Abu Dhabi Sustainable Business Leadership Forum 2023 Explores AI's Role In Sustainable Practices

The ninth Abu Dhabi Sustainable Business Leadership Forum began on Wednesday, focusing on "Collaboration for Impact: Harnessing Artificial Intelligence for Sustainable Business Practices." This two-day event gathers global leaders in sustainability, technology, and entrepreneurship to discuss innovative solutions.

Dr. Shaikha Al Dhaheri, Secretary-General of the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD), emphasised the urgent need for innovative actions to tackle climate and biodiversity challenges. She highlighted the critical condition of the Arabian Gulf’s waters and regional desert ecosystems. Al Dhaheri noted that Abu Dhabi is leading in AI-driven environmental solutions.

Al Dhaheri detailed EAD’s AI-led habitat assessment, which covered 11,000 hectares with unmatched precision while cutting costs by 90 percent. The agency's collaboration with "Nabat" employs AI robotics to restore mangrove forests efficiently, establishing Abu Dhabi as a global leader in conservation technology innovation.

She also mentioned the NZ1 project in Masdar City as a milestone in sustainable construction. This project is Abu Dhabi's first net-zero energy office building, generating 102 percent of its annual energy needs and reducing energy consumption by 101 percent compared to international standards.

Dr. Al Dhaheri cited forecasts suggesting that AI could contribute US$15.7 trillion to the global economy by 2030, with sustainability being a key factor. She reiterated Abu Dhabi’s dedication to cutting carbon emissions by 22 percent by 2027, aligning with the UAE’s Net Zero 2050 goal.

Huda Al Houqani, Director of the Abu Dhabi Sustainability Group, stated that using AI in sustainable business is not merely an opportunity but an urgent necessity. She remarked that the forum provides essential platforms for collaboration and dialogue to shape a more sustainable future.

Commitment to Collaboration

Dr. Al Dhaheri reflected on over fifteen years of shared vision through the Abu Dhabi Sustainability Group since its inception in 2008. "With your input, EAD continues to develop the Group to enhance policy engagement, deepen interaction, and expand its network," she said. Plans are underway to further this collaboration by launching the New ADSG in the coming months.

The forum underscores the importance of partnerships and dialogue in advancing sustainable practices through AI innovations. It highlights Abu Dhabi's role as a pioneer in integrating technology with environmental conservation efforts.

With inputs from WAM