Abu Dhabi has launched a Smart Meter project that aims to improve water efficiency throughout the agricultural sector, as authorities make efforts to protect resources and support sustainable farming.
The initiative, unveiled in the Al Wathba area by the Abu Dhabi Ministry of Energy in collaboration with the Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Authority, includes technology to monitor and manage water use on farms. It is designed to ensure equitable distribution of water, reduce waste and give farmers access to real-time data to support production.
The project connects smart meters to the Department of Digital Figital Platform Ad.Si, allowing more accurate measurement and continuous monitoring of water consumption. Authorities say the system will help identify inefficiencies and losses while supporting data-driven decisions at the farm level.
The launch follows a successful flight phase involving a limited number of farms. The scheme currently includes 80 farms in Al Wathba and is set to expand in Al Nahda, where 130 farms will be included, and has approximately 2,500 farms. The release of the stages shows the authority’s plan to scale the technology in the areas of the Emirate.
Abu Dhabi is developing water smartly
Eng Ahmed Mohammed al Rumaithi, Abu Dhabi’s energy ministry, said the project showed how technology and collaboration can transform resource management.
“The Smart Meters Project in Al Wathba is a Flagship example of how cooperation and collaboration can drive resource management more efficiently. By re-using AI Technologies in the agricultural sector to ensure that this important work is used as efficiently as possible,” he said.
He added that this initiative supports Abu Dhabi’s broader commitment to food and water security while encouraging farmers and local communities to adopt sustainable practices.
Dr. Tariq Ahmed al Ameri, Generalic General of the Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Authority, described this project as a key step in building a smart agricultural ecosystem.
“The Smart Meters project in Al Wathba marks a positive step in developing a smart agriculture ecosystem. It provides farmers with information on water usage, improving resource efficiency,” he said.
Water management has always been a critical issue for agriculture in the UAE, where drought conditions and increasing pressures on resources exist. Authorities have turned to digital tools, artificial intelligence and advanced monitoring systems to measure agricultural productivity for sustainability purposes.
By expanding the Smart Meters project across many farms, Abu Dhabi aims to embed technology at the heart of agricultural water use, supporting long-term sustainability while maintaining the output of one of the Emirate’s most advanced sectors.
