MBZUAI Developing AI-Powered Tools For Tackling Extreme Weather In The Gulf
In the wake of the unprecedented April 16 weather event that swept across the Gulf region, the Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI) is pioneering the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in urban planning to mitigate the effects of climate change-induced extreme weather events. A team led by Dr. Salman Khan, Associate Professor of Computer Vision at MBZUAI, has developed a prototype utilizing AI and computer vision to analyze satellite data for flood assessment in areas hit by severe weather.
Employing case studies from the Palm in Dubai, Musaffah in Abu Dhabi, and AlBuraimi in Oman, the team's work involves analyzing satellite imagery before and after the storm to assess changes and damage. This innovative tool aims to assist municipalities and authorities in swiftly evaluating the impact of heavy rainfall, pinpointing waterlogged roads, and identifying critical infrastructure at risk, such as hospitals, schools, and residential areas.
The current model, though in its nascent stages, leverages AI algorithms and freely available data sources like Sentinel-2 imagery and OpenStreetMap. Dr. Khan shared insights from the Dubai case study, revealing that 140 kilometers of roads were affected by the storm, indicating the potential of this technology in emergency response and urban planning.
Dr. Khan underscored the utility of such automated analysis tools in assisting local authorities to identify critical areas needing immediate attention post-disaster and to facilitate the recovery process. The team has outlined the capability of AI in forecasting the impact of future rainfall on urban areas, which could lead to the development of early warning systems and contribute to making cities more resilient against climate change.
Moreover, MBZUAI is collaborating with IBM on AI solutions to identify and mitigate urban heat islands, further showcasing the potential of AI in addressing urban and environmental challenges. Dr. Khan expressed ambitions to expand the flood assessment study across the Gulf region and to refine the tool with additional data inputs for enhanced accuracy.
The initiative aims to support urban planners, government authorities, and the community in strengthening infrastructure resilience, planning for future events, and implementing long-term strategies for water resource management. MBZUAI plans to engage with key stakeholders including the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD), the Department of Municipalities and Transport (DMT), local developers, and the UAE flood assessment committee to share their findings and explore collaboration opportunities.
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