UAE AI Office partners with EGA to boost AI adoption in industrial sector

The UAE’s Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy and Remote Work Applications office and Emirates Global Aluminium have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to promote the adoption of artificial intelligence in the industrial sector.

The agreement was signed by Omar Bin Sultan Al Olama, Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy, and Remote Work Applications, and Abdulnasser bin Kalban, Chief Executive Officer of EGA, at the World Governments Summit (WGS) 2024 in Dubai.

Al Olama affirmed that digitising various vital sectors by adopting artificial intelligence applications is a fundamental cornerstone in enhancing the UAE’s competitive position globally, and accelerate the pace of digital transformation in all industrial sectors.

He praised the proactive efforts of Emirates Global Aluminium Company in enhancing the applications of Fourth Industrial Revolution solutions in its operations, including artificial intelligence solutions.

Abdulnasser Bin Kalban, Chief Executive Officer of Emirates Global Aluminium, said, “At EGA, we fully recognise the power of artificial intelligence to transform everything we do, from automating industrial processes to improving employees’ experience at work. Many of the opportunities ahead of us are shared with others. Through the Artificial Intelligence Office of the Government, we look forward to delivering our own transformation faster and more effectively while inspiring other companies with what is possible.” Under the agreement, the Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy and Remote Work Applications office and EGA will work together to develop research partnerships for artificial intelligence, including for use in developing new aluminium alloys. As well, they will also cooperate to upskill EGA staff on artificial intelligence, jointly promote career opportunities to UAE National students, and work with universities to ensure their curricula meet the needs of industry.

EGA began its own Industry 4.0 transformation in 2021 to further improve operational efficiency, with the goal of becoming a digital lighthouse for the region and the global aluminium industry.

The agreement supports the company’s efforts to implement Fourth Industrial Revolution solutions using artificial intelligence in various fields, including improving supply chain, enhancing automated quality testing, and strengthening safety procedures in its factories.

Big Data Ecosystem launched: The Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure (MoEI) launched the Big Data Ecosystem for the Energy and Infrastructure Sectors and the Digital Twin Platform for the Energy and Infrastructure sectors in cooperation with stakeholders from the government and private sectors in order to enhance the quality of life and sustainable development.

The two initiatives were announced by Suhail Mohamed Al Mazrouei, Minister of Energy and Infrastructure, at a press conference held at the World Governments Summit. At the event, MoEI signed a number of memoranda of understanding different entities to support these initiatives.

The big data ecosystem and platform aim to analyze and leverage big data and digital technologies to improve strategic decision-making and sustainable development in the fields of energy and infrastructure, and to enhance the country’s leadership within global competitiveness indicators.

Al Mazrouei stressed the role of the two projects in helping achieve the sustainable development goals, by improving energy consumption and promoting optimal use of resources, which is part of a broader vision that seeks to transform the UAE into a global center for innovation in the energy and infrastructure sectors.

The Big Data ecosystem aims to link integrated data with partners to promote the transition to more sustainable energy systems through data analysis, provide the best proactive services, reduce the duration of service provision, increase customer happiness, and enable informed decision-making. It also leverages artificial intelligence, simulation, and predictive smart analytics to shape the future of energy and infrastructure, in addition to its role in building capabilities and developing human resources.

Speaking of the Digital Twin Platform, the Minister said, “Digital twinning is the latest technology that creates an accurate digital model of assets, operational facilities, and service facilities in a way that allows the transfer of live data and information to simulate behavior and monitor operations. This contributes to a deeper understanding, improving performance and management, increasing efficiency, identifying potential malfunctions, and predicting risks. Through the platform, the Ministry aspires to enhance the decision-making process and improve the overall performance of the infrastructure sector.”