Since the dawn of history and time, one indisputable truth has been that the transfer of knowledge and information from one generation to the next and from one civilisation to another is what has allowed mankind and human societies to evolve and build on what our ancestors had achieved.

In this week's Data Moments article, I want to go back in time to the oldest definition of data: any information that can be transmitted by means of drawings or symbols. Before I go into the details, I want to ask you this: do you remember the moment one of your children presented you with a picture they drew to express feelings of love, gratitude, or any other message? For me, my children's drawings were summaries of their feelings towards the many conversations we have had over the years.

This took me back to the nature of the languages of ancient civilisations, such as hieroglyphics (an ancient Egyptian writing system), whose creators succeeded in producing symbols that carried data and information about their lives, symbols that lived through the ages to this very day.

We have learned so much from the depictions found drawn on the walls built by ancient civilisations. These illustrations led us to many truths and discoveries. A majestic photograph showing the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, Founding Father of the UAE, may his soul rest in peace, with Nasa's space team led to the success of Hazza Al Mansouri, the first Emirati astronaut, whose efforts and those of his colleagues fulfilled the ambition of our founding father. That photograph connected the future with the past.
Nothing compares to the pride we feel as a nation in our achievement in the space sector, which was made possible by our commitment to realising a vision that began with a historic meeting first documented by a photograph and then transformed into institutions and strategies that allowed us to successfully reach the stars.

Bearing this achievement in mind, I look at data and the opportunities it holds for mankind as a space awaiting to be explored. We have started our data journey through the Dubai Pulse platform and the strategies and policies which have been developed and put in place. Adding to that is a real motivation by the government and private institutions to share and contribute.

Long distances and several requirements and difficulties had once made space a far-fetched dream for an Arab country like ours. Despite all challenges, we succeeded due to our visionary leadership and determined citizens. When it comes to data, it is a space within our reach. Unveiling the true power of data requires everyone to join our ambitious, comprehensive initiative to open and exchange data in order to pave the path to countless, unimaginable opportunities. Analysing the data of all of the UAE's achievements and linking it to current events can generate unprecedented accomplishments.