Dubai – Masaader News
Dr. Abdullah Belhaif AlNuaimi, Minister of Infrastructure Development, along with His Excellency Omar Bin Sultan Al Olama, Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, explored the ministry’s application of Artificial Intelligence technology in the federal roads projects during their field tour to the Kalba Ring Road development project, which 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.
He emphasized that the Ministry of Infrastructure Development is working on applying the latest technologies of infrastructure development according to the highest standards while renovating its roads construction standards. Accordingly, a number of projects enabled by Artificial Intelligence have been developed in cooperation with the private sector, which is in line with the UAE’s vision and its strategy of Artificial Intelligence that was recently announced.
He also pointed out that using Artificial Intelligence for automating equipment contributes to supporting the sustainability and environment system, which is considered a main pivot of the ministry’s strategy, in terms of reducing fuel consumption by 63%, emitted toxic gases, projects waste, preventing workers’ exposure to work environment hazards and maintaining occupational safety.
He said: “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 concerned parties, supported by the directives of the country’s wise leadership and decision-makers.”
Furthermore, he also stressed that the ministry’s adoption of the UAE Strategy for Artificial Intelligence stems from its belief in the importance of tapping into technology to serve the infrastructure development field, and utilizing the futuristic visions that are capable of completing the advancement of this vital sector, as well as investing all capabilities in the best manner and utilizing available human and financial resources in a creative way that accelerates the implementation of development programs and projects to reach the future.
Abdullah AlNuaimi added: “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.” Technology is certainly an essential component for supporting the rapid growth of the Ministry of Infrastructure Development projects and initiatives, achieving global leadership in the field of infrastructure, maintaining the country’s accomplishments in leading the global competitiveness index in roads quality for four consecutive years, and ranking fourth in the infrastructure quality index
Abdullah Belhaif AlNuaimi, Minister of Infrastructure Development, 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. Expected to be completed during the third quarter of next year 2019, the cost of the road project will reach around 60 million Dirhams.
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, as well as the metal barriers which play an important role in protecting and separating the two sides.
He mentioned 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 safety and security rates of the users and efficiency of the roads and flow of traffic and reduce the 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. The road will also strengthen the geographic link with the Sultanate of Oman by facilitating transportation and traffic to Khatm Melaha border port, which connects the UAE with the Sultanate, and considered one of the largest land ports in the country.
Meanwhile, His Excellency Omar Al Olama, Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, said: “We are keen on cooperating and coordinating with all ministries and institutions to implement various applications of Artificial Intelligence. We have a huge and sophisticated package of such programs and initiatives that will interpret the country’s strategy for Artificial Intelligence. The futuristic vision of our wise leaders emphasizes the leading role of our country in this field, as we have the capabilities, resources, legislation and infrastructure to qualify for such a status.”
He added: “We are very pleased with the application of Artificial Intelligence technologies on the roads with the Ministry of Infrastructure Development. These 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 UAE will adoption of artificial intelligence starts in the infrastructure sector as the data inputs are clear and direct and the impact of this technology will be quick and apparent. 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 continues, “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 activities are in line with the UAE artificial strategy of 2031 which aims to have the UAE be a leading country in the adoption of artificial intelligence. This technology will have great economic return such as a growth rate of 26%, and economic savings of 335 billion dirhams.