Latest news with #SARAALZAABI
Al Etihad
2 days ago
- Business
- Al Etihad
AI-powered energy control platform AD.WE to transform Abu Dhabi's utilities sector
30 May 2025 00:53 SARA ALZAABI (ABU DHABI)The Abu Dhabi Department of Energy (DoE) has entered into a strategic partnership with Presight and AIQ, marking a significant step toward integrated, AI-enabled energy management aimed at enhancing efficiency and during the World Utilities Congress in the UAE capital earlier this week, the agreement will see the development of an advanced AI-driven control centre platform. will deliver real-time analytics to support and optimise the energy and utilities sector across Abu Dhabi's Presight, an international big data analytics company powered by GenAI, has developed the smart platform that would manage the integrated to Aletihad, Dr. Adel Al Sharji, Chief Operating Officer of Presight, said, 'The platform will contribute to optimising energy use and production lines.' Using AI to manage facilities and infrastructure can streamline various operations, contributing to the emirate's sustainability goals, Al Sharji said. He cited its impact on the agriculture sector — managing energy and water resources in farms — as an example. 'With AI and sensors, we can track weather conditions, like dust or humidity, and apply algorithms to protect crops and conserve energy,' he said. "These IoT sensors gather data, feed it into our AI platform, which interacts with the information and applies specific procedures based on different scenarios."In this case, the outcomes are clear: savings in energy, water, and increased agricultural productivity, Al Sharji said. 'Farms can see improved yields and better resource allocation regardless of their distance."One of the project's main goals, he added, is to ensure "effective management that allows global energy companies to safely present ideas and experiments on the platform.''If these ideas succeed, they will be implemented by the Department of Energy,' Al Sharji said. 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 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 an interview with Aletihad, Dr. Adel Bin Subaih, Chief Operations Officer at AIQ, said the company will work hand in hand with DoE and Presight to build the state-of-the-art platform that consolidates necessary data and insights.'This will improve the Department of Energy's operational efficiency and productivity, giving them a full picture on how to reduce operating costs,' Bin Subaih a joint venture between G42, Presight, and ADNOC, is pioneering and developing complex AI solutions for the energy currently has three primary offerings in its portfolio. 'We have one called SMARTi, which focuses on protecting people and enhancing safety. Another product is EMISSIONX—this helps monitor and advise on decarbonisation efforts, directly contributing to the UAE's and Abu Dhabi's 2050 sustainability goals,' Dr. Bin Subaih said. The third key product, the Corrosion Suite, 'is designed to protect assets rather than people.''It monitors pipeline infrastructure and provides recommendations on preventive maintenance, helping safeguard utilities and facilities,' Dr. Bin Subaih said. These three solutions—Smart Eye, Emission X, and CORROSCAN—are now being integrated into the newly signed agreement alongside the real-time digital platform.
Al Etihad
2 days ago
- Business
- Al Etihad
Zayed National Museum hosts region's first ‘Preserving Our History Symposium'
30 May 2025 00:56 SARA ALZAABI (ABU DHABI) The Zayed National Museum hosted the 'Preserving our History Symposium' on May 28–29 at Saadiyat Island Rotana Hotel in Abu the course of the two-day event, local and international conservation professionals came together to engage in workshops and scientific in collaboration with West Dean College and Plowden & Smith, the event included paper, metal, textile and paintings conservation workshops for also featured workshops on 3D printing and digitisation; shedding light on UAE goals to preserve cultural heritage through innovation and to Aletihad, Fatima Mansoor Al Tamimi, Head of the Conservation Unit at the Zayed National Museum, said that this symposium is the first of its kind.'We organised it in partnership with West Dean College and Plowden & Smith, and it covers theory, practical work and scientific analysis,' she event featured a diverse series of workshops in paper and parchment conservation, metals, ceramics, painting, textile, 3D printing, replica making and digitisation.'Our goal at the Zayed National Museum is to preserve the history and culture of the UAE —continuing the vision of the UAE's Founding Father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, who was deeply connected to his people,' she Tamimi explained that the symposium filled a major cultural void in the region.'We tailored this to address our needs in the UAE and the region. We are rich in heritage, but we lacked the programmes to educate the community on how to protect it.'She highlighted the importance of blending traditional conservation with modern tools: 'We are introducing 3D printing and replica-making as a way to safely display fragile items, especially when originals cannot always be shown. And in this digital era, we have also added digitisation and documentation into the programme.'The broader goal, she said, is about building a culture of preservation. 'We are creating a sustainable and aware community,' she added. Lizzie Neville, Head of the School of Conservation at West Dean College, told Aletihad: 'We wanted to show how conservation is a global, collaborative field.'She said the goal is to offer more specialist education: 'There is so much heritage here that needs to be preserved. We are now hoping to provide more specialist education to encourage people here to pursue conservation careers.'On 3D printing, Neville explained: 'If an object is too delicate to display or travel with, reproductions can be used instead — especially in schools or public exhibits.' Scientific analysis also comes into play.'We want to show what can be learned just by observing,' she said, noting examples like identifying materials and studying paper fibres under a materials were another focus.'Some modern plastics and papers are less stable than ancient ones,' she was a demonstration of proper textile handling too.'Our textile conservator showed participants the best ways to protect delicate garments.'Digitisation concluded the training.'Once records are safely preserved, they can be digitised and made accessible online,' said and founder of Al Majlis Abdulla Almansouri told Aletihad about his decades-long efforts to preserve Islamic and Emirati heritage.'I have major collections — Islamic, traditional Emirati, and one dedicated to the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan,' he said, listing items like swords and manuscripts, and pieces that hold real historical value for the UAE.'What started as a hobby over 30 years ago became a mission,' he the current symposium, Almansouri said: 'Last year, I asked Al Tamimi for access to training abroad. She replied, 'We will bring it here'. And they did.' The workshops, he added, taught him vital conservation skills: 'We learned how to store, transport, and restore different materials. It helped us a lot.'
Al Etihad
2 days ago
- Business
- Al Etihad
World Utilities Congress 2025: Exhibitors and speakers show how innovation is powering the future of utilities
30 May 2025 00:16 SARA ALZAABI (ABU DHABI)Exhibitors and speakers at the World Utilities Congress 2025 offered Aletihad insights into breakthrough technologies and bold strategies redefining the future of Technology Innovation Institute (TII) has introduced Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) drone-mounted technology that has been used in detection of underground water leaks at depths up to 40 metres without the need to dig Lead Researcher Luciano Oliveira said: 'The origin of TII SAR began with a clear and urgent challenge: how can we see what's happening beneath the surface accurately, efficiently and at scale?'TII's drone-based SAR differs from conventional satellites with its low altitude - a flexible way of operating and deeper ground penetration.'We integrated SAR into UAV platforms, allowing for high-resolution subsurface imaging,' he how it works, Oliveira added: 'TII SAR sees underground using radar waves. When water leaks, it changes the soil's properties, much like how a cloth darkens when wet. With AI, we can distinguish actual leaks from natural moisture and detect issues long before they reach the surface.'He highlighted the system's precision: 'We combined long-wavelength radar with drone flexibility. It is capable of identifying buried features, including moisture anomalies and underground structures.'After field testing, Oliveira said the tool 'performed well in detecting subsurface changes across different environmental conditions.'This technology reduces non-revenue water loss and boosts infrastructure efficiency.'Presenting the breakthrough at the World Utilities Congress, Oliveira said: 'We are not just unveiling a new tool; we are presenting a strategic solution to global challenges around infrastructure resilience and water security.'François Xavier Boul, Managing Director for ENGIE's Renewables and Batteries division in the MENA region, highlighted the company's focus on developing large-scale solar PV, battery storage systems and low-carbon desalination to help decarbonise critical infrastructure and support national transition the Congress, ENGIE highlighted its full project lifecycle capabilities: 'We are developing, financing, constructing, owning and operating power and water projects. We bring the most advanced technologies and secure projects from the early stages,' he said ENGIE's current projects include photovoltaic (PV), wind and battery storage projects, as well as advanced reverse osmosis (RO) desalination technologies.'Batteries are evolving fast - similar to how PV progressed a decade ago,' he is also exploring high-efficiency gas turbines with lower carbon footprints to support decarbonisation goals.'We are offering decarbonised solutions throughout the energy chain,' Boul said. 'That is the future.'He also highlighted the shifting trends in the energy sector in Abu Dhabi.'Abu Dhabi has been a pioneer. There has always been a strong focus on energy efficiency, and the grid here is among the most efficient in the world. With more renewables and nuclear coming online, Abu Dhabi continues to lead the energy transition.'He pointed to rising investments in grid stability and battery storage, including ENGIE's recent 800 MWh bid: 'We're seeing more battery deployment as part of building the energy systems of the future.'Boul added: 'The future is decarbonised. ENGIE's 2045 net zero target is one of the world's most ambitious - and we are on track, pushing boundaries to deliver innovative, low-carbon solutions.'Charles-Edouard Mellagui, CEO of the Cable Business Unit at Ducab, explained the company's vital role in clean energy: 'Without our cables, this transition cannot happen. You can build capacities, but you cannot use them unless power is transmitted.'Ducab aligns with the UAE's 2030 energy vision.'We are part of the UAE's mission to triple renewable energy capacity by 2030 - from 4,000 to 12,000 gigawatts,' he said, but warned, 'Copper is limited. That is why circular economy and innovation are crucial.'He highlighted rising energy demand driven by AI: 'A Chat GPT query consumes 3MWh compared to 0.3 for a Google search. That's 10 times more power. This is a megatrend.'On grid reliability, he said: 'Solar and wind are intermittent. We need storage and intelligence to avoid waste… That is the power of interconnectivity.'Mellagui continued: 'Our focus is on sustainable solutions, not just products… What if there's no copper left? That's why recycling is our future.'Factories emit CO2, but that CO2 can become a resource… It is not waste; it is opportunity,' he added.'Sustainability, interconnectivity, smart energy, storage and carbon capture - these are the pillars shaping the future of energy.'Speaking at the World Utilities Congress 2025, Oxana Dankova, Partner and Global Lead of Energy Networks at BCG, outlined how technology and consumer behaviour are reshaping energy systems.'The concept of flexibility today is about solving two key challenges,' she said.'First, matching supply and demand in time. Second, maintaining the grid's stability as we scale volatile renewables.'She stressed the importance of digital solutions: 'AI is essential. We need to simulate and react in real time... and no human can do that manually.'On storage, she said: 'Storage helps shift generation to meet demand, and it can inject power instantly to stabilise the grid.'Noting the infrastructure hurdles, Dankova said: 'We need to build five to six times more grid… That creates huge pressure on supply chains and skilled labour.'She added: 'Hydrogen could be a long-term storage solution… But the cost of electrolysers must drop.' Turning to the future, she noted: 'Abu Dhabi has the land, sun and ambition… Consumer flexibility - like when we charge EVs - will help us avoid overburdening the grid.'
Al Etihad
3 days ago
- Business
- Al Etihad
UAE showcases cutting-edge rescue technologies at Cospas-Sarsat meeting
29 May 2025 00:24 SARA ALZAABI (ABU DHABI)Several UAE entities are taking part in the international Cospas-Sarsat meeting in Abu Dhabi, showcasing their contributions to global emergency response efforts. From an advanced 'life detector' to data analytics, these teams are harnessing cutting-edge technologies to help save lives during those working with the National Search and Rescue Centre (NSRC) during emergencies is the UAE's Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority (TDRA). At the Cospas-Sarsat meeting, the authority highlighted the importance of live tracking data in life-saving to Aletihad, Eng. Saleh Al Musabi, Director of Spectrum Services, Eng. Saif Khalid Al Naqbi, and Eng. Hessa Ahmed Al Mahmoud elaborated on the TDRA's pivotal role in rescue efforts."We are responsible for registering three categories - individuals, aircraft, and vessels - on the 406 MHz emergency frequency used for rescue operations. We have developed a dedicated portal to handle this registration efficiently," they TDRA team manages "a modern, advanced database for all beacons registered in the UAE, whether on land, sea, or air," they technology uses satellite systems with global coverage. "We have a major centre that receives distress signals from individuals, planes, or ships via satellites and forwards them to the appropriate authorities," they Dubai Police are also showcasing the wide range of devices they use in search-and-rescue operations - from ropes to high-tech may sound basic, but these effectively help rescuers reach stranded victims faster, "without the need to build a full system to descend", Hassan Almuaini, an instructor at Dubai Police HQ, told the event of a building collapse, a more advanced tool - a life detector - is used to identify movement and sounds beneath the rubble, Almuaini explained. The device is equipped with sensors strategically placed around the site to aid in monitors on the sensor provide readings that allow responders to pinpoint victims quickly and accurately."Search always comes before rescue. Once we identify a victim using this technology, we begin extraction," Almuaini helpful device on display is the Dubai Police's Rescue Radar. "It detects objects under the ground up to 10 metres deep. It is one of the most advanced tools we have, and every second counts during a rescue operation," the instructor most versatile tool, however, is the drone system, Almuaini said."The drone assists in wide-area searches - especially at night - with spotlights and thermal cameras. It's an ideal tool for locating people lost in dunes or difficult terrain," he the ongoing Cospas-Sarsat meeting, the Sharjah Airport Authority reaffirmed its commitment to supporting international search and rescue Sahoo Alsuwaidi, Acting Director of Emergency Planning and Standards at Sharjah Airport Authority, emphasised the platform's vital role in facilitating knowledge exchange and strengthening global collaboration in rescue Airport has incorporated international best practices into its emergency response framework, particularly early incident reporting and multi-agency explained: "Within our operational system for Airport Emergency Services (AES), we've implemented the METHANE framework to enable immediate reporting of air incidents, and adopted the Joint Emergency Services Interoperability Principles (JESIP) to streamline and unify field operations." "These tools have significantly improved coordination during drills and real-world responses, enhanced operational readiness, and ensured compliance with the UAE's General Civil Aviation Authority requirements," he added.
Al Etihad
4 days ago
- Business
- Al Etihad
TAQA, DEWA unveil visions for sustainable future
28 May 2025 00:37 SARA ALZAABI (ABU DHABI)Two leading players in the UAE's utilities sector - TAQA Water Solutions and Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) - unveiled their visions for a sustainable future at the World Utilities Congress to Aletihad, Eng. Abdulwahab Sharif, Chief Business Development Officer at TAQA Water Solutions, emphasised the company's dedication to sustainable water management and global innovation.'We are keen to show our commitment to the global agenda when it comes to sustainable water solutions,' Eng. Sharif described the company's core mission: 'Our mandate is to collect, treat and reuse every drop of wastewater in the emirate of Abu Dhabi.'Currently, TAQA Water Solutions treats over one million cubic metres of wastewater per day, with a reuse rate of approximately 80%, largely for landscaping, agriculture, and industrial purposes.'This is a record number. We are very proud to share this with the world, and we are aiming to reach 100%,' he the technologies in use, Eng. Sharif explained: 'We work with local and global partners, using different technologies tailored for each system. We are using the latest solutions available in the field.'A key innovation showcased at the Congress is SCADA - an AI-powered intelligent system that monitors and manages operational assets in real time.'SCADA gives you visibility of all your assets and how they are being operated. It collects sensor data and helps optimise performance,' he Water Solutions is also taking its expertise abroad. 'We have started looking at how to take our knowledge overseas,' Eng. Sharif noted.'One of the recent developments is in Uzbekistan. Together with our partners, we are going to develop the largest wastewater treatment plant in the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) region, with a capacity of one million cubic metres per day.'Also under development is a project to collect water from mountainous regions and use gravity-powered hydroelectricity to carry, treat, and supply it to the new Tashkent city. 'This is a mega project we are proud to announce, still in the development phase,' he Sharif strongly advocated for the use of Treated Sewage Effluent (TSE) in industrial applications. 'We take the wastewater, treat it further, and reuse it in industry - instead of consuming the precious potable water produced through desalination.'Reflecting on the broader significance of water sustainability, he remarked: 'Water is the most important sector in the whole emirate - more important than energy. It is the source of life. Without water, there is no life.''Our mission is to ensure that every drop is used properly, and our vision is to be a global pioneer in sustainable solutions,' he concluded. 'Globally, there is a lot of emphasis on reusing water. As aquifers are being depleted and desalination becomes more costly, water reuse is emerging as a crucial alternative.'Meanwhile, Eng. Meera Baqer, Solar Energy Engineer at DEWA, highlighted the UAE's flagship renewable energy initiative.'We are here today at the World Utilities Congress 2025 to showcase our project, the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park - the largest single-site solar park in the world developed using the Independent Power Producer (IPP) model,' she said.'To date, the current capacity of the park has reached 3,860 MW.' She further noted that DEWA plans to ramp up the park's capacity. 'By 2030, the solar park's production capacity is set to reach 7,260MW. Therefore, once fully completed, it will reduce carbon emissions by 8 million tonnes annually.'
