Hamdan Bin Zayed Emphasises AI's Role In Sustainable Development At Environment Agency Meeting

H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler's Representative in Al Dhafra Region and Chairman of the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD), emphasised the significant impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on sustainable development goals. He commended EAD's initiatives to incorporate advanced technologies, aligning with the UAE Artificial Intelligence Strategy and supporting the UAE Centennial 2071.

The meeting at Nakheel Palace, chaired by Sheikh Hamdan, was attended by notable figures including Dr. Amna bint Abdullah Al Dahak Al Shamsi, Minister of Climate Change and Environment; Dr. Mugheer Khamis Al Khaili, Chairman of the Department of Community Development; Mohamed Ali Al Shorafa, Chairman of the Department of Municipalities and Transport – Abu Dhabi; Razan Khalifa Al Mubarak, EAD’s Managing Director; Musabbeh Al Kaabi, Executive Director of Low-Carbon Solutions and International Growth Directorate; Nasser Mohammed Al Mansouri, Under-Secretary of the Office of the Ruler's Representative in Al Dhafra Region; and Dr. Shaikha Salem Al Dhaheri, Secretary-General of EAD.

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Sheikh Hamdan highlighted that by 2025, EAD aims to complete 300 projects based on 36 environmental indicators. These projects focus on reducing emissions, enhancing resource efficiency, and improving air and water quality. The agency has already achieved 90% of its listed projects and met 86% of its monitored environmental indicators.

He praised EAD's achievements in implementing its ambitious strategy. The agency has taken a leading role regionally and globally in areas such as climate change adaptation and effective implementation of environmental laws. It ranks highly among global institutions for integrating AI applications and generating abundant environmental data.

EAD is developing a digital twin for Abu Dhabi's ecosystems and its assets. This will include smart applications integrated into operations to create virtual replicas. These simulations will support environmental sustainability by monitoring natural resource consumption and predicting policy impacts before implementation.

The Oil Spill Detection application is one such smart tool that identifies oil spill locations in marine environments. This enables rapid response to protect Abu Dhabi's vital natural habitats from damage. An Outfall Monitoring application will also use continuous satellite imagery to ensure compliance with environmental regulations.

Future Strategy Focused on AI

Sheikh Hamdan reviewed EAD’s new five-year strategy for 2026 to 2030, which focuses on AI to enhance ecosystem monitoring capabilities. This strategy aims to make EAD the first government entity to apply AI across all core operations by 2030.

The strategy includes continuous aerial imaging, environmental monitoring, and predicting air and water quality changes in real-time. It seeks to lead technological innovation in governmental environmental operations through AI integration into all activities.

Smart Applications Enhancing Sustainability

EAD is also working on a Fish Species Identification and Counting application that uses underwater videos to provide valuable data for fisheries management. AI will help identify marine habitats from video data to support restoration initiatives.

An Environmental Change from Imagery application will be developed using aerial imagery to monitor habitat changes over time. Additionally, technology will be applied in terrestrial environments for recognising various animal species like birds and nests.

The Environmental Data Platform being developed by EAD is an integrated system powered by AI that provides comprehensive insights into environmental conditions. This platform will enable informed decision-making and enhance conservation efforts significantly.

Sheikh Hamdan acknowledged President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan's support for enabling EAD’s progress in implementing its corporate strategy from 2021-2025. This backing has enhanced EAD’s ability to tackle environmental challenges while ensuring sustainability of natural resources within the emirate.

With inputs from WAM