1. Introduction:

The National Center of Meteorology in the Emirates declared that the country experienced the most significant rainfall in its modern history since the commencement of climate data recording in 1949. This stands as an extraordinary occurrence. The subsequent weather conditions have caused various impacts, underscoring the urgency for proactive measures to address them.

In accordance with the directives of His Highness, Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qasimi, President of the University of Sharjah, His Excellency Professor Hamid Al Naimi, the Chancellor of the University of Sharjah, called for preparing a proposal to establish the "Sharjah Smart Center for Climate Risk Management" as a strategic initiative to serve the development needs and aspirations of Sharjah and the region. The proposed center is envisioned as a multidisciplinary hub, harnessing the University of Sharjah's vast academic and research capabilities across its various disciplines, including sciences, engineering, medical and health sciences, computing and informatics, and humanities and social sciences to address the multifaceted challenges of climate change and weather-related risks.

It is envisaged that the center’s researchers will undertake applied research utilizing artificial intelligence, remote sensing and communication technologies for advanced weather data analysis and early warning systems. Emphasizing sustainability, the center will help in develop qualified Emirati cadres to manage and mitigate climate-related risks effectively. The center aims to integrate scientific, research, and community efforts to create a comprehensive model for combating climate change's adverse effects through innovative initiatives and community awareness campaigns.

In line with the growing concerns of recent weather-related events, the activities of the center will be targeted towards raising awareness of related risks and aiding government entities and communities in reducing the risks from flood hazards and promoting sustainable water and coastal zone management policies. 

The integration of advanced technologies such as generative AI and DT is crucial in tackling the urgent challenges posed by climate change, especially in UAE. These technologies facilitate precise monitoring and real-time simulation of both urban and coastal dynamics, critical for bolstering the resilience and safety of Sharjah's rapidly expanding urban environment. By delivering actionable insights, these tools equip decision-makers with the means to implement effective emergency responses and informed strategies for urban development. Additionally, AI plays a pivotal role in post-disaster recovery, enabling swift and effective responses that minimize long-term impacts and facilitate quicker community rehabilitation. Sustainable urban mobility is also a key focus, with efforts to integrate electric, connected, autonomous, and shared (ECAS) mobility solutions that reduce congestion and pollution, further contributing to a resilient, efficient urban landscape.

2. Vision:

The center aims to emerge as a leading watershed research and development in Sharjah, UAE, and the GCC to foster resilient, sustainable communities and recover from flood disaster impacts, through innovations and multidisciplinary research.

3. Mission:

The mission of the center is to advance knowledge and develop state-of-the-art solutions to mitigate the impacts of adverse weather and climate change. The center aims to harness cutting-edge technology and comprehensive data analytics related to climate change impacts on the environment, public health, and infrastructure to empower communities and address their needs, especially vulnerable populations, safeguard ecosystems, and foster sustainable development in Sharjah, the UAE and the Gulf Region. By predicting risks and engaging with experts and policymakers, the center will lead in creating resilient societies adept at navigating the challenges posed by a rapidly changing climate.

4. Objectives:

The broad objectives of the center include the following:

• Innovative Research and Predictive Analysis: Developing predictive models to simulate the complex physical processes and interactions within the natural systems, relying on translating meteorological and climate observations and forecasts, high-quality data, and expertise of highly qualified researchers and practitioners.

• Comprehensive Risk Assessment: developing sophisticated risk assessment models that map vulnerabilities across the Emirate, including social, economic, and environmental dimensions, ensuring a clear understanding of potential weather-related impacts.

• Analyze consequences of weather crises on Public Health: Analyze, using modelling and simulations, historical or current flood data, environmental monitoring data, and health records to assess the impact of floods on disease incidence, and public health outcomes.

• Strategic Mitigation and Adaptation: formulating proactive strategies for risk mitigation, encompassing early warning systems, resilient infrastructural planning, and community awareness initiatives tailored to the unique needs of diverse sectors.

• Educational Outreach and Community Engagement: raising awareness and educate the stakeholders about weather-related risks, fostering a culture of preparedness and informed response through targeted training and outreach efforts.

• Policy Development and Advocacy: working closely with policymakers to embed weather risk management within national and local legislative frameworks, advocating for policies that enhance resilience to climate and weather risks.

• Collaborative Partnerships: cultivating partnerships with government agencies, academia, and the private sector, fostering a collaborative approach to weather risk management and climate change adaptation, and supporting businesses-community projects to develop new products and services to help with flood resilience.

• Enhance Community Engagement: conducting prevention studies to boost community involvement through awareness campaigns and diverse Voluntary initiatives.

• Combat Rumors Research: countering misinformation, ensuring a positive and informed community environment through stakeholder collaboration.

• Qualitative occupational health and safety research: To explore the human, social, and psychological dimensions of flood impacts and recovery processes on workers in the field.

5. Future Outlook of the Center

The Center is poised to evolve into a leading hub for research, innovation, and action dedicated to tackling climate change and enhancing resilience across Sharjah and the broader UAE. Below are the anticipated key achievements of the center:

• Expansion of Focused Research Initiatives in the Field, collaborating with local and international institutions in areas reflecting the expertise of researchers at the UoS.

• Technology Integration, including technologies such as artificial intelligence, big data analytics, and remote sensing.

• Community Engagement and Education through prioritizing community engagement and education programs to raise awareness about climate change through workshops, training sessions, and outreach programs.

• Policy Development with the center engaging with policymakers promote climate policies.

• Contribution to Development of climate-resilient infrastructure in Sharjah, working closely with government agencies and concerned entities and professionals.

6. Entrepreneurial Opportunities

The Center offers several entrepreneurial opportunities designed to leverage advancements in technology and sustainability. These opportunities are aimed at enhancing climate resilience and providing innovative solutions to businesses, governments, and organizations. Below are the key entrepreneurial ventures the center plans to initiate:

• Climate Data Analytics Services for businesses, governments, and organizations interested in understanding climate data and its implications for their operations. 

• Smart Infrastructure Solutions tailored to climate resilience needs, including sensor networks, IoT devices, and predictive maintenance systems for water distribution networks, transportation systems, and energy grids.

• Climate Risk Assessment and Management services to help businesses and governments identify and mitigate climate-related risks. 

• Climate Education and Training Programs to raise awareness about climate change, build capacity for climate action, and foster a culture of sustainability. 

• Green Technology Incubation of innovative solutions for climate resilience. 

• Smart medical supply delivery: develop UAVs capable of medical supply delivery and emergency response operations during floods and weather crises.

• Smart telemedicine support: Develop chatbots and virtual health assistants capable of providing real-time support and guidance to affected individuals.

• Innovative Psychological App: An app to relieve psychological pressure during crises, offering mindfulness exercises, stress-relief techniques, real-time support chats, and educational content on managing stress and mental health.

• Smart Social and Voluntary Training: Programs to support families in crisis by training volunteers, social workers, and community leaders, providing resources, organizing community support, and designing workshops to help families navigate crises.