UAE Minister of Infrastructure Development Dr Abdullah Al Nuaimi
and Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence (AI) Omar Bin Sultan Al Olama
announced that the UAE is adopting AI technology in the federal roads
projects.
According
to the press
release by the UAE Government, the Ministry of Infrastructure Development
is keen to adopt latest technologies of infrastructure development according to
the highest standards while renovating its roads construction standards. A
number of projects enabled by AI have been developed in cooperation with the
private sector, which is in line with the UAE's vision and its strategy of AI
that was recently announced.
At
the same time, the use of AI contributes to safety, sustainable development and
environmental protection by reducing fuel consumption, emitted toxic gases,
projects waste, preventing workers' exposure to work environment hazards and
maintaining occupational safety.
Minister
Abdullah Al Nuaimi stressed that the Ministry's adoption of the UAE Strategy
for AI stems from its belief in the importance of tapping into technology to
serve the infrastructure development field, and utilising available human and
financial resources in a creative way that accelerates the implementation of
development programs and projects to reach the future.
"The UAE strategy for Artificial Intelligence is a key
driver for transforming the UAE into a world-leader in innovation and leading
global indicators by 2021," Minister Abdullah Al Nuaimi added.
Meanwhile, Minister of State for AI, Omar Al Olama said that
the UAE Government are keen on cooperating and coordinating with all ministries
and institutions to implement various applications of AI.
The Minister commented that these AI applications reduce
time, effort and cost, increase security and safety levels, and facilitate for
smooth traffic on the roads. They are also environmentally friendly and
sustainable.
“The application of artificial intelligence will have a
positive impact on safety in this sector and will reduce cost in a very drastic
matter, with an increase in efficiency and a reduction in labour used by 80%,”
he said.
“The UAE is adopting artificial intelligence in a very fast
yet strategic manner in active sectors that will have the most impact. These
effects are all aimed towards the benefit of the country and the happiness of
its people.”
The comments
by the Ministers were made during their field tour to the Kalba Ring Road
development project. The Kalba Ring Road development project will contribute to
a reduction of 54% in project duration, 37% in fuel consumption, 80% in
manpower dependence and 40% in equipment and manpower needed.
Minister
of Infrastructure Development Abdullah Al Nuaimi announced the launch of the
second phase of the road project connecting Sheikh Khalifa Street in Fujairah
with the Khatm Melaha Customs Center and the E99 Road (Kalba Ring Road), which
is approximately 7 km long. The road project is expected to be completed during
the third quarter of next year 2019.
The project consists of a two-lane highway with an island
median that will allow for future development of the road by adding a third
lane, in addition to a traffic signal, rainwater drainage, road lighting system
and lighting poles on both sides of the road.
Minister Al Nuaimi stated that the Kalba Ring Road project,
with its first and second phases stretching to 12.5 kilometers, will contribute
once complete to reducing the pressure on the internal roads of Kalba city by
diverting the movement of the trucks off the city. This will increase the user
safety and road efficiency by reducing traffic and journey time by 16 minutes.
It will also support the economic, commercial and tourist growth of the city
and the Eastern Region in general and facilitate the movement of residents in
Mohammed Bin Zayed City and the surrounding areas.
In general, the initiatives by the Ministry of
Infrastructure Development are in line with the UAE artificial strategy of 2031
which aims to make the UAE a leading country in the adoption of artificial
intelligence. The technology is expected to result in huge economic returns with
an expected growth rate of 26%, and economic savings of at least 335 billion
dirhams.
