Ajman: Sheikh Rashid bin Humaid Al Nuaimi, Chairman of the Municipality and Planning Department in Ajman, has been awarded a certificate for the 11th International Best Practices Competition (IBPC 2025). The Department was recognized with a prestigious seven-star rating for its innovative initiative, the Smart and Sustainable Waste Data Management Platform, which honors outstanding initiatives and innovations in management and development across sectors. According to Emirates News Agency, the certificate was presented to Sheikh Rashid at his office by representatives of the granting entity. The ceremony was attended by Abdulrahman Mohammed Al Nuaimi, Director-General of the Department, Dr. Eng. Khalid Moeen Al Hosani, Executive Director of Public Health and Environment at the Department, along with several officials and experts from both entities. In his remarks, Sheikh Rashid emphasized that this achievement enhances the Department's extensive record of successes. He highlighted that the Department partici pated in the 2025 Global Award, attracting entities and organizations worldwide, and earned the seven-star rating for its Smart and Sustainable Waste Data Management Platform. This platform reflects the Department's vision of utilizing modern technology, including the Internet of Things (IoT) and artificial intelligence, to transform waste management into a smart and sustainable model that supports decision-making and reduces environmental impact. Dr. Eng. Al Hosani briefed Sheikh Rashid on the platform's capabilities, including comprehensive data collection on various waste types, real-time monitoring of waste flows, automatic carbon emissions calculations, and interactive geographical maps illustrating waste quantities and categories. These features provide precise insights to decision-makers to enhance operational efficiency and advance Ajman's Smart City 2030 vision, aligning with the UAE's National Sustainability Agenda. Dr. Eng. Al Hosani further explained that the competition used specific evaluation criteria set by international experts, with initiatives rated from one to seven stars, where seven stars signify the highest level of global excellence and innovation. The international certification reaffirms Ajman's commitment to innovation, sustainability, and excellence, bolstering the Department's efforts to promote smart and sustainable solutions for future generations. It also supports ongoing initiatives to implement circular economy principles within a sustainable framework, making sustainability a cornerstone of smart city development.