On the occasion of 'UAE Innovates 2021' week that concludes on February 27, Sharjah Police have launched the Innovation Laboratory for its Emergency, Crisis, and Disaster Management Team and other partners. Major General Saif Ziri Al Shamsi, Commander-in-Chief of Sharjah Police attended the ceremony to mark the launch of the "Open Innovation Award" programme. Located at the Police Officers' Club, the innovation lab has been set up by the Strategy and Performance Development Department of Sharjah Police.

Colonel Tariq Al Midfa, Director of the Strategy and Performance Development Department at Sharjah Police, launched the ‘Open Innovation Award’ for all members of the group including innovators and creators. Linked with the ongoing fight against the COVId-19 pandemic, the award contains two categories: Innovative Projects and Innovative Ideas.

As per reports, Sharjah Police has opened the link for registration for the award and participation until March 20. Innovators and creators willing to register for the award are required to follow Sharjah Police’s Twitter and Facebook handles, then they can register through the online link available on the social media channels.

A number of senior officials and representatives of federal and local government agencies participated in the launch session on Monday with the aim of discussing and incorporating innovative and effective solutions in the crisis management system. The event was also graced by the presence of Brigadier General Abdullah Mubarak bin Amer, Deputy Commander-in-Chief of Sharjah Police, and various other general directors and their deputies.

During the launch of the Innovative Laboratory, the participants discussed two main aspects aimed at developing a plan for an emergency, crisis, and disaster management in the ongoing fight against the COVID-19 pandemic. The officials also discussed strategies to control violators of health and safety rules and monitor public compliance with preventive measures implemented to tackle the pandemic. They also discussed various ways to limit the infected cases and boost the vaccination drive. Participants put forward their ideas and strategies and carried out discussions on them to find the most appropriate solutions and support common goals.

Major General Al Shamsi underlined the importance of establishing innovative laboratories in view of their significant role in developing a pool of views, ideas, and meaningful proposals that can result in exploring opportunities, countering challenges, and finding effective solutions to problems.

During the event, he thanked all participants from all strategic leadership partners and stakeholders for their crucial role in supporting the national efforts to strengthen collective security and protect all members of the community from prevailing challenges. He noted that success lies in joint efforts and integrated work.

“The Innovative Laboratory strengthens our fight against the COVID-19 pandemic, which has become the biggest challenge for the whole world. We are here today to generate innovative ideas to curb the pandemic, which will serve all sectors of society, including tourism, and provide valuable inputs to support our security and societal aspirations," Major General Al Shamsi added.

The participants also reviewed the precautionary measures undertaken by Sharjah Police in the fight against COVID-19 and discussed ways to enhance intensive cooperation in participation with concerned authorities in order to effectively confront and mitigate the impact of the pandemic.

Colonel Tariq Al Midfa stated that the laboratory provided an opportunity to activate and involve stakeholders in generating new ideas and finding the best solutions to control this pandemic.

"With everyone’s support, we will reach a solution that will preserve and protect our society in general, and Sharjah in particular, during this crisis, which, God willing, will pass by," Colonel Tariq Al Midfa added.