Al Ain is using artificial intelligence to analyse the quantity and health of its thousands of palm trees.
The collaboration with Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre counted 45,000 palms in Abu Dhabi's "Garden City", analysing satellite imagery to an accuracy of 98.7 per cent in less than seven days.
Before technology was introduced, the most reliable way to assess land use or crop performance was to send surveyors into the field to measure by hand.
The process was slow and expensive to determine if crops were healthy and the yield was good, according to US research non-profit RTI International.
In addition to being faster and less expensive, combining AI and satellite imaging can provide actionable insights for farmers, such as helping them pinpoint irrigation and fertiliser needs, or monitor for erosion or the effects of climate change.
Al Ain, which has been a Unesco world heritage site for a decade, is home to extensive oases and more than 100 varieties of date palm trees.
Saeed Al Mansoori, who leads the department that developed the technology at the space centre, said the project demonstrated its readiness to generate insights on other environmental monitoring efforts.
The centre builds and operates Earth observation satellites, offering imaging and data analysis services to clients around the world, and is also part of the International Disasters Charter and Sentinel Asia, playing a crucial role in disaster relief and management globally.
"These services provided by MBRSC have been used for monitoring environmental changes, in addition to disaster relief efforts, as artificial intelligence enables us to integrate information, analyse data and use the resulting insights to improve decision making,” Mr Al Mansoori said.
In the case of the Al Ain project, the centre aims to support the UAE's efforts to increase agricultural productivity, and to serve as an example of how technology can help in realising sustainable development while preserving the environment and balancing economic and social development.
In addition to Earth monitoring, the centre is also responsible for the UAE Astronaut Programme, which led Maj Hazza Al Mansouri to become the first Emirati astronaut, when he travelled to the International Space Station on a scientific mission in 2019. The centre also oversees the development of the Mars 2117 project to build a human colony on Mars.
The Sand Castle
Director: Matty Brown
Stars: Nadine Labaki, Ziad Bakri, Zain Al Rafeea, Riman Al Rafeea
Rating: 2.5/5
What can victims do?
Always use only regulated platforms
Stop all transactions and communication on suspicion
Save all evidence (screenshots, chat logs, transaction IDs)
Report to local authorities
Warn others to prevent further harm
Courtesy: Crystal Intelligence
What the law says
Micro-retirement is not a recognised concept or employment status under Federal Decree Law No. 33 of 2021 on the Regulation of Labour Relations (as amended) (UAE Labour Law). As such, it reflects a voluntary work-life balance practice, rather than a recognised legal employment category, according to Dilini Loku, senior associate for law firm Gateley Middle East.
“Some companies may offer formal sabbatical policies or career break programmes; however, beyond such arrangements, there is no automatic right or statutory entitlement to extended breaks,” she explains.
“Any leave taken beyond statutory entitlements, such as annual leave, is typically regarded as unpaid leave in accordance with Article 33 of the UAE Labour Law. While employees may legally take unpaid leave, such requests are subject to the employer’s discretion and require approval.”
If an employee resigns to pursue micro-retirement, the employment contract is terminated, and the employer is under no legal obligation to rehire the employee in the future unless specific contractual agreements are in place (such as return-to-work arrangements), which are generally uncommon, Ms Loku adds.
Benefits of first-time home buyers' scheme
- Priority access to new homes from participating developers
- Discounts on sales price of off-plan units
- Flexible payment plans from developers
- Mortgages with better interest rates, faster approval times and reduced fees
- DLD registration fee can be paid through banks or credit cards at zero interest rates
How to apply for a drone permit
- Individuals must register on UAE Drone app or website using their UAE Pass
- Add all their personal details, including name, nationality, passport number, Emiratis ID, email and phone number
- Upload the training certificate from a centre accredited by the GCAA
- Submit their request
What are the regulations?
- Fly it within visual line of sight
- Never over populated areas
- Ensure maximum flying height of 400 feet (122 metres) above ground level is not crossed
- Users must avoid flying over restricted areas listed on the UAE Drone app
- Only fly the drone during the day, and never at night
- Should have a live feed of the drone flight
- Drones must weigh 5 kg or less
