BATOOL GHAITH (ABU DHABI)
Abu Dhabi is developing advanced technology with a clear focus on improving everyday life, strengthening infrastructure and creating an ecosystem where research can translate into practical solutions, according to Faisal Al Bannai, Advisor to the UAE President for Strategic Research and Advanced Technology Affairs, and Secretary-General for Advanced Technology and Research Council.
During a session at LIVEX 2026 in Abu Dhabi titled “The city that thinks: Who does it think for?”, Al Bannai said the capital is building a competitive ecosystem supported by research centres, innovative companies and forward-thinking regulation.
“In Abu Dhabi, we are building a very competitive and strong ecosystem,” he said, adding that the city is attracting innovative businesses and building capabilities that support its wider vision.
For Al Bannai, the value of technology is ultimately measured by how simply and reliably it allows people to go about their daily lives. “When the city works well, it gives you the freedom, it gives you the focus to do what you need to do,” he added.
Al Bannai pointed to advanced sensing technologies being developed through the Technology Innovation Institute to identify infrastructure risks early and reduce disruption.
“For the engineer, that means better information to act earlier. For you and me, that would mean a problem addressed before the disruption day,” he noted.
He also highlighted work on advanced membrane technologies for desalination, aimed at lowering energy use, improving reliability and reducing plastic materials.
The same principle applies to Abu Dhabi’s research agenda. “There is a very clear focus in Abu Dhabi of not just doing research, we are also focused on doing research that has an impact. Research that actually solves people’s needs,” Al Bannai said.
He added that every solution should help create a better experience and stronger businesses, as Abu Dhabi is also positioning itself as a place where companies can test ideas and develop technologies that can later scale internationally.
“Bring your ideas here, test here and build solutions that others can depend on. You will notice a dramatic leap in the next few months in what is happening in Abu Dhabi,” Al Bannai said.