AI-powered Illegal Waste Dumping Detection Project

pilot completed

The Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD) launched a pilot project using artificial intelligence and satellite imagery to identify illegal waste dumping across the Emirate. The project aims to improve waste management, strengthen environmental monitoring, and redefine oversight through smart technology. It is the first in the UAE to combine AI models with satellite analysis for waste management, enabling automatic data analysis and prediction of potential violations. The pilot was implemented in Al Buqairiyah, Al Ain, achieving over 90% accuracy by identifying 150 illegal dumping sites compared to 43 found through traditional inspections. The system tracks waste types, site size changes, and duration, allowing quicker action and more effective cleanup. Following the pilot's success, EAD plans to expand the project across the Emirate through a centralized AI-powered monitoring platform.