Public Policy Document

The National Geospatial Information Policy is issued under Federal Decree-Law No. (5) of 2019, which established the Federal Geographic Data Centre. This policy sets the overarching framework for governing and regulating the geospatial information sector in the country. As a cornerstone of technological advancement, geospatial information and its related innovations play a vital role in driving sustainable development, fostering progress across economic, social, and environmental domains.
The policy seeks to strengthen collaboration and coordination among all stakeholders in the geospatial information sector while regulating, advancing, and safeguarding the management of geospatial data, systems, and services. It promotes their utilization by establishing mechanisms that support informed decision-making, stimulate commercial activities, and encourage private sector participation. Additionally, the policy aims to enhance capabilities and expand geospatial knowledge across society. It defines the strategic direction for the sector, clarifies the roles and responsibilities of various entities, outlines the competencies of the Federal Geographic Data Centre, and sets the foundational elements for an integrated geospatial information management ecosystem.
 

1. Establishing the legislative and legal framework for the governance of the geospatial information sector in the country.
2. Enhancing the use of geospatial information and the power of location to accelerate economic growth, improve productivity, and foster technological progress across all sectors.
3. Enabling decision-makers to benefit from reliable, standardized geospatial information, technologies, and associated services.
4. Promoting collaboration among relevant entities in the country to maximize the use of geospatial information.
5. Building the national geospatial information infrastructure to facilitate the development, dissemination, sharing of geospatial information, and enabling various stakeholders to benefit from it.
6. Facilitating access to geospatial information, making it available, and ensuring its reuse in accordance with internationally recognized best practices.
7. Aligning the geospatial information sector in the country with approved government plans, strategies, priorities, and enhancing its use.
8. Establishing the concept of integrated geospatial information management as a foundation for supporting sustainable development and improving public safety and security.
9. Raising the level of geospatial awareness and knowledge in the country by building capacities and specialized skills in the field of geospatial information.
    

1. Determining the strategic direction of the geospatial information sector in the country.
2. Clarifying the roles and responsibilities of the Federal Geographic Information Center and the concerned entities regarding the regulation of the geospatial information sector in the country.
3. Governance of the geospatial information sector in the country.
4. Aligning the national geospatial information policy with government strategies and plans.
5. Developing the geospatial information infrastructure.
6. Identifying enablers for achieving the national geospatial information policy in the country.
7. Regulating and managing the licensing and authorization of geospatial information activities.
    

1. Enhancing the UAE’s position in global geospatial knowledge infrastructure readiness.
2. Increasing awareness and engagement within the geospatial community.
3. Facilitating seamless and efficient data and information exchange through a national digital platform dedicated to geospatial information.
4. Increasing decision-making efficiency in various fields, such as urban development, natural resource management, transportation, health, and tracking natural disasters.
5. Encouraging investment in geospatial information technologies and attracting foreign investment to the country.
6. Stimulating innovation and enhancing the capacity to collect and analyze geospatial information.
7. Strengthening security and rapid response during crises and disasters, based on geospatial information analysis.
    

The National Geospatial Information Policy applies to government entities responsible for producing, collecting, managing, storing, utilizing, and disseminating geospatial data and information, as well as those contributing to geospatial products, solutions, or services. Furthermore, various stakeholders within the geospatial community, including academic institutions and private sector companies, are expected to align with the policy's principles and coordinate with the center and relevant entities to ensure compliance and integration within the national geospatial framework.