Latest news with #AbuDhabiDoE
Khaleej Times
2 days ago
- Business
- Khaleej Times
UAE authority finds multiple gas use violations, launches awareness campaign
Poor installation, substandard equipment, and lack of regular maintenance are among the most common risks associated with gas use in Abu Dhabi, according to field surveys and inspections conducted by the Abu Dhabi Department of Energy (DoE). The department observed frequent violations among residents using LPG systems, including domestic workers and labourers who use gas appliances, as well as employers in restaurants and cafeterias who are responsible for ensuring their workers are adequately trained. Violators also included recruitment companies involved in hiring workers for such roles. Among the most common violations were the use of substandard hoses and gas equipment, reliance on unlicensed gas suppliers, and the storage of gas cylinders without a permit from the Department of Energy — all of which pose significant safety risks. However, these risks can be mitigated through stricter enforcement, certified installations, and increased public awareness. Thousands of inspections To safeguard lives and property, the DoE launched the second phase of its public awareness campaign promoting the safe and responsible use of LPG systems. Held under the slogan 'your safety is our priority', the campaign continues efforts initiated in 2024 and 2025 to reinforce regulatory compliance and embed a culture of safety. Ahmed Alsheebani, Executive Director of Regulatory Affairs for the Petroleum Products Sector, told Khaleej Times, 'We inspected more than 11,000 facilities as part of broader efforts to enhance compliance, encourage the safe use of gas, and instill a culture of safety and accountability across residential, commercial, and industrial sectors.' Precautions As part of the gas systems improvement initiative, the Department replaced 450 central gas tanks and control panels, installed over 10,000 gas leak detectors in buildings. It decommissioned outdated or duplicate systems in several properties to reduce risk. Alsheebani added 'This vital project significantly enhanced the safety of central gas systems across the emirate, through thorough assessments and necessary upgrades.' To ensure compliance, the DoE enforces a series of gas safety regulations. These include prohibiting the use of gas cylinders in buildings equipped with compliant central gas systems, ensuring proper ventilation and emergency exits in commercial kitchens, and mandating periodic maintenance by authorised service providers. Leaks must be reported immediately via emergency numbers 997. Requirements Commercial establishments, such as restaurants, must also maintain updated documentation, including: a Certificate of Conformity, a No-Objection Certificate, a Project Completion Certificate, an Annual Maintenance Contract, and a Civil Defense Safety and Prevention Compliance Certificate. Failure to comply could result in legal consequences, including potential closure. Adopting preventive practices The department advises families and food establishments to adopt preventive practices, like installing gas leak detectors, working only with authorised gas companies, and conducting regular safety checks. For instance, homeowners are encouraged to test for leaks by applying soapy water to gas connections — bubbles may indicate a leak — and to promptly replace any damaged hoses. Alsheebani stressed, 'If you smell gas, turn off the main valve immediately, ventilate the area, avoid turning on electrical switches or flames, and call emergency services or your gas provider.' Through its ongoing awareness campaign, the DoE is promoting safe gas use through a comprehensive outreach strategy. This includes digital campaigns in eight languages across social media platforms, SMS notifications in partnership with government entities, and the distribution of multilingual leaflets to food businesses. Additionally, the department is organising Gas Safety Majlis sessions and interactive workshops aimed at vulnerable groups, including labourers and kitchen workers, utilising educational tools like virtual reality to reinforce best safety practices and alter behaviour.
Zawya
28-05-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Abu Dhabi Department of Energy, Presight, AIQ to enhance AI solutions, digital transformation
ABU DHABI: The Abu Dhabi Department of Energy (DoE) signed a strategic cooperation agreement with Presight and AIQ, focused on equipping the DoE with premier solutions in AI and digital transformation, and on developing a data and AI centre for the emirate's energy sector. The announcement of this agreement occurred at the World Utilities Congress 2025, which is presently underway at ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi. The signing of the agreement was witnessed by Dr. Abdulla Humaid Al Jarwan, Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Department of Energy. The agreement was signed by Ahmed Mohammed Al Rumaithi, Under-Secretary of the Department of Energy; Dr. Adel Al Sharji, Chief Operating Officer of Presight; and Dr. Adel Bin Subaih, Chief Operating Officer of AIQ. The ceremony was attended by several senior officials, experts, and representatives from the participating entities. In this context, Dr. Abdulla Humaid Al Jarwan, Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Department of Energy (DoE), affirmed that this partnership delivers a distinguished set of innovative solutions based on artificial intelligence technologies, contributing to added value across the sectors of water, electricity, district cooling, and petroleum products. He added that the partnership is built on an advanced AI infrastructure that brings together all the qualified expertise it requires, while providing all the modern tools and technologies necessary to develop exceptional solutions setting it apart from other partnerships in this field. He pointed out that the vast amount of data available in the sector is both rich and valuable, dating back to 1958. This, he explained, enhances the ability to leverage historical data to develop smart and effective solutions that meet the demands of the next phase. Regarding the platform, he described it as a pioneering step toward an integrated energy management future, and a qualitative leap in the use of artificial intelligence and advanced digital modeling to achieve efficiency and sustainability across various energy sources. He added that this advanced platform was developed in collaboration with Presight to serve as a unified command center connecting the electricity and water sectors, enabling highly efficient and reliable energy management across the emirate. Ahmed Mohammed Al Rumaithi, Under-Secretary of the Department of Energy, stated, 'This agreement marks an important strategic juncture in the digital transformation process for the energy sector in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi. By means of this collaboration, we aim to leverage cutting-edge AI solutions to reinforce our capacity for precise and thorough monitoring and analysis of the energy and utilities ecosystem. This, in turn, underpins operational efficiency and facilitates data-informed decision-making.' He stated, 'Collaborating with two foremost companies in Presight and AIQ is a cornerstone for bringing about this significant shift, which demonstrates the DoE's resolve to create a smart, integrated energy system that can navigate future variables and assure the security and efficiency of energy.' He also noted that embracing AI-supported technology is not merely a prospective choice anymore; it has evolved into an essential imperative to match the accelerating demand for energy and to meet strategic objectives in both sustainability and the green economy. He emphasised that this agreement helps in consolidating an efficient collaborative framework that supports the development of a resilient and safe energy sector, which in turn promotes sustainable economic expansion, and solidifies Abu Dhabi's status as a premier regional and global hub for energy sector innovation. Dr. Adel Al Sharji, Chief Operating Officer of Presight, stated, 'This initiative represents a transformative step forward in the digital transformation of Abu Dhabi's energy sector. We are leveraging sophisticated artificial intelligence capacities to establish a new international benchmark for energy management on city-wide and country-wide scales. Beyond improving operational effectiveness, this collaboration will also forge a path to a sustainable, innovative, and AI-driven energy future, mirroring the Abu Dhabi government's vision and its dedication to elevating the Emirate's status as a prominent global player in both the energy and AI industries.' Magzhan Kenesbai, Acting Managing Director of AIQ, remarked, 'This agreement is a substantial accomplishment for AIQ, highlighting the maturity of our solutions and their varied application scenarios. The expansion in scope and application of these solutions by the DoE aligns perfectly with our aspiration to be the foremost provider of agent-based artificial intelligence solutions in diverse energy domains.' Kenesbai added, 'We commend the future-oriented vision of the DoE in its endeavor to strike a thoughtful balance between rising energy demand and the assurance of clean, efficient production. This helps to propel economic growth and is in harmony with the UAE Energy Strategy 2050. It is our conviction that artificial intelligence is a vital instrument for empowering the energy sector to attain this balance in a sustainable and efficient manner for generations to come, and we will maintain our dedication to backing the DoE's ambitious vision to realise this objective.' Under the agreement, the three entities will create a leading AI-driven control center platform, named providing live analytics for the energy and utilities sector in Abu Dhabi. The collaboration further involves the introduction of an "AI Lab-as-a-Service," enabling energy companies in Abu Dhabi to test, confirm, and roll out artificial intelligence solutions within their processes for various application scenarios. Additionally, the agreement covers the establishment of a primary data hub which will consolidate all data under the purview of the DoE and sector companies, serving as a single and trusted source of data. The scope of the agreement covers the development of a global center for data and government-focused AI in the energy sector. This aims to create a comprehensive framework enabling energy companies in Abu Dhabi to manage, retrieve, and share their data in a secure setting, and to utilise tailored AI models for supporting workflows and boosting operational efficiency. Furthermore, the agreement provides for collaboration in the fields of research, development, and skills enhancement. This will be achieved by conducting workshops, training programs, and seminars designed to upskill and enable DoE staff to leverage AI tools in their day-to-day responsibilities. Additionally, it involves offering support for Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) commitments through solutions founded on artificial intelligence, which promote sustainability and boost operational effectiveness.
Zawya
13-05-2025
- Business
- Zawya
DoE issues decision on Regulation of Gas Works in Buildings across Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi Department of Energy (DoE) has issued Decision No. 14 concerning the Regulation of Gas Works in Buildings. The regulations set forth the mandatory requirements and controls for overseeing all gas operations in buildings throughout Abu Dhabi, including free zones. The regulations seek to raise the level of technical safety in existing buildings and ensure proper gas supply operations, across all types of use. Dr. Abdulla Humaid Al Jarwan, Chairman of DoE, emphasised the significance of combined efforts and collaboration among all concerned companies and individuals to uphold security and safety standards for gas systems in buildings. He pointed out that the issuance of the regulations constitute a strategic move towards governing the gas sector with greater effectiveness and foresight, particularly considering the emirate's ongoing economic and urban expansion. The regulations also align with the DoE's endeavours to establish a clear and comprehensive regulatory framework that requires all relevant businesses and individuals to acquire formal permits and consents, while rigorously complying with best practices and certified technical norms, guaranteeing a secure environment for people and assets. Al Jarwan said, 'These regulations encompass the mandatory obligations for gas system companies and technicians operating in this sector. Also, they cover all gas-related activities within buildings, which include the processes of construction, installation, filling, operation, testing, examination, and maintenance of gas systems, along with the activities associated with the supply of gas to these premises.' Accordingly, the regulations stipulate primary obligations for gas system companies and technical personnel. Key among these are the requirement to keep precise operational and maintenance logs, submit certified technical plans when requested, and commit to the prompt notification of any incident or possible leak within gas systems. DoE plans to publish a guideline document addressing the regulation of all technical and administrative facets associated with gas works. This document will contain standard forms for approved permits, licences, and records, which will help simplify adherence by companies and concerned parties to the provisions of the regulations. Effective upon publication, the regulations represent a key measure in advancing sectoral governance and promoting higher levels of compliance with public safety standards across Abu Dhabi. In accordance with the newly issued regulations, the use of gas cylinders is banned in buildings that have a certified central gas network. Likewise, the installation of gas storage tanks is prohibited in buildings with active underground connections, to strengthen safety systems and minimise the risk of potential incidents. The regulations grant oversight authorities to DoE inspectors and certified third-party inspection (TPI) agencies. These powers include accessing buildings, examining systems, and collecting gas samples, for the purpose of verifying conformity to standards and guaranteeing compliance with safety and preventative measures. The regulations mandate that all companies licensed to supply gas systems secure specific permits from DoE. It also requires individuals responsible for buildings to contract licensed companies for periodic inspections and for handling any emergency cases that may arise. The regulations ensure stringent measures are in place to uphold the highest safety standards for gas works within buildings. A schedule outlining 20 administrative violations along with corresponding penalties, which range from AED500 to AED2 million, is included. Significant penalties were adopted for procedural violations, particularly concerning unlicensed operation, violation of safety measures, stipulations, and approved controls intended to protect consumers from hazards resulting from building gas works, and failure to promptly report incidents. The regulations provide a 30-day grace period for concerned individuals and companies to adjust their situations according to their terms. This period may be extended to 90 days, subject to the DoE's consent, to allow adequate time for fulfilling technical and organisational requirements. Through this step, DoE encourages gas companies, TPIs, inspectors, and personnel in the sector to register with DoE and to communicate their insights, difficulties and proposals via DoE's established channels.
Dubai Eye
02-03-2025
- Health
- Dubai Eye
Abu Dhabi steps up awareness on safe LPG use for Ramadan
The Abu Dhabi Department of Energy is ensuring the safe and responsible use of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) systems across the emirate, coinciding with the start of Ramadan. It has launched the second phase of its public awareness campaign, under the slogan 'Your Safety is Our Priority'. With cooking activities increasing during Ramadan, the initiative highlights the need for safe LPG practices, particularly in homes, restaurants and kitchens. The campaign targets various groups, including labourers, domestic staff, employers and companies that work with LPG systems. Key messages will be distributed through multiple media outlets and social platforms, encouraging residents to adopt safe gas usage habits at work and home to ensure their safety and the safety of their families. . @AbuDhabiDoE has launched the second phase of the Safe Use of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) Systems campaign to coincide with the start of the holy month of Ramadan, aiming to raise awareness among community members, promoting the responsible use of LPG systems in the emirate. — مكتب أبوظبي الإعلامي (@ADMediaOffice) March 1, 2025
TAG 91.1
01-03-2025
- Health
- TAG 91.1
Abu Dhabi steps up awareness on safe LPG use for Ramadan
The Abu Dhabi Department of Energy is ensuring the safe and responsible use of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) systems across the emirate, coinciding with the start of Ramadan. It has launched the second phase of its public awareness campaign, under the slogan 'Your Safety is Our Priority'. With cooking activities increasing during Ramadan, the initiative highlights the need for safe LPG practices, particularly in homes, restaurants and kitchens. The campaign targets various groups, including labourers, domestic staff, employers and companies that work with LPG systems. Key messages will be distributed through multiple media outlets and social platforms, encouraging residents to adopt safe gas usage habits at work and home to ensure their safety and the safety of their families. . @AbuDhabiDoE has launched the second phase of the Safe Use of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) Systems campaign to coincide with the start of the holy month of Ramadan, aiming to raise awareness among community members, promoting the responsible use of LPG systems in the emirate. — مكتب أبوظبي الإعلامي (@ADMediaOffice) March 1, 2025
