The agreement aims to develop a systematic framework for the exchange and re-production of the data according to specific timetables and procedures, and to enhance the adherence to methodologies and standards in order to improve data quality and optimise the use of administrative records in the emirate, thus saving resources through reduced dependence on field surveys. In addition, the agreement aims to develop the statistical capacity and competencies of the FAHR.

The agreement was signed at the premises of SCAD by Butti Ahmed Mohammed bin Butti Al Qubaisi, SCAD's Director General, and Dr. Abdul Rahman Al Awar, Director General of FAHR, Director General, in the presence of a number of executive directors and other senior officials from both sides.

The areas of cooperation agreed upon include the design and implementation of surveys and related, exchange of metadata, development of the statistical standards and methodologies governing the preparation and processing of data through the application of international definitions, concepts, classifications, statistical capacity building for FAHR through training by SCAD's Statistical Training Institute (STI). SCAD will also provide technical support to the FAHR where necessary.

The parties agreed to ensure prompt and reliable access to their respective data, affirming their commitment to the confidentiality of individual information and emphasising the need for continuing efforts to improve the quality of data.

Al Qubaisi praised the signing of the agreement, which comes in context of SCAD's policy of close cooperation with local and federal government bodies and other stakeholders, in the pursuit of the Centre's goal of building a world-class statistical system that meets the needs of data users across the emirate, while ensuring accuracy, timeliness and relevance.

He also commended the strategic role played by the Federal Authority for Government Human Resources in managing the human resources file at the national level. He appreciated the valuable studies and proposals FAHR contributes towards the development of national cadres in various disciplines, expressing his confidence that the SLA would mark the commencement of fruitful cooperation between the two sides.

For his part, Al Awar, expressed his delight at the signing of the SLA as an opportunity for cooperation with SCAD as the authority responsible for collecting statistical data and preparing statistical plans that serve the development programmes in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi programmes, stressing that such cooperation would contribute to aspirations of the wise leadership, represented by President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, to make the UAE one of the best countries in the world by 2021.

He stressed the significance of statistical data exchange amongst various government, semi-government and private entities for development planning, decision-support, policy-making and legislation in various walks of life.

He pointed out that FAHR has a very large database on the federal government level through the HR management system "Bayanati" which represents a transformational leap in the world of smart government HR applications, providing and accurate general statistics on human resources.

Dr. Al Awar further added, "This cooperation will enhance the integration of roles and the sharing of knowledge and useful experience amongst Government entities, thereby helping to improve the performance and the quality of public services of government agencies to achieve the highest levels of customer satisfaction, the ultimate goal of the UAE leadership".