and ethics, such as independence, professionalism, impartiality, objectivity, confidentiality, cost effectiveness and quality of statistics.

Statistics Centre - Abu Dhabi, SCAD, initiated the Labour Force Survey fieldwork in Abu Dhabi emirate last year under the slogan “The future of jobs begins with you.”

This national project is part of Abu Dhabi’s statistical plan to provide holistic and accurate data for developing programmes that support the national and non-national workforce in the labour market. For the first time, due to the exceptional circumstances of the COVID19 pandemic, enumerators will collect data from respondents by telephone.

Abdulla Ahmed Al Suwaidi, Acting Director-General, SCAD said, “The outcome of the Labour Force Survey is instrumental in shaping the future of jobs in the emirate of Abu Dhabi. By updating existing data, the survey will produce accurate readings and insights on the workforce’s level of contribution in the economy.”

Al Suwaidi added, “The Labour Force Survey defines the demographic, social, and economic characteristics of the workforce; measures economic participation and dependency rates; calculates unemployment rates; and generates other statistical indicators that reflect changes occurring in the labour market.”

Al Suwaidi stressed that the survey outcomes guide future planning that benefits the Abu Dhabi society. By conducting statistical and household surveys, the SCAD seeks to enable decision-making and policy-making processes in line with the aspirations of the wise leadership and the Abu Dhabi Plan 2030 for a sustainable and progressive future. In addition, the data and findings obtained will allow researchers, relevant stakeholders, and entrepreneurs to access and utilize workforce indicators.