Abu Dhabi has launched an AI-powered Smart Metre Project aimed at improving water efficiency across the agricultural sector, as authorities step up efforts to safeguard resources and support sustainable farming.
The initiative, unveiled in the Al Wathba area by the Abu Dhabi Department of Energy in collaboration with the Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority, integrates artificial intelligence and digital monitoring technologies to track and manage water consumption on farms. It is designed to ensure more equitable water distribution, reduce waste and give farmers access to real-time data to support productivity.
The project connects smart metres to the Department of Energy’s digital platform AD.WE, allowing for more accurate measurement and continuous monitoring of water use. Officials say the system will help identify inefficiencies and losses while supporting data-driven decision-making at the farm level.
The launch follows a successful pilot phase involving a limited number of farms. The scheme currently covers 80 farms in Al Wathba and is set to expand to Al Nahda, where 130 farms will be included, and Al Rahba, which has around 2,500 farms. The phased rollout reflects the authorities’ plan to scale the technology across the emirate’s agricultural areas.
Abu Dhabi advances water smartly
Eng Ahmed Mohammed Al Rumaithi, Undersecretary of the Abu Dhabi Department of Energy, said the project demonstrated how technology and collaboration could transform resource management.
“The Smart Metre Project in Al Wathba is a flagship example of how innovation and collaboration can drive more efficient resource management. By applying AI technologies and data-driven insights, we are reshaping water management in the agricultural sector to ensure this vital resource is used as efficiently as possible,” he said.
He added that the initiative supported Abu Dhabi’s wider commitment to food and water security while encouraging farmers and local communities to adopt more sustainable practices.
Dr Tariq Ahmed Al Ameri, Acting Director-General of the Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority, described the project as a key step in building a smart agriculture ecosystem.
“The Smart Metre Project in Al Wathba marks a pivotal step toward developing a smart-agriculture ecosystem. It provides farmers with accurate, real-time information on water consumption, helping them improve resource management and enhance operational efficiency,” he said.
Water management remains a critical issue for agriculture in the UAE, where arid conditions and growing demand place pressure on limited resources. Authorities have increasingly turned to digital tools, artificial intelligence and advanced monitoring systems to balance agricultural productivity with sustainability goals.
By expanding the Smart Metre Project across more farms, Abu Dhabi aims to embed technology at the heart of agricultural water use, supporting long-term resilience while maintaining output in one of the emirate’s most resource-intensive sectors.
