Leading m-content developers to converge in Abu Dhabi for 2013 World Summit Award - Mobile

Abu Dhabi, Jan 28, 2013 (WAM) - Abu Dhabi will be transformed into a global hub for mobile content from February 3 to 5, 2013, as venue of the prestigious 2013 World Summit Award (WSA) - Mobile Content taking place at the Jumeirah at Etihad Towers by the Abu Dhabi Corniche. A special Gala Dinner will honour the ground-breaking mobile applications of 40 winners from around the world. Eight WSA Mobile Global Champions will receive special recognition for their outstanding solutions. WSA-Mobile is the only Information and Communications Technology (ICT) event in the world which reaches the mobile community in more than 160 countries. Aside from recognising the best minds in m-content, WSA-Mobile 2013 will also feature panel and keynote sessions and hands-on workshops covering topics ranging from multi-screen marketing and mobile game design, to learning apps and the mobile ecosystem. Renowned experts such as Harri Koponen, the co-creator of the most successful m-Game, 'Angry Birds,' will share their views on the future of mobile app development. Abu Dhabi is currently embarking on a 2030 Vision development plan that aims to transform the emirate into a genuine knowledge economy. Its exceptional focus on ICT as a growth vehicle makes it a perfect platform for discussing the latest and best mobile content innovations and practices. The Abu Dhabi Systems and Information Centre (ADSIC), the government authority assigned to oversee Abu Dhabi's ICT agenda, will be hosting WSA-Mobile 2013. "The Abu Dhabi Government has integrated several mobile solutions into its various public services as part of its commitment to providing modern facilities for its citizens. We are eager to see various mobile developments from around the world and determine which can be integrated not only into our government initiatives but into our dynamic industries as growth tools as well. As the mobility fever catches on around the world, WSA Mobile 2013 will provide us with valuable insights on what to expect and benefit from this very exciting field," said H.E. Rashed Lahej Al Mansouri, Director General, Abu Dhabi Systems and Information Centre. "With app stores becoming the world's most vibrant marketplaces, the question of quality content is getting crucial. WSA-mobile wants to foster the richness of mobile content and showcase local apps with global relevance," added WSA-mobile Chairman Peter A. Bruck. The WSA-Mobile Award honours pioneering content in 8 categories: m-Business, m-Government, m-Health, m-Learning, m-Media, m-Entertainment, m-Tourism and m-Inclusion. A Grand Jury of global experts selects five winners in each category. Finalists are chosen by UN member states following a multi-step evaluation process led by eminent national experts, an independent selection committee, or an open national contest. The Abu Dhabi Systems '&' Information Centre (ADSIC), the governmental body overseeing Abu Dhabi's Information Technology agenda, has been supervising the implementation of Abu Dhabi's e-Government programme in coordination with the emirate's government entities. Its major initiatives include the Abu Dhabi portal abudhabi.ae, the Abu Dhabi Government Contact Centre (800555) which offers its services 24/7, the recruitment portal jobs.abudhabi.ae, and the Abu Dhabi Spatial Data Infrastructure (AD-SDI) programme. - Emirates News Agency, WAM