The United Arab Emirates and IBM are collaborating on a new initiative to develop artificial intelligence systems for environmental monitoring. The partnership, announced at the GITEX Global 2025 conference in Dubai, will focus on creating AI-driven prototypes to address challenges in wildlife trade, fisheries management, and environmental, social, and governance (ESG) reporting. This effort is part of the UAE’s broader strategy to integrate advanced technology into its environmental and economic planning.
At the core of the collaboration is the development of AI models to automate and improve the verification of certificates for the international trade of endangered species, monitor the sustainability of local fish stocks, and establish a transparent platform for national ESG reporting. The partnership aims to leverage IBM’s expertise in AI and hybrid cloud technologies to support the UAE’s Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MoCCAE) in achieving its long-term environmental and digital transformation goals, including its Net Zero 2050 targets. The initiative also includes training programs to enhance the technological skills of ministry employees, ensuring the sustainable implementation of these new systems.
Automating Wildlife Trade Compliance
A primary focus of the joint effort is the creation of an intelligent system to automate the verification of CITES certificates. CITES, the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, is a global agreement to ensure that international trade in specimens of wild animals and plants does not threaten their survival. The AI-powered system will automate data entry and validation for CITES and phytosanitary certificates, which are required for the trade of plants. This automation is designed to accelerate compliance processes, reduce administrative burdens, and improve the quality of data related to wildlife trade. By streamlining these procedures, the UAE aims to more effectively enforce global conservation standards and protect its native species.
The initiative aligns with the UAE’s “Zero Government Bureaucracy Programme,” which seeks to simplify and streamline government services. According to Amal Abdulrahim, the UAE’s Assistant Undersecretary for Support Services and Chief AI and Innovation Officer at MoCCAE, the goal is to use AI as a strategic tool to proactively address environmental challenges. The system is expected to not only enhance the efficiency of trade oversight but also provide more accurate and timely data for conservation efforts. This will allow for better monitoring of trade routes and more effective interventions to combat illegal wildlife trafficking.
Monitoring Fisheries and Agricultural Imports
Sustainable Fisheries Management
Another key component of the partnership is the development of an AI-driven system for monitoring the UAE’s fisheries. This system will use mobile applications and cameras at fish landing sites and local markets to track fish stocks with greater accuracy. The real-time data collected will help prevent overexploitation of fish populations and ensure the long-term sustainability of the nation’s fishing industry. By providing a clearer picture of fish populations and catch levels, the technology will enable more effective management and conservation of marine resources. This is particularly important for a region where seafood is a significant part of the local diet and economy.
Enhanced Quarantine and Biosecurity
The collaboration will also see the development of an AI-powered quarantine system for inspecting agricultural and veterinary consignments. This system will facilitate more detailed inspections of imports, potentially speeding up approval procedures while also helping officials to more effectively detect biological risks. By improving the efficiency and accuracy of these inspections, the UAE aims to enhance its food security and protect its agricultural sector from pests and diseases. The system will also play a role in monitoring the wildlife trade for potential biosecurity threats, further strengthening the country’s ability to manage its environmental and public health risks.
Advancing ESG Reporting and National Goals
The agreement between the UAE and IBM includes a study to explore the requirements for establishing a digital platform for ESG reporting. This platform would enable transparent and real-time national reporting on environmental, social, and governance metrics, supporting the UAE’s climate policies and enhancing government accountability. The ability to collect and analyze ESG data more effectively will be crucial for the UAE as it works towards its Net Zero 2050 target and other sustainability goals. A centralized digital platform will provide a clearer and more comprehensive view of the country’s environmental performance, enabling better-informed decision-making and policy development.
The initiative is aligned with several of the UAE’s long-term strategic plans, including the “UAE Centennial 2071” and “We the UAE 2031” visions. These plans emphasize the importance of digital transformation and sustainable development in securing the country’s future prosperity. Shukri Eid, General Manager for the Gulf, Levant, and Pakistan at IBM, noted that the scalable solutions developed through this partnership could serve as a model for other countries in the region and around the world. The collaboration represents a significant step towards integrating advanced technology into national environmental management and governance.
Building Capacity for a Digital Future
A crucial aspect of the partnership is IBM’s commitment to providing training and capacity-building programs for MoCCAE employees. These programs will focus on advanced technology and digital techniques, equipping ministry staff with the skills needed to support the country’s broader digital transformation strategy. By investing in human capital, the UAE aims to ensure that it can not only adopt new technologies but also sustain and build upon them in the long term. This focus on skills development is essential for creating a culture of innovation within the government and for ensuring that the benefits of technological advancements are widely shared.
The collaboration is one of several technology partnerships to emerge from GITEX Global 2025, where AI applications for environmental management were a prominent theme. The work extends IBM’s existing presence in the Gulf region, where the company has been expanding its hybrid cloud and AI capabilities. While specific investment figures and timelines for the projects were not disclosed, the agreement underscores the growing importance of public-private partnerships in addressing complex environmental challenges. The successful implementation of these AI-driven systems in the UAE could provide a valuable blueprint for other nations seeking to leverage technology for environmental sustainability.