Artificial intelligence is becoming an increasingly practical tool in the UAE’s energy industry, with Abu Dhabi-based NMDC Group identifying workplace safety as one of the areas where the technology can deliver immediate operational value.
Dr Yasser Zaghloul, Group Chief Executive Officer of NMDC Group, discussed the role of AI in energy projects during ADIPEC 2026 in Abu Dhabi. He said the technology is expected to become more deeply integrated into how companies plan, construct and maintain energy infrastructure over the coming five years.
Rather than focusing only on new digital innovations, the company is looking at how AI can address everyday operational challenges, particularly accident prevention, project delays and equipment maintenance.
AI cameras help identify workplace hazards
One of NMDC Group’s practical applications is AMAN, an AI-powered camera monitoring system used across fabrication yards and offshore vessels.
The technology analyses live video footage to identify potential workplace safety risks. These include workers operating without the required personal protective equipment (PPE) and hazards involving suspended loads.
By identifying unsafe conditions, the system can alert teams so that corrective action can be taken before an incident occurs.
The approach reflects a wider shift in industrial safety management, where companies are increasingly using digital monitoring to identify risks rather than relying exclusively on inspections after problems arise.
NMDC’s 2025 Integrated Report also identifies AMAN, its AI-driven Monitoring and Alert Network, as a system designed to detect workplace hazards and provide real-time alerts.
AI moves beyond safety monitoring
Safety is one part of NMDC’s broader digital transformation strategy.
According to Zaghloul, AI can support different stages of an energy project, from initial design and procurement to construction and the operation of vessels.
Digital systems can help project teams identify potential delays, errors and supply-chain problems earlier. This allows companies to address issues before they lead to additional work, higher costs or missed deadlines.
Predictive maintenance is another area of interest. AI-supported analysis can help identify when equipment may require servicing, allowing maintenance teams to plan interventions before equipment failures disrupt operations.
Automated inspection technologies can also support the monitoring of underwater structures and facilities, reducing the need to depend entirely on conventional inspection methods.
More than 70 AI agents across operations
NMDC Group is also expanding the use of AI across its workforce and business functions.
Zaghloul said the organisation currently operates more than 70 AI agents across different operations. These systems support information processing and business activities, helping employees access information and make decisions more efficiently.
However, the company’s approach does not position AI as a replacement for technical expertise.
Engineering judgement and human oversight remain important, particularly when decisions involve complex construction activities, offshore operations and workplace safety.
NMDC Group has also highlighted the importance of employee acceptance when introducing new technology. Workers and project managers are more likely to adopt digital systems when they can see how these tools improve their daily responsibilities.
The Group has a workforce of more than 35,000 people, making technology adoption, training and organisational coordination important considerations in its digital transformation.
Collaboration and local talent remain important
NMDC Group also sees partnerships as an important part of developing industrial technology.
Collaboration between energy companies, engineering contractors, technology providers and universities can help develop solutions suited to the requirements of major infrastructure projects.
Building local expertise is another priority. Training Emirati engineers and data specialists to design, manage and oversee AI systems can strengthen the UAE’s ability to develop its own industrial technology capabilities.
For the UAE, the wider opportunity extends beyond introducing AI software into existing operations. The technology can become part of how energy infrastructure is designed, maintained and managed.
As AI adoption expands across the industry, its value will increasingly depend on whether it can improve measurable outcomes, including safer working environments, more reliable equipment and better project execution.
NMDC Group’s experience at ADIPEC 2026 places workplace safety at the centre of that discussion.
Q1. What is NMDC Group doing with artificial intelligence?
NMDC Group is expanding AI across its operations, including workplace safety monitoring, project management, equipment maintenance and operational decision-making.
Q2. What is AMAN at NMDC Group?
AMAN is an AI-powered camera monitoring system designed to identify workplace hazards, including missing protective equipment and risks involving suspended loads.
Q3. Who is the CEO of NMDC Group?
Dr Yasser Zaghloul is the Group Chief Executive Officer of NMDC Group.
Q4. Where did NMDC Group discuss its AI strategy?
The company’s AI strategy was discussed during ADIPEC 2026 in Abu Dhabi.
Q5. How many AI agents does NMDC Group operate?
According to Dr Yasser Zaghloul, NMDC Group operates more than 70 AI agents across its operations.
Q6. Can AI help improve safety in energy projects?
AI-powered monitoring can identify unsafe conditions and alert teams, helping them respond to potential hazards before accidents occur.
Q7. Will AI replace engineers at NMDC Group?
The company’s stated approach is to use AI to support and strengthen engineering judgement rather than replace human expertise.
Q8. Why is AI important for the UAE energy sector?
AI can support safer operations, predictive maintenance, project planning and more efficient management of complex energy infrastructure.
