Ministry harnessing AI in road projects
TECHNOLOGY IS REDUCING THE COST, TIME, FUEL AND MANPOWER NEEDED FOR COMPLETING PROJECTS, MINISTER SAYS
Using artificial intelligence (AI) in federal road projects will reduce cost, time, fuel and manpower, the Minister of Infrastructure Development said yesterday.
Dr Abdullah Mohammad Bel Haif Al Nuaimi’s comments followed a field tour of the Kalba Ring Road project, accompanied by Omar Sultan Al Olama, Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence.
Al Nuaimi said using AI in the project would contribute to a reduction of 54 per cent in project duration, 37 per cent in fuel consumption, 80 per cent in manpower dependence and 40 per cent in equipment and manpower.
A number of projects enabled by AI have been developed in cooperation with the private sector, in line with the UAE’s strategy for AI that was announced recently.
Al Nuaimi said that using AI for automating equipment contributes to sustainability by reducing fuel consumption by 63 per cent. It also decreases the emission of toxic gases and amount of waste, while preventing workers’ exposure to occupational hazards.
He added: “The Ministry of Infrastructure Development continues the journey of excellence and global leadership that has been achieved over the past years and has contributed to the country’s global elite status thanks to the solidarity of various parties concerned, supported by the directives of the ■ country’s wise leadership and decision-makers.”
Al Olama 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 Ministry of Infrastructure Development’s activities are in line with the UAE Artificial Intelligence Strategy of 2031, which aims to make the UAE a leading country in the adoption of AI. This technology will have great economic returns such as a growth rate of 26 per cent, and economic savings of Dh335 billion.”
Second phase launched
Al Nuaimi also announced the launch of the second phase of the road project connecting Shaikh Khalifa Street in Fujairah with the Khatm Melaha Customs Centre and the E99 Road (Kalba Ring Road), which is around 7km long. Expected to be completed during the third quarter of 2019, the cost of the road project will reach around Dh60 million.
He said the Kalba Ring Road project, with its first and second phases stretching to 12.5km, will contribute to reducing the pressure on the internal roads of Kalba city by diverting the trucks movement off the city. This will increase the safety of roads users and flow of traffic, reduce the journey time by 16 minutes.
The road will also strengthen the geographic link with Oman by facilitating transportation and traffic to Khatm Melaha border port, which connects the UAE with Oman.