Adnoc and SLB have announced a collaboration to implement artificial intelligence solutions to reduce operational workloads across 120 oil rigs. This initiative aims to enhance efficiency and productivity within Adnoc's extensive drilling operations. The deployment of AI is expected to streamline processes and optimize resource management in the energy sector. Why it matters: This partnership signifies a major step in the adoption of AI within the UAE's critical oil and gas industry, demonstrating how advanced technology can drive operational efficiency and modernization in large-scale industrial environments.
Oman's digital economy reached OMR800 million in 2023, demonstrating significant progress towards the nation's Vision 2040 goals. This growth is bolstered by initiatives such as the "Invest in Oman" portal and the national Digital Economy Programme. These efforts are designed to diversify the economy, attract foreign direct investment, and reduce the Sultanate's reliance on oil and gas sectors. Why it matters: This development highlights Oman's commitment to fostering a technology-driven economic environment, which is foundational for the future integration and adoption of AI within the country.
Kongsberg Digital and Petroleum Development Oman (PDO) have signed an agreement to deploy AI-based digital twins. These digital twins will leverage Kongsberg Digital's Kognitwin® Energy cloud-based dynamic process simulator. The goal is to enhance operational efficiency and optimize PDO's oil and gas operations. Why it matters: This deployment signifies the growing adoption of AI-powered digital twins in the Middle East's energy sector, potentially improving productivity and sustainability.
KAUST Ph.D. graduate Tariq Alturkestani won the best paper award at Euro-Par 2020 for his doctoral thesis on overlapping I/O and compute in large-scale scientific computation using multilayered buffering mechanisms. His work re-evaluates the Reverse Time Migration (RTM) method used by geoscientists for oil and gas explorations, utilizing emerging storage technologies. The paper was co-authored with Professor David Keyes and Dr. Hatem Ltaief from the KAUST Extreme Computing Research Center (ECRC). Why it matters: This award highlights KAUST's growing prominence as a hub for Saudi talent and research in supercomputing and extreme computing, particularly in applications relevant to the region's energy sector.
KAUST and Fugro conducted the first remotely operated vehicle (ROV) training program in Saudi Arabia in 2018 through the KAUST-Fugro Center of Excellence for Marine Technology. The Fugro ROV Academy is accepted by major oil and gas companies, providing KAUST marine science students access to deepwater ROVs and pilot training. KAUST Ph.D. student Lina Eyouni became the first Saudi female ROV pilot through this program. Why it matters: The initiative enhances marine research capabilities in Saudi Arabia, aligning with Vision 2030 by promoting environmental protection and providing students with industry-standard training in robotics.
KAUST Ph.D. students Kai Lu and Yuqing Chen won Best Presentation awards at a Society of Exploration Geophysicists workshop in Beijing. Lu's research focuses on machine learning applications in seismic processing, while Chen uses machine learning for automated semblance spectrum picking. They both leverage KAUST's Shaheen II supercomputer for their work. Why it matters: This highlights the increasing role of AI and ML in the oil and gas industry, and KAUST's contribution to advancing these technologies.
KAUST alumna Shamael Al-Shuhail won the Abu Dhabi International Exhibition & Conference (ADIPEC) Young Engineer of the Year Award in 2018. Al-Shuhail, who graduated from KAUST with a master's degree in electrical engineering in 2015, was recognized for her potential contributions to the oil and gas industry. She currently works as a technology solutions architect at Saudi Aramco, focusing on compressive sensing for ultrasonic imaging in oil and gas wells. Why it matters: This award highlights the role of Saudi universities like KAUST in fostering talent and innovation for the region's critical energy sector.
In 2012, Saudi Aramco formed an Intelligent Systems team composed primarily of KAUST graduates to prototype robots for oil and gas operations. The team developed SAIR (Saudi Aramco Inspection Robot) in 18 months, a robot capable of visual and ultrasonic inspection of steel assets and gas sensing. SAIR is wirelessly operated, compact, and detects corrosion in hard-to-reach places. Why it matters: This highlights the critical role of KAUST in supplying talent for advanced technology development in Saudi Arabia, particularly in robotics for the energy sector.