Abu Dhabi taps power of AI to lead sustainable future
MAYS IBRAHIM (ABU DHABI)Abu Dhabi is harnessing artificial intelligence to drive sustainability, with AI-led projects slashing costs and boosting efficiency, according to Dr. Shaikha Salem Al Dhaheri, Secretary General of the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD).'We stand at a pivotal moment where climate and biodiversity challenges demand innovative action. The air we breathe, our Arabian Gulf waters, and our delicate desert ecosystems require immediate attention,' she said during the ninth Abu Dhabi Sustainable Business Leadership Forum 2025, which kicked off on Wednesday.This year's edition is held under the theme 'Collaboration for Impact: Harnessing Artificial Intelligence for Sustainable Business Practices'. The forum brings together business leaders, technology experts, and sustainability advocates to explore how AI can be responsibly applied to accelerate environmental progress.Highlighting Abu Dhabi's leadership in the field, Dr. Al Dhaheri cited a number of AI-powered initiatives, including an EAD-led habitat assessment project that mapped 11,000 hectares with 90% cost savings, and the use of AI robotics in mangrove restoration under the Nabat partnership.'Across our emirate, AI optimises water, enhances biodiversity monitoring, and improves waste management,' she noted. Dr. Al Dhaheri also pointed to Masdar City's NZ1 project — the capital's first net-zero energy office building — as a model of AI-driven sustainable construction, producing 102% of its annual energy needs and reducing energy use by 101% compared to international baselines.Global insights show AI could inject $15.7 trillion into the economy by 2030, with sustainability central, Dr. Al Dhaheri noted. 'For Abu Dhabi, AI drives our 22% carbon reduction goal by 2027, aligning with UAE Net Zero 2050.'The forum featured in-depth discussions on the challenges and opportunities of sustainable business leadership in the era of emerging technologies, the growing influence of the impact economy, and the vital role of multi-stakeholder engagement in advancing sustainable practices.
Collective Approach Collaboration is key to unlocking AI's full potential and navigating its challenges, according to Al Dhaheri. 'The true power of AI is collective,' she said. 'Imagine AI predicting storm surges and intelligently managing water. Over these two days, we'll explore AI in energy, resources, and climate adaptation, while addressing ethical considerations. The challenges we face are too complex for any single entity to tackle alone. We must form strong alliances across government departments, industry sectors, and beyond our borders.'Huda Al Houqani, Director of the Abu Dhabi Sustainability Group (ADSG), agreed that real progress happens when businesses, governments, and innovators work together.
'By sharing knowledge, aligning goals, and co-developing solutions, we ensure AI is used responsibly, inclusively, and effectively,' Al Houqani told Aletihad . 'This collective approach drives greater impact, accelerates innovation, and supports the transition to a more sustainable, tech-enabled future,' she added.
The ADSG supports its members through workshops, knowledge-sharing, and cross-sector collaboration to ensure AI adoption is ethical, inclusive, and aligned with sustainability goals, delivering tangible impact across climate action, circularity, and social responsibility.
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