MBZUAI is developing AI technologies to improve understanding and conservation of marine environments. AI algorithms analyze data from satellite imagery, ROVs, and sensors to identify patterns and trends, with machine learning models predicting oceanographic phenomena. Computer vision automates the identification of marine organisms, aiding in biodiversity assessments and ecosystem health evaluations. Why it matters: This research supports sustainability goals, such as improving biodiversity assessments and enabling faster responses to environmental events in the region's sensitive marine ecosystems.
MBZUAI and the UAE's Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE) have signed an agreement to launch an AI lab within MOCCAE. The lab will focus on AI solutions for environmental, agricultural, and climate-related challenges, supporting the UAE's food security strategy and UN Sustainable Development Goals. Example use cases include AI-powered strawberry-picking robots and AI tools for monitoring and visualizing climate change. Why it matters: This initiative signals a commitment to leveraging AI for sustainability and environmental stewardship, potentially establishing the UAE as a leader in applying AI to address critical environmental challenges.
MBZUAI will showcase AI research for sustainability at COP28 in Dubai, highlighting AI's role in addressing climate change. The university will present research projects including generative AI, efficient AI operating systems, remote patient monitoring, and AI solutions for urban heat islands. MBZUAI will also emphasize its role in developing the UAE’s AI ecosystem. Why it matters: This underscores the increasing recognition of AI as a crucial tool for achieving sustainability goals in the Middle East and globally.
KAUST Beacon Development is assisting NEOM in understanding and protecting marine megafauna in the Red Sea, utilizing AI to process drone footage of habitats. Researchers are surveying areas around Sindalah to study the distribution of species like dolphins, turtles, and dugongs. This data will help reduce risks to marine life from vessel traffic and human activities. Why it matters: The partnership showcases the use of AI and drone technology for marine conservation in the region, setting a benchmark for similar efforts and highlighting NEOM's commitment to sustainable ecosystem management.
A new study uses the UNet++ deep learning model and Sentinel-2 satellite data to monitor mangrove dynamics in the UAE from 2017 to 2024. The model achieved a mean Intersection over Union (mIoU) of 87.8% on the validation set. Results indicate a significant increase in mangrove area, primarily in Abu Dhabi, contributing to enhanced carbon sequestration across the UAE.