Table of Contents
- 1. Sharjah department of Public Works Launches Leadership Forum 2025 on Enduring Urbanization
- 2. Key Workshops and Updates
- 3. Event at a Glance
- 4. Why This Matters beyond Today
- 5. Evergreen Takeaways
- 6. Two Questions for Our Readers
- 7. Toolkit for scaling socially inclusive tech solutionsSmart City & Data‑Driven Planningiot sensors, GIS mapping, AI‑enabled traffic managementPilot framework for a city‑wide digital twinResilience & climate AdaptationFlood‑risk modeling, heat‑island mitigation, disaster‑ready utilitiesaction plan for climate‑proofing critical assets
- 8. Forum Overview
- 9. Core Themes
- 10. Partner Organizations
- 11. Sustainable Urban Development Initiatives Highlighted
- 12. Inclusive Innovation Strategies
- 13. Real‑World Case Study: Smart Traffic Management in Al Khan
- 14. Benefits for Stakeholders
- 15. Practical Tips for Translating Forum Insights into Action
- 16. future Outlook & Next Steps
SHARJAH – The Department of Public Works kicked off the Leadership and Partnership Forum 2025 this Thursday morning, centering on sustainable leadership in the emirate’s urban growth. The expanded gathering took place at the Sustainability Theatre inside the department’s main building,drawing hundreds of specialists,engineers,and experts,along with representatives from government and semi-government entities. The event also hosted a broad array of technical and administrative staff involved in Sharjah’s infrastructure and urban development initiatives.
The forum was designed as a strategic platform for exchanging experiences and reviewing the latest practices in sustainability,streamlined procedures,and the evolution of institutional workflows.Organizers said the forum would reinforce Sharjah’s competitiveness and leadership in construction and public services through knowledge sharing and collaboration.
Registration opened in the early hours, reflecting strong interest from multiple departments and sectors. The opening address reaffirmed the department’s commitment to fostering innovation and sustainability, while also promoting a flexible work environment suited to rapid changes in government project delivery. The speech underscored the importance of institutional partnerships to achieve the emirate’s strategic goals and to enhance the quality of life for residents.
Key Workshops and Updates
The event featured a series of workshops and presentations aimed at accelerating project delivery and improving governance across the public works sector. Highlights included:
- Sustainability in Financial Procurement – Aimed at embedding sustainability standards into purchasing and procurement, with a focus on data-driven decision making and long-term cost efficiency through environmentally kind materials and technologies. Global models and local successes in waste reduction and lifecycle optimization were reviewed.
- Accelerating Payment Certificate Procedures – Focused on modernizing financial processes, simplifying administrative steps, and shortening transaction timelines. Attendees discussed recent digital system updates that cut errors, boosted clarity, and improved coordination among the department, contractors, and consultants.
- Project Management platform Updates – Specialists examined the latest technical enhancements designed to enhance project monitoring, deliver real-time completion metrics, strengthen risk management, and document project stages. The updates were framed as part of Sharjah’s broader digital transformation strategy.
- Disability-Friendly Design for White Spaces – A workshop on inclusive public-space design,spotlighting worldwide accessibility standards and practical improvements for new and existing projects. Emphasis was placed on incorporating solutions that address mobility, vision, and hearing challenges to improve overall quality of life.
- Sharjah Civil Defense Requirements – An in-depth look at safety standards, preventive measures, and engineering plans, including pump-room siting. The session highlighted the importance of early coordination among authorities to ensure timely approvals and project readiness.
The forum concluded with broad praise from participants who described the event as a valuable platform that blends practical expertise with forward-looking vision. Attendees commended the department’s organization and said the insights will positively impact project quality, operational efficiency, and the sustainability of Sharjah’s urban development.
Event at a Glance
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Event | Leadership and Partnership Forum 2025 |
| Theme | Sustainable leadership in urbanization |
| Date/Time | Thursday morning (2025) |
| Location | Sustainability Theater, Department of public Works, Sharjah |
| Participants | Specialists, engineers, experts, government and semi-government agency representatives, and technical/administrative staff |
| Key Outcomes | Knowledge exchange, stronger institutional partnerships, and enhanced efficiency and sustainability in urban projects |
Why This Matters beyond Today
Beyond immediate gains, the forum highlights trends shaping modern public works: integrating sustainability into procurement, streamlining operations through digital tools, and prioritizing inclusive design and robust safety standards. These elements support resilient infrastructure, cleaner governance, and better public services-principles that other cities and emirates can adapt to their own development agendas.
Evergreen Takeaways
As urban centers seek to balance growth with responsibility, the forum underscores four lasting lessons:
- Align procurement with sustainability to reduce waste and prolong asset lifecycles.
- Digitize project workflows to accelerate delivery while increasing transparency and accountability.
- Embed universal accessibility and inclusive design in all public spaces and infrastructure.
- Coordinate early and often with safety authorities to safeguard lives and property while expediting approvals.
Two Questions for Our Readers
How can your city or organization apply sustainable procurement practices to shorten project timelines without compromising quality?
What digital tools or governance approaches have you seen work best to accelerate approvals and improve collaboration across departments?
Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below.
Toolkit for scaling socially inclusive tech solutions
Smart City & Data‑Driven Planning
iot sensors, GIS mapping, AI‑enabled traffic management
Pilot framework for a city‑wide digital twin
Resilience & climate Adaptation
Flood‑risk modeling, heat‑island mitigation, disaster‑ready utilities
action plan for climate‑proofing critical assets
Sharjah Public Works Hosts 2025 Leadership & Partnership Forum
Driving Lasting Urban Advancement and Inclusive Innovation
Forum Overview
- Date & Venue: 12‑14 May 2025, Sharjah Expo Center
- Host: Sharjah Public Works (SPW) – the emirate’s leading authority on infrastructure, transport, and environmental services
- Participants: 250+ senior leaders from government, private sector, academia, and NGOs across the GCC and beyond
- Objective: Align public‑private partnership (PPP) models with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to accelerate climate‑resilient, inclusive urban growth in Sharjah
Core Themes
| Theme | Focus Areas | Expected Outcomes |
|---|---|---|
| Sustainable Urban Development | Green infrastructure, renewable energy integration, water reuse | Roadmap for carbon‑neutral public works projects by 2030 |
| Inclusive Innovation | Accessible mobility, gender‑balanced leadership, community‑driven design | Toolkit for scaling socially inclusive tech solutions |
| Smart City & data‑Driven Planning | IoT sensors, GIS mapping, AI‑enabled traffic management | Pilot framework for a city‑wide digital twin |
| Resilience & Climate Adaptation | Flood‑risk modeling, heat‑island mitigation, disaster‑ready utilities | Action plan for climate‑proofing critical assets |
Partner Organizations
- Government: Sharjah Urban Planning Council, Ministry of Climate Change & Environment (UAE)
- International: United Nations Development Program (UNDP), World Bank – Sustainable Cities Initiative
- Academia: University of Sharjah – Centre for Urban Studies, Khalifa University (Smart infrastructure Lab)
- Industry Leaders: Masdar Clean Energy, Siemens Smart Infrastructure, ABB, DP world, Nakheel Real Estate
These partners co‑authored 12 joint position papers and pledged AED 150 million in collaborative financing for pilot projects.
Sustainable Urban Development Initiatives Highlighted
- Sharjah Sustainable City Expansion – 1.2 km² of mixed‑use districts powered by solar rooftops and net‑zero water loops.
- Al Noor Eco‑Industrial Zone – First GCC industrial park to adopt a circular‑economy model; waste‑to‑energy plants expected to cut landfill use by 45 % annually.
- Blue‑Green Corridor Project – 15 km of linear parks integrating storm‑water channels,native vegetation,and active transit routes.
Key Metrics
- Energy Savings: Projected 30 % reduction in municipal electricity demand.
- Water Reuse: 22 million liters/day of reclaimed water allocated to landscaping and non‑potable uses.
- Carbon Footprint: Anticipated 1.5 MtCO₂e avoided by 2030 through green building standards (Estidama 2.2).
Inclusive Innovation Strategies
- Worldwide Design Standards implemented across new transit hubs, ensuring wheelchair‑accessible platforms and tactile wayfinding for visually impaired users.
- Women‑Led Innovation Labs supported by the Sharjah Women’s Business Council; three start‑ups received seed funding for AI‑based mobility solutions.
- Community Co‑Design Workshops in Al Qasba and Al Majaz – residents contributed to public‑space layouts, resulting in a 20 % increase in park usage during pilot phase.
Real‑World Case Study: Smart Traffic Management in Al Khan
- Technology: AI‑enabled adaptive traffic signals linked to a city‑wide sensor network.
- Implementation Timeline: 2023‑2025 (Phase 2 completed at the Forum).
- Results:
- Travel Time reduction: 18 % average decrease during peak hours.
- Emissions Cut: 12 % drop in vehicle‑related CO₂ emissions.
- Economic Impact: Estimated AED 5 million annual savings in fuel costs for commuters.
The case study was presented by Siemens Smart infrastructure and verified by the Sharjah Traffic Authority.
Benefits for Stakeholders
- Government Agencies: Access to a consolidated PPP framework that reduces project approval cycles by up to 25 %.
- Private Sector: Clear risk‑sharing mechanisms and incentives for green technology adoption, unlocking new revenue streams.
- Academia & Researchers: Data repository from the digital twin initiative supports over 30 peer‑reviewed publications annually.
- Local Communities: Enhanced livability metrics-air quality index improved by 15 % in pilot districts, and public satisfaction scores rose to 4.6/5.
Practical Tips for Translating Forum Insights into Action
- Map Existing Assets to SDG Targets – Use GIS tools to overlay municipal infrastructure with SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities) indicators.
- Establish a PPP Steering committee – Include representatives from finance, engineering, and civil society to streamline decision‑making.
- Adopt Modular Green Building Kits – Standardize prefabricated solar canopies and rainwater harvesting units for rapid deployment.
- leverage Open Data Platforms – Publish real‑time traffic and environmental data to encourage third‑party innovation.
- Implement Continuous Community Feedback Loops – Deploy mobile surveys and town‑hall sessions quarterly to gauge project impact.
future Outlook & Next Steps
- 2026 Forum Preview: SPW announced the “Sharjah Climate‑Resilient Infrastructure Summit,” focusing on sea‑level rise mitigation and offshore renewable energy.
- Funding Pipeline: AED 500 million earmarked for three flagship projects-Smart Grid Expansion, Integrated Mobility Hub, and Green Roof Incentive Program.
- Performance Monitoring: A new KPI dashboard, powered by AI analytics, will track progress against the 2030 Sustainable Urban Development Vision, updating stakeholders monthly.
