The Technology Innovation Institute develops new drone technology to detect hidden water leaks from the sky
Abu Dhabi, UAE - The Technology Innovation Institute (TII), a leading global scientific research center and the applied research pillar of Abu Dhabi's Advanced Technology Research Council (ATRC), has introduced a new application of its advanced drone-borne Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR). This radar system uses high-frequency radio waves to create detailed, high-resolution images of the ground, to detect underground water leaks in urban and remote areas without excavation and ground removal. The announcement was made at the World Utilities Congress (WUC) 2025, underscoring the event's role in spotlighting innovative solutions for infrastructure and water security.
Building on its multi-frequency imaging capabilities, this new application of TII's SAR system leverages P-, L-, and C radar signals– each one selected for its distinct advantages. P-band enables deeper subsurface penetration, L-band detects subtle fluctuations in soil moisture, and C-band provides high-resolution imaging of surface changes. Combined, these signals support the detection of anomalies and disturbances that may indicate underground water leaks, enhancing early intervention efforts in both urban and natural environments.
Previously validated for archaeological and infrastructure use, the system is now optimized for sandy environments to detect leaks at depths of up to 40 meters, enabling utilities to identify and mitigate water losses from underground pipelines. This approach introduces a more efficient and sustainable way to monitor infrastructure conditions.
Dr. Najwa Aaraj, CEO of TII, said: 'This latest application of our SAR platform reinforces its versatility in tackling real-world challenges. By enabling non-invasive detection of water leaks, we'll be able to equip utility providers with intelligence that allows early detection of water leaks, helping to conserve one of the world's most vital resources.'
By identifying leaks early and accurately without the need for excavation, utilities can significantly reduce water loss, lower maintenance costs, and avoid expensive infrastructure damage. This proactive approach not only extends the lifespan of pipeline networks but also supports more efficient resource management, delivering long-term savings for governments, municipalities, and utility providers alike.
Dr. Felix Vega, Chief Researcher, Directed Energy Research Center (DERC), said: 'SAR's effectiveness depends on how well we can extract signal from noise, especially in complex environments like sandy terrains. Our latest work focused on enhancing backscatter analysis and coherence metrics to improve subsurface anomaly detection. This has allowed us to push the limits of airborne radar performance in ways that weren't possible even a year ago.'
Compared to conventional sensors, TII's SAR solution provides broader coverage, higher resolution, and consistent performance across various terrains and weather conditions.
With its scalable architecture and modular drone integration, the platform is suitable for use by urban utilities, desert infrastructure operators, and sectors such as agriculture and disaster response.
As the UAE strengthens its national water security strategy, this technology arrives at an important time. By reducing water losses due to leakages, the SAR platform contributes to operational efficiency and supports climate resilience and sustainable resource management, which are goals aligned with the UAE's Net Zero 2050 commitments.
ABOUT TECHNOLOGY INNOVATION INSTITUTE (TII):
The Technology Innovation Institute (TII) is the dedicated applied research pillar of Abu Dhabi's Advanced Technology Research Council (ATRC). TII is a pioneering global research and development center that focuses on applied research and new-age technology capabilities. The Institute has 10 dedicated research centers in advanced materials, autonomous robotics, cryptography, AI and digital science, directed energy, quantum, secure systems, propulsion and space, biotechnology, and renewable and sustainable energy. By working with exceptional talent, universities, research institutions, and industry partners from all over the world, TII connects an intellectual community and contributes to building an R&D ecosystem that reinforces the status of Abu Dhabi and the UAE as a global hub for innovation.
For more information, visit www.tii.ae
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Khaleej Times
16 minutes ago
- Khaleej Times
DFSA report flags mounting risks from AI, quantum computing
The Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA), the independent regulator of financial services conducted in or from the DIFC, has sounded a clear warning about the rising convergence of cyber risks, artificial intelligence (AI), and quantum computing in a new report that outlines the future of digital regulation for global financial systems. 'Cyber and artificial intelligence risk in financial services: Strengthening oversight through international dialogue,' released on June 30, highlights how emerging technologies are reshaping both the opportunity landscape and the threat environment across financial services. Published after the DFSA's inaugural Cyber and AI Risk Regulatory College — attended by 70 senior officials from 18 regulatory authorities worldwide — the report captures regulatory consensus on the accelerating pace of digital transformation and the urgent need for coordinated global oversight. The report underscored the mounting complexity of cyber threats, the disruptive potential of AI, and the systemic vulnerabilities posed by quantum computing. As the lines between operational resilience, cybersecurity, and technological innovation continue to blur, the DFSA's message is clear: regulatory frameworks must evolve swiftly and collaboratively to protect the integrity of global financial systems in a world of accelerated digital disruption. 'Digital risks are no longer peripheral – they are fast becoming systemic,' said Justin Baldacchino, managing director of Supervision at DFSA. 'This report reflects a growing supervisory consensus on where these risks are converging and how regulatory approaches are evolving.' Among the report's key findings is the rising frequency and sophistication of cyberattacks, many of which now involve 'Living Off the Land' tactics — where attackers misuse legitimate tools already present in systems to evade detection. The reliance on shared digital infrastructure, such as cloud services and third-party platforms, has further amplified vulnerability. A single-point failure within a critical provider — be it a cloud operator, payment processor, or managed services firm — could lead to widespread disruption, according to the DFSA. Supply chain attacks also feature prominently in the risk narrative. Financial institutions face threats from compromised credentials, outdated or unpatched software, and malicious updates within partner ecosystems. The proliferation of Internet of Things (IoT) devices and edge technologies — often with weak security governance — has added new threat vectors to an already complex cybersecurity landscape. The report also explores how cloud adoption, while enhancing resilience and scalability, introduces its own set of challenges. Cloud platforms enable faster deployment of AI solutions, but they raise critical concerns around data privacy, jurisdictional control, and vendor dependence. When sensitive financial data is processed or stored across borders, regulatory compliance and data sovereignty become difficult to manage. Herman Schueller, director of Innovation & Technology Risk Supervision at DFSA, emphasised the need for cross-border regulatory collaboration: 'As innovation accelerates, financial regulators globally are actively examining how best to adapt oversight practices. This report reflects the value of open, international dialogue in building mutual understanding of the regulatory, technical, and operational dimensions of digital risks.' One of the most striking themes of the report is the looming risk of quantum computing. Though still in the early stages of development, quantum computers have the potential to break existing cryptographic systems that underpin global financial security. The DFSA report urges early, coordinated planning to prepare for the transition to post-quantum cryptography, warning that institutions must not wait until quantum capability is commercially viable to act. AI-driven threats are another focal point. Malicious actors are now using AI to automate attacks, bypass defences, and even create synthetic media such as deepfakes and voice clones that can deceive users and systems. These AI-powered tools can detect vulnerabilities, launch attacks at scale, and operate autonomously. The report calls for stronger explainability frameworks, third-party risk assessments, and robust governance to manage the growing reliance on AI across financial services. The DFSA also notes that rising geopolitical tensions are compounding digital risks. State-sponsored cyber operations and Advanced Persistent Threats are becoming more frequent and targeted, often remaining undetected for long periods. As global financial institutions operate across jurisdictions with varying regulatory maturity, they face fragmented compliance burdens and heightened exposure to politically motivated cyber threats. The DFSA report contributes to the regulator's broader commitment to proactive, principle-based supervision within the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC). Through ongoing initiatives like the DFSA Threat Intelligence Platform and work on AI governance, the authority is reinforcing its role as a thought leader in managing digital-era financial risks.
Khaleej Times
16 minutes ago
- Khaleej Times
nTrader wins top performing trading platform award at Forex Traders Summit 2025
nTrader, a UAE-based software development company specialising in financial technology, has been awarded the prestigious Top Performing Trading Platform 2025 at the Forex Traders Summit 2025 held in Dubai. The company's reputation in the industry is underscored by a series of prestigious recognitions and strategic sponsorships: Winner of Best Trading Platform 2024, Bronze Sponsor of The Forex Expo Dubai 2024, and Silver Sponsor of The Forex Traders Summit 2025, Dubai. 'At nTrader, our vision is simple, to give brokers and financial institutions the power to run their business on their own terms. We deliver a complete, cutting-edge trading platform with all the tools they need so they can focus on growth, innovation, and client success,' said Asdaque Riffat, co-founder of nTrader. More than just a traditional software provider, nTrader stands out in the fintech industry for its end-to-end solutions tailored to help emerging brokerage firms scale efficiently. Its robust platform and support tools are designed to simplify operations and enhance the client experience across the board. What truly distinguishes nTrader is its integrated suite of broker support tools, which go beyond trading software. These include Client and IB Portal CRM Systems, Copy Trading and Social Trading Platforms, and FIX API Liquidity Bridges connecting brokers to top-tier liquidity providers worldwide As the financial landscape evolves, nTrader remains committed to innovation, reliability, and client success. With its headquarters in the UAE and a growing global footprint, the company continues to set new standards in the fintech and brokerage technology space.
Time Out Abu Dhabi
20 minutes ago
- Time Out Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi's population has boomed in the last year, here's why
If you've noticed the capital's brunch spots, beaches and business lounges feeling a little buzzier lately, you're not imagining it – Abu Dhabi just got a whole lot busier. According to fresh figures from the Statistics Centre – Abu Dhabi (SCAD), the emirate's population jumped by a whopping 7.5 percent in 2024, reaching 4.14 million people. That's a serious leap and it's not just about numbers – it's a sign of Abu Dhabi's rising global pull as a place to live, work and grow. Over the past decade, the population has shot up by 51 percent, up from 2.7 million in 2014. It's part of a much bigger story: one where international professionals, entrepreneurs and investors are flocking to the UAE capital for its stability, safety and next-gen opportunities in everything from AI to finance. Behind the boom? A thriving economy that grew 3.8 percent in 2024, with non-oil sectors making up over half of Abu Dhabi's GDP – a sign the emirate's big bet on diversification is paying off. And it's not just about spreadsheets. Abu Dhabi is rapidly positioning itself as a global talent magnet, with world-class infrastructure, cutting-edge digital services and a forward-thinking government already laying the groundwork for what it calls an 'AI-native' future. Think smart governance that uses data and AI to predict your needs before you even speak up – whether you're a resident renewing a license or a startup scaling up operations. It's all part of the Abu Dhabi Government Digital Strategy 2025-2027. The workforce is growing fast too – up 9.1 percent last year, with professional roles increasing across tech, advanced manufacturing and finance. Over half the population is now aged between 25 and 44, making it one of the most economically dynamic populations anywhere in the world. Add to that the fact Abu Dhabi has been ranked the safest city in the world for nine years running and the most liveable city in MENA for the seventh and it's easy to see why so many are choosing to call it home. What's next? With Dhs107.4 billion worth of construction projects underway and record-breaking investment flowing into sectors like AI and finance, don't expect the momentum to slow any time soon. Whether you're a long-time local or a recent arrival, one thing's for sure: this city is growing – fast. And we're not mad at it. You might also like… Abu Dhabi's best restaurants: Everywhere you should eat at least once Your dinner inspo is sorted 12 fantastic road trips across the GCC Fill up the tank and go Abu Dhabi to Dubai by bus: How to travel between the two cities Everything you need to know, from getting a Nol card to bus timetables Old Abu Dhabi: 15 best spots to uncover the history of the capital Peel back the layers of time
