An online panel discussion entitled "AI Applications in the Water Sector: Towards Sustainable and Smart Management" organised jointly by the Energy Department of the General Secretariat of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), the Gulf Water Sciences and Technology Association (WSTA), and Arabian Gulf University (AGU), will be launched on February 17. This panel aims to exchange expertise and discuss means of applying AI in the water sector in the Gulf.

The panel handles the experiences of GCC and Arab countries in employing AI in the water sector, besides its applications in managing water resources and enhancing water security, as well as the challenges and opportunities in applying these technologies.

The panel targets water specialists and officials in relevant ministries, academics and researchers in the water sector, specialists in emerging technologies and AI experts, alongside representatives of regional and international organisations concerned with water management, officials in national water companies, and innovative technology companies.

Professor of Water Resources Management at AGU, Chairman of the Scientific Committee at WSTA, Prof. Waleed Zubari, explained that water resources management is one of the most prominent strategic challenges facing Gulf countries which suffer from a significant scarcity of natural water resources while witnessing rapid population growth and economic development that increases the demand for water and the costs of providing it.

“With rapid developments in emerging technologies, AI comes with tremendous capabilities to provide innovative solutions for the efficient management of water resources,” he said. “The panel presents a significant opportunity for GCC countries to learn about the latest developments in this field, exchange expertise between specialists, and explore opportunities for local application of these technologies. The panel will also raise awareness regarding the importance of AI in addressing water challenges, and encouraging innovation and partnerships between the public and private sectors to develop smart and sustainable solutions for managing water resources in the region.”

For his part, the Director of Energy at the GCC General Secretariat Dr Mohammad Falah Al Rashidi, indicated that participants in the panel will present smart solutions to improve the efficiency of water consumption in various sectors, after reviewing the applications of AI in managing water resources and raising their efficiency. The latest technologies in the field will also be discussed with the aim of enhancing cooperation between government and research agencies and the private sector in adopting AI technologies.

Speaking at the panel will be Associate Professor and Consultant in Digital Intelligent Systems, Chair of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers Education Chapter, UK and Ireland, Dr. Zeyad Yousif Al-Shibaany, and Regional Representative of the International Water Management Institute in the Middle East and North Africa, Dr. Youssef Brouziyne, while Prof. Waleed Zubari will moderate.