Abu Dhabi — The Abu Dhabi Department of Energy (DoE) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Space42, a leading UAE-based space technology and artificial intelligence company, to collaborate on the use of AI-driven geospatial solutions that will strengthen Abu Dhabi’s sustainable energy and water management systems.
The agreement represents another milestone in the emirate’s broader digital transformation agenda, reinforcing Abu Dhabi’s position as a global leader in the use of advanced technologies to promote energy efficiency, environmental sustainability, and infrastructure resilience.
The signing ceremony was attended by Dr. Abdulla Humaid Al Jarwan, Chairman of the Department of Energy; Eng. Shaima Abdulla Al Mulla, Executive Director of Licensing, Compliance, and Consumer Protection at DoE; and Hasan Al Hosani, CEO of Smart Solutions at Space42.
Harnessing AI and Space Data for Sustainability
Under the terms of the agreement, Space42 will provide the DoE with satellite imagery as a managed service, enabling the department to access high-resolution optical, radar, and thermal data for real-time monitoring and decision-making. This data will help Abu Dhabi track, manage, and optimise the performance of its energy and water networks with greater accuracy.
Through the integration of artificial intelligence, machine learning, and geospatial analytics, the partnership will allow the DoE to simulate, forecast, and analyse resource use across key sectors such as electricity, water, and district cooling. The technology will support more efficient infrastructure planning, reduce system inefficiencies, and improve sustainability outcomes.
Space42’s geospatial technology will also be used to monitor critical environmental variables such as soil moisture, water usage, and energy distribution, offering valuable insights to enhance water conservation and optimise resource allocation.
Key Areas of Collaboration
The MoU outlines a series of collaborative initiatives focused on using space-based data and AI to address pressing challenges in the utilities sector. These include:
- Integrated Monitoring Systems: Developing a unified monitoring framework for water, electricity, district cooling, and supporting infrastructure using satellite imagery and AI analytics.
- AI-Driven Forecasting: Employing predictive models for rainfall, water table management, and flood resilience to ensure better resource preparedness.
- Infrastructure Planning: Using geospatial data to evaluate network capacity, plan grid expansions, and identify optimal locations for new energy or water infrastructure.
- IoT and Edge AI Deployment: Incorporating Internet of Things devices and edge computing to process real-time operational data from remote assets.
- Environmental and Risk Assessment: Applying space-based thermal and radar data to detect anomalies such as energy losses, leakages, or environmental degradation before they become critical issues.
Together, these capabilities will enable Abu Dhabi’s Department of Energy to develop a data-rich view of its energy and water networks, helping to improve forecasting accuracy, reduce waste, and ensure more sustainable operations across the emirate.
Driving Abu Dhabi’s Digital Transformation
The partnership aligns with Abu Dhabi’s commitment to using advanced digital technologies to meet its sustainability goals and strengthen its energy and water infrastructure. It also supports the UAE’s national strategies on AI, space technology, and climate resilience, including the Net Zero 2050 initiative.
Eng. Shaima Abdulla Al Mulla noted that the MoU underscores the DoE’s strategic focus on embedding innovation into every layer of its operations. “This collaboration with Space42 represents a key step forward in harnessing AI and geospatial intelligence to enhance the efficiency, reliability, and sustainability of Abu Dhabi’s utilities,” she said.
She added that the partnership would not only improve operational visibility but also enable smarter decision-making for long-term resource management.
Space42’s Expanding Role in AI and Space Data
For Space42, the collaboration demonstrates the growing relevance of space-based intelligence in solving terrestrial challenges. By merging satellite observation with AI analytics, the company aims to create real-time insights that can inform both policy and infrastructure planning.
Hasan Al Hosani, CEO of Smart Solutions at Space42, emphasized the strategic importance of the partnership. “This collaboration unlocks the potential of space-based data and AI to advance our shared commitment to smarter, more sustainable urban systems,” he said. “Together with the Abu Dhabi Department of Energy, we are working to ensure that every drop of water and every watt of energy is used efficiently.”
Space42’s technology portfolio includes high-resolution Earth observation satellites, data fusion platforms, and AI algorithms capable of transforming vast quantities of imagery into actionable intelligence. By combining these capabilities with the DoE’s expertise in utilities management, the partnership promises to deliver a smarter, greener, and more resilient Abu Dhabi.
Building Smarter Infrastructure for the Future
As part of the MoU, both entities will explore joint pilot projects and applied research initiatives, aimed at developing new models for infrastructure optimization and sustainability. These efforts will include testing AI-based systems for predictive maintenance, consumption management, and disaster preparedness.
By adopting AI and geospatial data analytics, the DoE can proactively identify areas of energy loss, water leakage, or environmental stress, taking corrective measures before issues escalate. Such early interventions are expected to save significant operational costs while supporting the emirate’s environmental objectives.
The collaboration also complements Abu Dhabi’s growing ecosystem of innovation-focused partnerships across energy, environment, and technology sectors. It demonstrates how the emirate is leveraging space and AI capabilities not only to manage natural resources but also to lead the global shift toward smarter and more sustainable cities.
A Strategic Step Toward a Smarter Abu Dhabi
The partnership between the Abu Dhabi Department of Energy and Space42 reflects the UAE’s continued leadership in the digital transformation of critical infrastructure. By integrating AI, space data, and geospatial intelligence into resource management, Abu Dhabi is setting a new standard for how nations can use technology to drive environmental stewardship and economic efficiency.
Through this forward-looking collaboration, Abu Dhabi reinforces its reputation as a hub for innovation, sustainability, and technological excellence — one that’s shaping the future of utilities management not just for the UAE, but for the wider region and the world.
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