Today's Edition
MAYS IBRAHIM (ABU DHABI)
The UAE's energy sector is embracing artificial intelligence and automation at an unprecedented rate, fueled by the country's ambitious vision and openness to innovation, said Widad Haddad, Vice President and General Manager for UAE, Oman, Yemen, and Lebanon at Emerson.
"The UAE has a growth mindset. It's willing to try new technologies and be a pioneer – qualities that make it an ideal partner for bold innovations," she told Aletihad in an interview at ADIPEC 2025.
"The talent here is exceptional, and the next 20 years will see the country transform again, driven by technology, innovation, and sustainable energy development."
Emerson is a 140-year-old American multinational specialising in process automation with a presence in the UAE.
The company provides a range of automation technologies, including field devices, control valves, and AI-driven software, designed to support energy producers in modernising operations and improving efficiency.
Haddad emphasised that industrial AI is key to achieving both operational excellence and sustainability.
By analysing vast volumes of data across operations, AI can help companies identify inefficiencies, prioritise interventions, and make faster, smarter decisions.
"AI consumes energy, but applied strategically, it helps reduce emissions, optimise operations, and achieve tangible sustainability improvements," she explained.
Emerson's technologies also track key performance indicators, enabling operators to make data-driven decisions. Even small optimisations, such as refining steam layouts, can result in significant cost and energy savings.
Haddad outlined Emerson's "Autonomous by Design" philosophy, where automation handles routine operational tasks while human expertise focuses on areas requiring judgment and complex decision-making.
Digital twins (virtual replicas of physical plants) allow engineers to test designs, train staff, and optimise processes before construction, thereby reducing costs, enhancing safety and improving operational readiness.
These solutions are particularly relevant for low-carbon projects such as hydrogen, ammonia and carbon capture.
