Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), in collaboration with the United Nations Committee of Experts on Big Data Science and The Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Centre (FCSC) have organised for the first time in the region, the International on Data science for the Statistical and Transport Communities. The event aimed to draw a global assembly of experts to review the best global practices and benefit from their experience in data sciences and artificial intelligence.

The event sees the participation of 250 leaders, experts and specialists from 17 local government entities, 28 international entities, 11 international organisations, and 26 private businesses. The event, which kicked off yesterday, Monday, at the Museum of the Future and continues for three days, delves into three principal themes focused on leveraging technological advancements in the emerging data sciences like artificial intelligence, big data, synthetic data, data science and advancements in decision-making enhancement through the use of sophisticated methods and statistical indicators.

RTA has gained multiple advantages from hosting the event. Notably, it contributes to achieving RTA’s strategic objectives and bolstered its global standing in the data science field, thereby reinforcing the UAE’s regional and international prominence and leadership. The event facilitates the establishment of robust partnerships with leading international entities, ensuring data using data aligned with leading international standards. Additionally, it showcased RTA’s commitment to embracing technological advancements and emerging technologies.

Over the next two days, the seminar will host four specialist workshops and explore a variety of relevant topics, including the application of mobile phone data in transportation analytics, as well as training modules, skill enhancement, and capacity building in big data, data science, and artificial intelligence, among other specialised areas. These sessions will feature the participation of numerous experts and specialists, representing a diverse array of stakeholders from both local and international backgrounds.

Mohammed Yousef Al Mudharreb, Chief Executive Officer(CEO), Corporate Technology Support Services Sector, RTA stressed the importance of collaboration between the RTA and the United Nations Committee on Big Data Experts. “RTA is committed to continually advancing its big data capabilities, given the critical role of data in contemporary technologies like artificial intelligence and the Internet of Things. These technologies are key components of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, a movement that RTA actively engages with to bolster its role and ongoing contributions as part of efforts to transform Dubai into the smartest and happiest city in the world,” he said.

RTA has recently initiated a collaborative venture with the United Nations Committee of Experts on Big Data and Data Science focusing on the advancement of big data, artificial intelligence, and data science through the mutual exchange and sharing of knowledge. The primary goal of this collaboration is to enhance the efficiency of transportation services and other public services offered by the RTA to various community segments.
This cooperation aims to facilitate RTA’s data-driven transformation, aiming to refine decision-making processes and ensure the availability of trustworthy data for both local and international applications.

In its capacity as an active member of the United Nations Committee on Big Data Experts, RTA joined two teams in the committee, which are currently chaired by RTA. These teams are focused on the application of mobile phone data in transportation data and synthetic data. RTA demonstrated effective leadership in the development of a comprehensive guide focused on harnessing mobile phone data for transportation statistics in collaboration with the committee. This guide, which was officially unveiled at the event, serves as an invaluable resource, offering profound insights and methodologies for the strategic use of mobile phone data in the fields of transportation planning and decision-making.