Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi disperses 6.5mln native seeds using drones
The initiative, conducted in partnership with UK-based environmental restoration company Dendra, used custom-designed drones to carry out aerial seeding.
The Agency continues to advance its drone-based seeding programme through the expertise of a dedicated team comprising seasoned professionals and promising young Emirati talent. The team carries out comprehensive studies and precise assessments of vegetation cover within the targeted reserves, taking into account soil characteristics and their suitability for the native plant species selected under the programme.
Commenting on the initiative, Ahmed Al Hashmi, Executive Director of the Terrestrial and Marine Biodiversity Sector at EAD, stated, 'We successfully implemented one of the largest drone-based seeding operations ever undertaken in the emirate of Abu Dhabi, within a notably short timeframe. This achievement is in line with Abu Dhabi's Climate Change Strategy and covered a total of 320 hectares of habitat, many of which were seeded for the first time.'
He added, 'This initiative underscores the Agency's commitment to harnessing advanced artificial intelligence tools in support of environmental sustainability and reflects our leadership's ongoing vision to safeguard natural ecosystems through the integration of innovation and technology in pursuit of the UN's Sustainable Development Goals.'
A total of 6.5 million seeds from native species were dispersed, including Samar (Vachellia tortilis), Moringa (Moringa peregrina), Rumex (Rumex limoniastrum), Cleome ) Cleome pallida(, Desert cotton (Aerva javanica) and Panicum (Panicum turgidum) in the mountainous slopes and wadi habitats of Jebel Hafit National Park.
As for the Sand dunes ecosystems of Qasr Al Sarab Nature Reserve, seeds of Fire Bush (Calligonum polygonoides), Rimth (Haloxylon salicornicum), Tricholaena (Tricholaena teneriffae), Panicum (Panicum turgidum), and Agriophyllum (Agriophyllum minus) were distributed.
The use of drones enables the Agency to cover extensive areas in significantly less time compared to traditional manual seeding methods. This technology also facilitates operations in remote and difficult-to-access terrain without the need for vehicles, thereby reducing environmental disturbance to fragile ecosystems.
Seeding marks only the beginning of the process. EAD will continue to monitor the designated areas to assess vegetation response over time, employing AI-powered sensors and advanced monitoring technologies to track the growth of shrubs and native plants.
This initiative builds upon the natural rangeland study programmes launched by the Agency in 2024 and are continuing into 2025. These efforts aim to establish a comprehensive, field-based assessment of current vegetation conditions, serving as a benchmark for evaluating the effectiveness of grazing regulations and other environmental management measures across the emirate of Abu Dhabi.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Zawya
7 hours ago
- Zawya
UAE harnesses AI to boost Arabic language global reach
ABU DHABI - The UAE has set a model in leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) to integrate the Arabic language and its cultural heritage into the digital sphere, boosting its regional and global presence as a language capable of meeting future demands. Various state institutions are rolling out AI-driven initiatives in sectors such as publishing, education, lexicography and creative content. One of the leading projects is the Historical Dictionary of Arabic Language, a monumental scientific achievement completed last year by Sharjah, the "Capital of Arab Culture". The project documents the evolution of the Arabic language throughout history. This was followed by the launch of the 'GPT Historical Dictionary of the Arabic Language' project, which utilises modern innovations to serve and disseminate the language globally. Linked to AI, the dictionary offers researchers and enthusiasts with over 20 million Arabic words. It also enables them to write and read texts, convert them into videos, and continuously feed the dictionary with new information through a collaboration between the Arabic Language Academy in Sharjah and the Emirates Scholar Research Centre. Meanwhile, the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Knowledge Foundation is advancing digital culture and knowledge in the Arab world and globally through initiatives including the 'Digital Knowledge Hub,' an Arabic platform for producing, collecting and organising digital content. Last year, it surpassed 800,000 titles and 8.5 million digital items across more than 18 specialised libraries. The Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre, part of the Department of Culture and Tourism, has launched several AI-based publishing projects, including a specialised digital dictionary to support digital Arabic content. It is the first comprehensive Arabic-English dictionary employing AI and computational linguistics. The dictionary covers over 7,000 core modern terms, offering automated pronunciation, simplified definitions, examples, images, and precise grammatical and semantic classifications. In collaboration with a team from New York University Abu Dhabi and Zayed University, the centre launched the Balanced Arabic Readability Corpus project 'BAREC', which aims to collect a linguistic corpus of 10 million words encompassing a wide range of literary genres and topics. The most recent edition of the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair saw the launch of the "Digital Square" initiative, a technical space that provided a platform to enhance the use of AI in publishing and books. Furthermore, many educational institutions have been keen to launch diverse initiatives to promote the use of AI and modern technologies in teaching the Arabic language.
Emirates 24/7
7 hours ago
- Emirates 24/7
UAE harnesses AI to boost Arabic language global reach
The UAE has set a model in leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) to integrate the Arabic language and its cultural heritage into the digital sphere, boosting its regional and global presence as a language capable of meeting future demands. Various state institutions are rolling out AI-driven initiatives in sectors such as publishing, education, lexicography and creative content. One of the leading projects is the Historical Dictionary of Arabic Language, a monumental scientific achievement completed last year by Sharjah, the "Capital of Arab Culture". The project documents the evolution of the Arabic language throughout history. This was followed by the launch of the 'GPT Historical Dictionary of the Arabic Language' project, which utilises modern innovations to serve and disseminate the language globally. Linked to AI, the dictionary offers researchers and enthusiasts with over 20 million Arabic words. It also enables them to write and read texts, convert them into videos, and continuously feed the dictionary with new information through a collaboration between the Arabic Language Academy in Sharjah and the Emirates Scholar Research Centre. Meanwhile, the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Knowledge Foundation is advancing digital culture and knowledge in the Arab world and globally through initiatives including the 'Digital Knowledge Hub,' an Arabic platform for producing, collecting and organising digital content. Last year, it surpassed 800,000 titles and 8.5 million digital items across more than 18 specialised libraries. The Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre, part of the Department of Culture and Tourism, has launched several AI-based publishing projects, including a specialised digital dictionary to support digital Arabic content. It is the first comprehensive Arabic-English dictionary employing AI and computational linguistics. The dictionary covers over 7,000 core modern terms, offering automated pronunciation, simplified definitions, examples, images, and precise grammatical and semantic classifications. In collaboration with a team from New York University Abu Dhabi and Zayed University, the centre launched the Balanced Arabic Readability Corpus project 'BAREC', which aims to collect a linguistic corpus of 10 million words encompassing a wide range of literary genres and topics. The most recent edition of the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair saw the launch of the "Digital Square" initiative, a technical space that provided a platform to enhance the use of AI in publishing and books. Furthermore, many educational institutions have been keen to launch diverse initiatives to promote the use of AI and modern technologies in teaching the Arabic language.
Zawya
a day ago
- Zawya
DANAT launches "Taaleq" summer internship
The Bahrain Institute of Pearls and Gemstones (DANAT) has officially launched the latest edition of its annual summer internship programme, titled "Taaleq", welcoming university students majoring in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) disciplines to its laboratory for a hands-on, immersive learning experience. This initiative is a core component of DANAT's social responsibility efforts and reflects the institute's long-term commitment to investing in national talent and building human capital in the field of pearls and gemstones. Through this specialised programme, DANAT aims to prepare and qualify future leaders to support the sustainable development of the sector. "Taaleq" spans a period of two months and offers participating students immersive practical training within DANAT's state-of-the-art gemmological laboratory. Interns gain direct exposure to the daily operations of a professional gemstone testing facility, working alongside experts in the analysis and identification of pearls and gemstones. The internship equips students with technical proficiency in using advanced laboratory technologies to evaluate the quality and authenticity of gemstones, determine their suitability for the jewellery industry, and apply modern practices in pearl inspections. In addition to developing lab skills, the programme offers participants the opportunity to explore international best practices in chemical analysis and marine biology. These areas are integral to the scientific foundation of the institute's work and are aligned with environmental sustainability principles. Mrs. Noora Jamsheer, Chief Executive Officer of DANAT, stated: "This initiative supports our vision to cultivate a new generation of Bahraini professionals in gemmology. It is tailored specifically for STEM majors, enabling them to apply their academic learning in a professional and practical environment that broadens their career horizons.' Mrs. Jamsheer emphasised that "Taaleq" offers intensive practical training within advanced laboratory settings. This experience provides the interns with skills required to pursue careers in the jewellery and gemstone industry and to engage in real-world scientific research. The programme addresses a significant gap in specialised professional training for STEM students in niche fields, positioning it as one of the region's foremost initiatives in chemical analysis and marine research. The CEO of DANAT also encouraged interested students to seize this valuable opportunity, emphasizing that the programme forms part of DANAT's wider strategy to cultivate national talent and strengthen Bahrain's position as a global leader in the pearls and gemstones sector. -Ends- About DANAT: Bahrain Institute for Pearls and Gemstones (DANAT) was established in 2017, under the aegis of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Bahrain. It was formed as a wholly owned subsidiary of the Bahrain Mumtalakat Holding Company (Mumtalakat), the sovereign wealth fund of the Kingdom. Its vision is to become the world's preferred institute for natural pearls and gemstones' third-party verification services and scientific research. As a reflection of Bahrain's ancient pearling history and the strong desire to protect this heritage, DANAT was established as the guardian of global gemological excellence. It plays a vital role in ensuring, protecting and enhancing public trust in pearls, gemstones and jewelry. DANAT is an authority on industry standards, scientific knowledge and education, and is committed to maintaining the highest standards of professional and personal ethics. For more information on DANAT, kindly contact. Marketing & Communications
