2026 SAG Award Winners

Sharjah Digital Department

Project Goal

The project advances the Emirate of Sharjah’s evolution towards an integrated, data-driven digital ecosystem by implementing a GIS-powered rainfall simulation platform, integrated with an emirate-wide digital twin. The solution enables authorities to simulate rainfall scenarios, analyse stormwater drainage performance, and visualise potential rainwater accumulation risks across the urban environment.
By combining advanced spatial analytics, 3D city modelling, and interactive GIS applications, decision-makers gain a clearer understanding of how rainfall affects roads, buildings, and infrastructure networks. This enables faster, more accurate decision-making and reduces rainwater accumulation risks.
The platform strengthens proactive planning, enhances climate resilience, and enables coordinated, data-driven decisions across government entities.
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Business Problem Solved

Advanced planning approaches have significantly improved the accurate anticipation and modelling of rainwater accumulation risks in complex urban environments, strengthening authorities’ ability to proactively assess rainfall impacts on infrastructure and service continuity.

This has enhanced the ability to accurately identify vulnerable areas, assess drainage network performance, and proactively implement effective mitigation strategies.

Technology Implemented

The solution leverages a suite of Esri technologies to support advanced spatial analysis, 3D city modelling, and interactive decision-making tools. ArcGIS Pro was used for spatial data processing, terrain analysis, and hydrological modelling required for rainfall simulation. Esri City Engine enabled procedural 3D city modelling and visualisation to support the digital twin representation of the urban environment. The system is deployed through ArcGIS Enterprise, where interactive applications were developed using ArcGIS Story Maps and ArcGIS Dashboards. These applications allow stakeholders to explore rainfall scenarios, visualise rainwater accumulation risks, and monitor simulation outputs through intuitive web-based GIS interfaces.

Development Team Biography

The project was delivered by a multidisciplinary team consisting of GIS specialists, spatial data analysts, and technology experts within Sharjah Digital Department (SDD).

Company Overview

Sharjah Digital Department (SDD) is the government entity leading digital transformation in the emirate, guided by its vision ‘to be a people-first digital innovator.’
SDD plays a central role in advancing whole-of-government digital integration by, enabling shared platforms, unified infrastructure, and seamless data exchange across entities. Through its leadership, SDD advances towards building an integrated government ecosystem that delivers sustainable and comprehensive impact.
These efforts contribute to enhancing government performance efficiency, improving service quality, and supporting accurate, data-driven decision-making.
By leveraging advanced digital infrastructure, data platforms and integrated systems, SDD empowers government entities to optimise urban planning; strengthen infrastructure management; and deliver more connected, human-centric services that enhance quality of life in Sharjah.

Return on Investment

Through advanced spatial analysis and scenario modelling, the platform enables authorities to identify high-risk areas and prioritise infrastructure investments more effectively. This proactive approach reduces potential rainfall accumulation damage, minimises disruptions to transport and public services, and enhances emergency preparedness.
In addition, it improves the allocation of infrastructure investments, reduces reactive response costs, and supports more efficient resource planning across government entities.
By strengthening cross-entity integration and enabling data-driven decision-making, the platform supports long-term planning for resilient, climate-adaptive urban infrastructure across Sharjah.