The Technology Innovation Institute develops new drone technology to detect hidden water leaks from the sky
Abu Dhabi, UAE - The Technology Innovation Institute (TII), a leading global scientific research center and the applied research pillar of Abu Dhabi's Advanced Technology Research Council (ATRC), has introduced a new application of its advanced drone-borne Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR). This radar system uses high-frequency radio waves to create detailed, high-resolution images of the ground, to detect underground water leaks in urban and remote areas without excavation and ground removal. The announcement was made at the World Utilities Congress (WUC) 2025, underscoring the event's role in spotlighting innovative solutions for infrastructure and water security.
Building on its multi-frequency imaging capabilities, this new application of TII's SAR system leverages P-, L-, and C radar signals– each one selected for its distinct advantages. P-band enables deeper subsurface penetration, L-band detects subtle fluctuations in soil moisture, and C-band provides high-resolution imaging of surface changes. Combined, these signals support the detection of anomalies and disturbances that may indicate underground water leaks, enhancing early intervention efforts in both urban and natural environments.
Previously validated for archaeological and infrastructure use, the system is now optimized for sandy environments to detect leaks at depths of up to 40 meters, enabling utilities to identify and mitigate water losses from underground pipelines. This approach introduces a more efficient and sustainable way to monitor infrastructure conditions.
Dr. Najwa Aaraj, CEO of TII, said: 'This latest application of our SAR platform reinforces its versatility in tackling real-world challenges. By enabling non-invasive detection of water leaks, we'll be able to equip utility providers with intelligence that allows early detection of water leaks, helping to conserve one of the world's most vital resources.'
By identifying leaks early and accurately without the need for excavation, utilities can significantly reduce water loss, lower maintenance costs, and avoid expensive infrastructure damage. This proactive approach not only extends the lifespan of pipeline networks but also supports more efficient resource management, delivering long-term savings for governments, municipalities, and utility providers alike.
Dr. Felix Vega, Chief Researcher, Directed Energy Research Center (DERC), said: 'SAR's effectiveness depends on how well we can extract signal from noise, especially in complex environments like sandy terrains. Our latest work focused on enhancing backscatter analysis and coherence metrics to improve subsurface anomaly detection. This has allowed us to push the limits of airborne radar performance in ways that weren't possible even a year ago.'
Compared to conventional sensors, TII's SAR solution provides broader coverage, higher resolution, and consistent performance across various terrains and weather conditions.
With its scalable architecture and modular drone integration, the platform is suitable for use by urban utilities, desert infrastructure operators, and sectors such as agriculture and disaster response.
As the UAE strengthens its national water security strategy, this technology arrives at an important time. By reducing water losses due to leakages, the SAR platform contributes to operational efficiency and supports climate resilience and sustainable resource management, which are goals aligned with the UAE's Net Zero 2050 commitments.
ABOUT TECHNOLOGY INNOVATION INSTITUTE (TII):
The Technology Innovation Institute (TII) is the dedicated applied research pillar of Abu Dhabi's Advanced Technology Research Council (ATRC). TII is a pioneering global research and development center that focuses on applied research and new-age technology capabilities. The Institute has 10 dedicated research centers in advanced materials, autonomous robotics, cryptography, AI and digital science, directed energy, quantum, secure systems, propulsion and space, biotechnology, and renewable and sustainable energy. By working with exceptional talent, universities, research institutions, and industry partners from all over the world, TII connects an intellectual community and contributes to building an R&D ecosystem that reinforces the status of Abu Dhabi and the UAE as a global hub for innovation.
For more information, visit www.tii.ae
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Khaleej Times
2 hours ago
- Khaleej Times
UAE: 3 rare Arabian spotted eagle owl babies hatch in Sharjah
In a rare and heartwarming event, three Arabian Spotted Eagle Owl chicks hatched at the Kalba Birds of Prey Centre, the Environment and Protected Areas Authority of Sharjah announced. This particular species — rarely found in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Oman and Yemen — originates from Africa. The centre said the event "marks a milestone" in the captive breeding programme for birds of prey, which aims to "protect rare species from extinction and rehabilitate them in their natural environments". Take a look at one of the baby chicks. The first time the species of this owl was found in the UAE was in 2003, after a donor from Dibba gifted it to the Dubai Zoo, claiming it was from the Dibba mountains. In the beginning, the staff did not take much notice of it, but after some time they realised it looked different in appearance than other chicks of the Desert Eagle-Owl owl. Meanwhile, according to the World Wildlife Fund, the Arabian Eagle Owl (Bubo africanus milesi) — part of the same family — was first discovered in 2017 in Fujairah's Hajar Mountains. At the time, Jacky Judas, Manager & Scientific Advisor of Terrestrial Biodiversity, EWS-WWF, had said that despite the UAE's hot and arid climate, a "wide variety of resilient and fascinating species thrive in our deserts and mountain areas". "Unfortunately, the rapid pace of development has become a major threat to many of these creatures. Thus, it is crucial — now more than ever— that we ramp up collective efforts to protect and safeguard key habitats and endangered species, all of which constitute the UAE's rich natural heritage," Jacky had said at the time. He continued: 'If a large bird, 45cm in height, weighing 600 to 800g — even if nocturnal and elusive — went unnoticed up to the beginning of the 21st century, what about much smaller species of animals and plants, or under-surveyed taxonomic groups? We have very little doubt that so much more is still to be found in the Hajar Mountains.' Recent rare appearances In August of last year, a Mediterranean Gull was spotted for the first time in 28 years at Dubai's Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary. Over the past quarter-century, there have been only 15 recorded sightings in the country, with nine in Abu Dhabi, four in Dubai, and two in Sharjah. Another rare species of bird was also spotted that year. The red-footed Booby was seen in Abu Dhabi. One of the rarest and smallest species of Booby, the creature is found on the coasts and islands of tropical regions. It is very rare to see it in the Arabian Gulf region due to the absence of resident groups in the UAE. Meanwhile in 2019, the Arabian Caracal (Caracal schmitzi) was sighted on Jebel Hafeet National Park in Al Ain. The medium-sized, sand-coloured cat with characteristically elongated, tufted black ears was last seen in Abu Dhabi in 1984.
The National
3 hours ago
- The National
Turkey's Kalyon Enerji seeks global expansion of its renewable business after $7bn Syria deal
Turkey's Kalyon Enerji, in which Abu Dhabi's International Holding Company has a 50 per cent stake, aims to grow its renewable energy portfolio globally, after signing a $7 billion deal in Syria to construct of new power plants in the war-torn country. Kalyon Enerji is co-owned by Turkish conglomerate Kalyon Holding, which has interests in several sectors including construction, energy and aviation. 'Our renewable portfolio at the moment is more than 2 gigawatts in operation but, in the coming five years, our target is to increase our portfolio to 5 gigawatts,' Kalyon Enerji's chief executive Murtaza Ata said in Istanbul. 'We are looking at opportunities in the Middle East, Eastern Europe and in the US to grow our portfolio.' In Eastern Europe, Kalyon Enerji is considering Romania and Poland, while in the Middle East and North Africa, it is targeting markets including Algeria, Morocco and Libya, according to Mr Ata. In the US, 'there are many projects that have been offered to us and we are studying them', he said, without disclosing details. Globally, countries are boosting investments in renewable projects as they look to cut emissions to meet their clean energy goals. The US aims to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050, while other countries have set their own targets to cut emissions to reduce global warming. Kalyon Enerji's portfolio includes a 1.3-gigawatt solar power plant in Turkey, which is the 'largest in Europe and has received the largest green financing from UKEF [UK Export Finance]', Mr Ata said. Its other projects are also based in Turkey. The Istanbul-based company has 'all the capacity and capability to execute projects on its own', Mustafa Kocar, chief executive of Kalyon Holding, said. 'Currently, we are the biggest renewable investor in Turkey. So basically, we have the technical expertise, we have the capacity to inject more equity in new projects and we can secure the financing through our own resources,' he added. 'We have very good relations with the international financing network.' New power plants in Syria Kalyon Enerji is building new power plants in Syria after economic sanctions were lifted on the country by the US and the EU last month. On Thursday, it signed a $7 billion energy investment agreement with a consortium of companies including Qatar 's UCC Holding as well as US company Power international and Cengiz Enerji of Turkey to build a solar power plant with a capacity of 1,000 megawatts and natural gas power plants with a combined capacity of 4,000 megawatts in the country. 'The target is to complete natural gas power plants in three years after financial closure, which maybe four years from today. For solar one and a half year after financial closure, which is two and a half years from today,' said Mr Ata. After 14 years of war, Syria's electricity sector has been suffering from severe damage to its grid and power stations, ageing infrastructure, and persistent fuel shortages, generating only 1.6 gigawatts of electricity, down from 9.5 gigawatts before 2011, according to a Reuters report. Reconstructing the country's power sector is expected to cost about $11 billion and the new administration is betting on the private sector shouldering the burden, underlining a shift from the state-led economic policies of the former regime led by Bashar Al Assad. 'We are really happy to contribute to the development of Syria after the new situation,' Mr Ata said. Global expansion in construction Meanwhi, Kalyon Holding is also eyeing opportunities in other verticals of its business including in construction, according to Mr Kocar. 'We were more [of] a local company, but in the last couple of years, with this strategy of internationalisation, on the construction side, we are undertaking some works in Azerbaijan in rail and highway,' he said. 'We are also doing a gas pipeline project for Romania' state-owned Transgaz and are bidding for many tenders on the construction side in the Middle East, CIS [Commonwealth of Independent States], North Africa and Eastern Europe.' Kalyon Holding is also eyeing opportunities in airport construction in Turkey and other parts of the Middle East after building Istanbul airport in 2019. 'We have a 55 per cent stake in Istanbul airport, and we have completed its construction, and we are now managing the airport together with our partner there,' Mr Kocar said. 'Airport construction investment is also an area that we are looking at, not only in Turkey but also in the region.'
UAE Moments
4 hours ago
- UAE Moments
UAE Rolls Out ‘Finfluencer' Licence for Finance Creators
The UAE has officially launched the region's first 'Finfluencer' licence, targeting individuals who create and share investment-related content online or through traditional media. This new move, introduced by the Securities and Commodities Authority (SCA), aims to bring financial content creators under regulatory oversight to ensure transparency and investor protection. أعلنت هيئة الأوراق المالية والسلع عن إطلاق رخصة "المؤثر المالي Finfluencer"، وهي الأولى من نوعها على مستوى المنطقة، في خطوة استراتيجية تهدف إلى تنظيم المحتوى المالي الرقمي، وحوكمة أنشطة الأفراد المؤثرين في تقديم التحليلات والتوصيات الاستثمارية، والتسويق المالي عبر المنصات… — SCA UAE (@sca_uae) May 28, 2025 Who Needs the Licence? The licence is meant for anyone offering investment advice, financial analysis, or insights related to regulated financial products or entities within the UAE. It applies to content shared through platforms like social media, YouTube, websites, or even seminars and public talks. This step comes as financial influencers continue to grow in reach and impact, often influencing decisions of everyday investors. Read More: Different types of social media influencers and their characteristics Free for the First Three Years To encourage content creators to sign up early, the SCA is waiving registration, renewal, and legal fees for the next three years. Applicants will need to register with the SCA and follow the rules laid out to promote market integrity and maintain public trust. Setting New Standards in the Digital Finance Space SCA's CEO, Waleed Saeed Al Awadhi, described the licence as a strategic step that reflects the UAE's push to lead digital transformation in financial regulation. He said the initiative is about more than just local oversight — it's a move to raise the global bar for how financial content is created, shared, and trusted. This licence marks another major milestone in the UAE's ongoing efforts to balance innovation with investor safety.
