Safety is the clearest example of tangible impact of AI on energy, says NMDC

Dr. Yasser Zaghloul, Group CEO of the National Marine Dredging Company (NMDC) Group, highlighted safety as the most tangible impact of artificial intelligence on energy projects at this year's ADIPEC conference. He explained that AI will transition from a showpiece technology to an ordinary part of the planning, building, and maintenance of energy projects within the next five years.

Companies should tie every digital investment to measurable outcomes on-site, with safety being the most visible result. At NMDC, an AI camera system named AMAN monitors fabrication yards and offshore vessels, detecting dangers like workers not wearing protective gear or risks from suspended loads, allowing teams to intervene before accidents occur.

By applying AI throughout the entire project lifecycle, from design and material procurement to construction and operation, companies can identify delays and errors more quickly, reducing the need for costly rework and helping projects stay on budget and schedule. Long-term planning in the UAE, backed by significant infrastructure spending, will benefit from AI's ability to provide real-time insights, enabling faster decision-making and early problem detection.

To successfully scale AI across a workforce of over 35,000 employees, Zaghloul emphasizes the importance of cultural and governance factors alongside technology. NMDC has deployed over 70 AI agents across various operations, but the company's key principle is that technology should augment, not replace, engineering judgment. Adoption of AI is most effective when it is driven by user adoption rather than top-down mandates.

Zaghloul advocates for stronger collaboration between energy producers, engineering and marine contractors, global technology firms, and local universities to foster homegrown innovation. Investing in training Emirati engineers and data specialists will ensure the development and oversight of these systems are handled by local talent, advancing the UAE's transition towards a more resilient and sustainable energy industry.