UAE-INFORMATICS: Plan for web-based encyclopedia

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Att.Editors: The following item is by the United Arab Emirates news agency (WAM)

ABU DHABI, May 26 2003 (IPS) - The United Arab Emirates (UAE) Dubai Cultural and Scientific Association yesterday unveiled one of its several new projects – an Electronic Encyclopedia on the UAE that will be a visual web library providing net surfers with information on important services sectors and bodies in the country.

The project will be executed by a national art production company with whom the association, represented by its Chairman, Ibrahim Bu Melha, Vice-Chairman of Dubai Justice Department and Dubai Attorney General, has signed an agreement, according to a report in the ‘Khaleej Times’.

Mustafa Salameh, Director General of the Alwan Art Production, signed the agreement on behalf of his company in the presence of Ali Obaid, head of the cultural committee of the association.

The project aimed primarily at documenting the history and achievements of government bodies and non-government establishments in different sectors, said Obaid.

"The project will help create a positive indirect link between companies and establishments and will provide a visual library. It will facilitate access to information pertaining to most important sectors," Obaid said.

Alwan Arts Production with its sophisticated equipment and experienced staff will make documentaries on selected establishments.

"It is a different type of electronic documentary which provides the net surfers with sound and picture in an attractive way and the information they need on particular establishments," said Salameh.

He added that the documentary on each department or establishment would be of two to five minutes duration and would also be available on CDs. At a later stage, he said, the website featuring the e-library would be linked to the Dubai e-government portal allowing visitors to download information needed by them.

Obaid said that the electronic documentation project would start first with the most important services sectors, such as the Ministry of Education, the Dubai Naturalization and Residence Department and Dubai Municipality.

"It will cover the education, media, transport and services, culture, tourism, commerce, industries, health and agriculture, in addition to a documentary on the country’s march, history and development."

The project will initially be completed in three years. "The project has a beginning but no end since the information on various departments will be updated constantly," Obaid said.