Abu Dhabi has launched a new Waterways Monitoring and Control Centre designed to strengthen maritime safety, improve the management of public marine services and support smarter operations across the emirate’s waterways through advanced technology and closer coordination between relevant authorities.
The launch took place in the presence of Sheikh Hamdan bin Saeed bin Tahnoun Al Nahyan and Mohammed Ali Al Shorafa, Chairman of the Department of Municipalities and Transport. The Integrated Transport Centre (Abu Dhabi Mobility), التابعة to the Department of Municipalities and Transport, announced the centre in collaboration with Abu Dhabi Maritime, part of the AD Ports Group, and with the support of the National Guard.
Unified oversight for Abu Dhabi’s waterways
The new centre is intended to bring together the monitoring of waterway safety and general marine operations services under one digital system, while relying on smart systems and predictive analytics to support maritime activity and enhance the experience of waterway users in the emirate.
It will serve as a key hub for managing Abu Dhabi’s waterways, covering navigational channels and waters within the emirate’s water bodies, which extend across more than 45,000 square kilometres. This allows real-time monitoring of public marine navigation operations, public water transport and the movement of marine vessels.
The centre is also responsible for coordinating and overseeing the installation and maintenance of about 2,000 smart lit buoys fitted with sensors, including 1,063 lateral navigation buoys, 367 fixed navigation marks (beacons), 227 signal buoys and 62 directional signs in shallow waters.
More than 40 public marine services
Through electronic channels, the centre supports the delivery of more than 40 public marine services at maritime facilities. It also tracks voyages of marine transport and occupancy patterns across more than 1,500 public marinas, monitors the movement of public marine transport such as ferries and water taxis, manages debris and marine waste removal operations, and issues regular marine notices and publications.
In addition, it handles official inspections and the enforcement of maritime safety regulations at more than 100 public and private marine facilities, as well as around 3,600 recreational vessels. All of this is carried out in continuous coordination with the competent authorities, while operations are unified within a single digital system that uses artificial intelligence to turn data into predictive analytics, supporting decision-making and enabling proactive interventions to ensure safety and protect the environment.
Leadership comments
Dr Abdullah Hamad Al Ghfeli, Acting Director-General of the Integrated Transport Centre, said: “The launch of the Waterways Monitoring and Control Centre enhances public safety, marine mobility and the efficiency of public marine transport services in Abu Dhabi. Through this centre, we aim to encourage the safe use of waterways, strengthen community confidence in enjoying marine activities, and identify opportunities to further develop our assets and services. The launch and operation of the centre reflect the emirate’s vision of integrating smart mobility solutions that improve quality of life, support long-term economic growth and cement Abu Dhabi’s position as a leading global maritime hub.”
Captain Saif Al Mehairi, Chief Executive Officer of Abu Dhabi Maritime and Chief Sustainability and Risk Officer at AD Ports Group, said: “There is a close connection between the safety and sustainability of waterways, as every safe journey reduces the likelihood of pollution and disturbances to marine habitats, which in turn lessens the need for emergency interventions. In this context, the Waterways Monitoring and Control Centre establishes a new benchmark for smart monitoring and predictive management, through reliance on real-time data, advanced analytics and integrated response systems, enabling Abu Dhabi Maritime to ensure safer, faster and more environmentally considerate navigation along the emirate’s coastlines.”
Technology, patrols and coordination
The Waterways Monitoring and Control Centre is managed by the Integrated Transport Centre (Abu Dhabi Mobility), while Abu Dhabi Maritime oversees its operation in close coordination with the National Guard, in accordance with the regulatory framework for maritime safety in waterways.
Alongside the centre’s launch, four new patrols staffed by teams from Neshan Security Services have been introduced to carry out daily survey and inspection rounds to detect unsafe behaviour. The centre’s operations rely on 16 radar stations, 29 surveillance cameras at key locations, more than 400 cameras at public facilities and 17 wireless communication devices for immediate coordination.
The centre is based on Saadiyat Island, with a branch in Al Dhannah City in the Al Dhafra Region, supporting comprehensive oversight of the emirate’s water bodies.