In line with the Year of Sustainability and as part of Abu Dhabi Mangrove Initiative (ADMI), the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD) has announced an innovative partnership with Nabat, a new climate tech venture by the Advanced Technology Research Council’s VentureOne. This collaboration aims to revolutionise mangrove restoration in Abu Dhabi by leveraging AI and autonomous robotics to enhance effectiveness, efficiency, and accuracy.
The agreement was signed during the first edition of the International Mangroves Conservation and Restoration Conference (IMCRC). His Excellency Faisal Al Bannai, Secretary General of the Advanced Technology Research Council (ATRC) and Adviser to the UAE President for Strategic Research and Advanced Technology Affairs signed the agreement, joined by Her Excellency Dr Shaikha Salem Al Dhaheri, Secretary General of EAD.
As part of the agreement, EAD will provide expert ecological guidance, ensuring the restoration projects align with Abu Dhabi’s environmental landscape. The EAD input includes insights on ecological requirements and supporting site selection for maximum impact. Nabat will lead the development and deployment of advanced technologies, including AI and autonomous robotics solutions, to streamline and optimise mangrove restoration efforts.
The partnership’s primary focus is to deploy advanced AI-powered robotics to make mangrove restoration efforts data-driven and more efficient. These technologies will set a new benchmark for ecological restoration, helping to mitigate environmental degradation while contributing to global climate change solutions. The collaboration aims to reflect Abu Dhabi’s role as a regional and international hub for technological innovation, demonstrating the emirate’s commitment to integrating AI and robotics across diverse sectors, including environmental conservation.
His Excellency Faisal Al Bannai, Secretary General of ATRC and Adviser to the UAE President for Strategic Research and Advanced Technology Affairs, said: “Mangroves are vital to our planet’s health, and Nabat is committed to using advanced technology solutions to conserve them. Our partnership with EAD a key step in ensuring that our conservation efforts are data-driven and will have the greatest possible impact on the UAE’s fight against climate change.”
Her Excellency Dr Shaikha Salem Al Dhaheri, Secretary General of EAD, said: “This partnership with Nabat signifies a transformative step in environmental restoration. By merging cutting-edge technology with ecological expertise, we are not only restoring critical habitats like mangroves but also inspiring other tech innovators to invest in sustainable solutions. This collaboration reaffirms Abu Dhabi’s position as a leader in innovation and sustainability.”
The project aims to highlight the use of AI and autonomous robotics to address critical ecological challenges and the importance of multi-sectoral integration in driving impactful change. Globally, the partnership seeks to set an example of how technology can mitigate environmental challenges, encouraging further investments in sustainability-focused innovations. By fostering partnerships with tech-focused organisations, the EAD aims to propel the technology sector forward while addressing pressing environmental challenges.
