AI System Spots 150 Illegal Dumping Sites in Abu Dhabi Pilot

AI System Spots 150 Illegal Dumping Sites in Abu Dhabi Pilot-

An artificial intelligence-powered monitoring system has identified 150 illegal waste dumping sites in Abu Dhabi during a pilot project, significantly outperforming traditional field inspections, according to the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD).

The pilot, the first of its kind in the UAE, used AI models combined with satellite imagery to detect random waste dumping across selected areas of the emirate. During the same period, conventional on-the-ground inspections uncovered only 43 sites, while the AI-driven system achieved a detection accuracy exceeding 90 percent.

Dr. Shaikha Salem Al Dhaheri, Secretary-General of EAD, said the initiative marks a major advancement in environmental monitoring and enforcement.

“This project embodies the agency’s commitment to transforming toward a smart and sustainable environment, in line with the UAE Strategy for Artificial Intelligence 2031 to enhance government performance and the sustainability of vital sectors,” she said.

She added that the technology plays a key role in supporting Abu Dhabi’s long-term environmental goals. “It enables us to anticipate environmental challenges, improve environmental quality, and promote long-term sustainability through digital innovation and artificial intelligence,” Al Dhaheri noted.

EAD Pioneers Smart Waste Detection System-

The pilot was conducted in Al Bukariyah in the Al Ain Region, where the system demonstrated its ability to automatically analyze satellite data, accurately classify waste, and track changes at dumping sites over time.

Engineer Faisal Al Hammadi, Executive Director of EAD’s Environmental Quality Sector, said the results clearly confirmed the effectiveness of AI-based monitoring.

“The project results demonstrated an accuracy exceeding 90 percent in detecting illegal dumping sites, and the system was able to identify 150 waste sites compared to only 43 sites discovered through field monitoring during the same period,” he said.

“This confirms the efficiency of technological innovation and artificial intelligence in accelerating detection processes and improving the accuracy of environmental monitoring,” Al Hammadi added.

Following the identification of illegal dumping locations, EAD coordinated with relevant authorities to remove waste and rehabilitate affected areas. The agency continues to monitor these sites to prevent repeat violations and ensure long-term environmental protection.

Encouraged by the success of the pilot, EAD plans to scale up the initiative across the emirate by establishing a centralized, AI-powered environmental monitoring platform to support broader sustainability efforts.

The project has also gained international recognition. It was presented at the International Solid Waste Association World Conference 2025 in Argentina, where it received positive feedback from global experts, highlighting Abu Dhabi’s growing leadership in environmental innovation and smart sustainability solutions.