In a significant move to harness artificial intelligence for national climate and environmental objectives, the UAE’s Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MoCCAE) has signed a cooperation agreement with global technology leader IBM. Announced on the sidelines of GITEX Global 2025 in Dubai, the collaboration aims to develop and implement AI-driven capabilities to accelerate the Ministry’s digital transformation and support key national strategies, including the Zero Government Bureaucracy Programme, ‘UAE Centennial 2071’, and ‘We the UAE 2031’.
A Strategic AI-Powered Partnership
The agreement, signed by Her Excellency Eng. Amal Abdulrahim, Assistant Undersecretary for Support Services at MoCCAE, and Mr Shukri Eid, General Manager for Gulf, Levant and Pakistan at IBM, formalizes a joint effort to build a more resilient future. The partnership will focus on using AI as a strategic tool to proactively address environmental challenges, enhance food and water security, and drive progress towards the UAE’s Net Zero 2050 targets. This collaboration underscores the nation’s commitment to leveraging innovation to build an efficient, agile government model and reinforce its position as a global hub for science-driven sustainability.
Targeted AI Applications for Sustainability
Under the agreement, MoCCAE and IBM will develop prototypes and case studies for several innovative projects. A key initiative includes creating an intelligent prototype for CITES certificate verification using AI, which will automate data entry and validation to enhance compliance and data quality. The partnership will also explore mechanisms for advanced fisheries monitoring through mobile applications and cameras at landing sites, providing real-time data to track fish stocks, prevent overexploitation, and ensure the sustainability of marine life. Additionally, the collaboration will focus on developing AI-powered quarantine systems to inspect agricultural and veterinary consignments, accelerating import approvals and protecting national biosecurity.
Enhancing National ESG and Talent Development
To meet global standards and strengthen accountability, the cooperation will support a detailed study on establishing an advanced digital platform for Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) reporting. This platform aims to enable transparent, simplified, and real-time national reporting to support effective climate policies. Aligning with the Ministry’s objective to attract and empower top talent, the partnership also includes specialised training and development programmes. These initiatives will target MoCCAE employees, strengthening their skills and capabilities in advanced technology and modern digital techniques to support the Ministry’s ongoing digital transformation journey.
About The Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MoCCAE)
The Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MoCCAE) is the federal authority of the United Arab Emirates responsible for leading the nation’s efforts in environmental protection, climate action, and sustainable development. The Ministry develops and implements policies and initiatives aimed at conserving natural resources, promoting biodiversity, enhancing food and water security, and achieving the UAE’s climate objectives, including its Net Zero by 2050 strategic initiative.
Source: Zawya
