The UAE’s Ministry of Climate Change and Environment has signed a strategic partnership with IBM to utilise artificial intelligence in accelerating its sustainability initiatives, including net zero ambitions and environmental conservation.
The UAE’s Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MoCCAE) has recently taken an important step forward in pushing its sustainability goals by signing a strategic partnership agreement with IBM. This partnership was officially announced during the GITEX Global 2025 event held in Dubai. Its main purpose is to develop and apply cutting-edge artificial intelligence (AI) technologies, aligning closely with the ministry’s broader push for digital transformation. The initiative also aims to support several key national programs, including the Zero Government Bureaucracy Programme, the UAE Centennial 2071, and the “We the UAE 2031” vision.
The agreement was signed by Engineer Amal Abdulrahim, who is MoCCAE’s Assistant Undersecretary for Support Services as well as CEO of AI and Innovation, along with Shukri Eid, the General Manager for IBM Gulf, Levant, and Pakistan. This move really shows their shared interest in harnessing AI as a strategic tool to face urgent environmental issues. These include boosting food and water security, promoting sustainable use of natural resources, and making progress toward the UAE’s ambitious goal of achieving Net Zero Carbon Emissions by 2050.
Engineer Amal Abdulrahim emphasized how transformative this partnership could be, highlighting AI’s potential as a proactive solution for environmental challenges. She mentioned that this collaboration aims to improve the ministry’s operational efficiency and flexibility, ultimately helping the UAE position itself as a global leader in sustainability innovation rooted in science and technology.
Shukri Eid shared this positive outlook and described the agreement as a tangible demonstration of joint dedication to innovation for a more resilient future. He added that while the solutions developed will mainly serve the UAE’s national goals, they could also be scaled up for regional and even global use. Pretty interesting, right?
One of the first projects under this partnership is the creation of an AI-powered prototype system designed to automate the verification process of CITES certificates—these are crucial for controlling trade in endangered species. The system will automate data entry, authenticate phytosanitary and health certificates, and help streamline the environmental regulatory procedures.
Another significant initiative involves developing AI-based monitoring tools for managing fish stock sustainability. Using mobile apps and smart cameras at fishing landing sites and markets, this system aims to accurately monitor fish populations, prevent overfishing, and provide real-time data to support sustainable fisheries management.
Additionally, the partnership will focus on deploying AI technologies to speed up agricultural and veterinary quarantine inspections. These tools will improve early detection of biological threats, protect the UAE’s biosecurity, and make importing agricultural products much faster.
A key component of the collaboration is the development and study of an advanced digital platform aimed at improving Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) reporting. This platform is expected to make sustainability reporting more transparent, easier to carry out, and real-time, thereby strengthening climate policies and accountability across government bodies.
Capacity building is also a big part of this plan. The agreement includes launching specialized training programs to equip MoCCAE staff with advanced digital and technological skills—an essential step in supporting the UAE’s digital transformation and environmental innovation efforts.
This partnership fits well with other AI-driven environmental projects happening within the UAE. For example, Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI) has announced plans to establish its first AI lab within MoCCAE, focusing on areas like smart irrigation, climate risk prediction, and the use of agricultural robots to boost productivity. Besides that, MBZUAI and IBM are collaborating on an AI Center of Excellence dedicated to creating carbon-neutral solutions and making AI more accessible in Arabic, reinforcing the country’s Net Zero 2050 goals.
All these efforts clearly position the UAE as a leader in applying AI and digital solutions to combat climate change, promote sustainable resource use, and strengthen environmental governance. The government’s proactive approach with global tech partners like IBM highlights its commitment to turning environmental challenges into opportunities for innovative growth and leadership, both regionally and worldwide.
Source: Noah Wire Services
- https://www.aletihad.ae/news/%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%A7%D9%82%D8%AA%D8%B5%D8%A7%D8%AF%D9%8A/4614650/-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%AA%D8%BA%D9%8A%D8%B1-%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%85%D9%86%D8%A7%D8%AE%D9%8A-%D9%88%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%A8%D9%8A%D8%A6%D8%A9–%D9%88-ibm–%D8%AA%D8%AA%D8%B9%D8%A7%D9%88%D9%86%D8%A7%D9%86-%D9%84%D8%AA%D8%B7%D9%88%D9%8A%D8%B1-%D8%AD%D9%84%D9%88%D9%84-%D8%B0%D9%83%D8%A7%D8%A1-%D8%A7%D8%B5 – Please view link – unable to able to access data
- https://www.sustainabilitymenews.com/technology/moccae-and-ibm-collaborate-to-develop-innovative-ai-solutions-to-advance-environmental-sustainability – The Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MoCCAE) in the UAE has partnered with IBM to develop AI-driven solutions aimed at advancing environmental sustainability. This collaboration aligns with MoCCAE’s digital transformation strategy and supports national objectives such as the Zero Government Bureaucracy Programme, the UAE Centennial 2071, and We the UAE 2031. The agreement was signed during GITEX Global 2025 in Dubai, with the presence of Dr Amna bint Abdullah Al Dahak, Minister of Climate Change and Environment. The partnership focuses on leveraging AI to address environmental challenges and enhance government efficiency.
- https://mbzuai.ac.ae/news/mbzuai-to-launch-lab-at-uaes-ministry-of-climate-change-and-environment/ – Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI) has signed a memorandum of understanding to establish an AI lab within the UAE’s Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MoCCAE). This initiative marks MoCCAE’s first AI lab, aiming to drive innovation in environmental, agricultural, and climate-related AI solutions. The lab will focus on applications such as smart irrigation, climate risk prediction, and agri-robots to boost productivity. Additionally, MBZUAI and IBM are collaborating on AI-powered tools to monitor and model climate change, particularly addressing urban heat islands in Abu Dhabi.
- https://newsroom.ibm.com/2023-01-18-IBM-and-MBZUAI-Advance-AI-for-Climate-and-Culture – IBM and Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI) have launched an AI Center of Excellence to advance AI technology adoption and drive sustainability. The center focuses on developing carbon-neutral solutions for existing energy supplies, combating climate change, and improving natural language processing for Arabic dialects. Joint research teams aim to inform the deployment of clean and renewable energy across various sectors, aligning with the UAE’s Net Zero 2050 strategic initiative. The collaboration also seeks to enhance AI accessibility for Arabic speakers, addressing civic, social, and business challenges.
- https://www.onearabia.me/local/ministry-of-climate-change-ibm-ai-solutions-environment-011-126937.html – The Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MoCCAE) has partnered with IBM to integrate AI into its digital strategy, aligning with the UAE’s goals for a streamlined government and long-term national visions. The agreement was formalised during GITEX Global 2025 in Dubai, attended by Dr Amna bint Abdullah Al Dahak, Minister of Climate Change and Environment. The collaboration aims to leverage AI strategically to tackle environmental issues, improve food and water security, and meet Net Zero 2050 targets, enhancing government efficiency and reinforcing the UAE’s role in sustainability.
- https://en.aletihad.ae/news/ai/4614564/ministry-of-climate-change–ibm-to-develop-ai-solutions-for – The Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MoCCAE) has signed a cooperation agreement with IBM to develop and implement AI-driven capabilities in alignment with the ministry’s digital transformation strategy. The agreement also aims to support the objectives of the Zero Government Bureaucracy Programme, the UAE Centennial 2071, and We the UAE 2031. The agreement was signed on the sidelines of GITEX Global 2025 in Dubai, in the presence of Dr Amna bint Abdullah Al Dahak, Minister of Climate Change and Environment.
- https://www.zawya.com/en/press-release/government-news/ibm-and-mbzuai-advance-ai-for-climate-and-culture-d434nzxn – IBM and Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI) have launched an AI Center of Excellence to advance AI technology adoption and drive sustainability. The center focuses on developing carbon-neutral solutions for existing energy supplies, combating climate change, and improving natural language processing for Arabic dialects. Joint research teams aim to inform the deployment of clean and renewable energy across various sectors, aligning with the UAE’s Net Zero 2050 strategic initiative. The collaboration also seeks to enhance AI accessibility for Arabic speakers, addressing civic, social, and business challenges.
Noah Fact Check Pro
The draft above was created using the information available at the time the story first
emerged. We’ve since applied our fact-checking process to the final narrative, based on the criteria listed
below. The results are intended to help you assess the credibility of the piece and highlight any areas that may
warrant further investigation.
Freshness check
Score:
9
Notes:
The narrative was published on October 18, 2025, aligning with the official announcement during GITEX Global 2025 in Dubai. No earlier versions of this specific content were found, indicating high freshness. The report is based on a press release, which typically warrants a high freshness score. No discrepancies in figures, dates, or quotes were identified. The content does not appear to be recycled from other sources.
Quotes check
Score:
10
Notes:
The direct quotes from Engineer Amal Abdulrahim and Shukri Eid are unique to this report, with no earlier usage found online. This suggests the content is potentially original or exclusive.
Source reliability
Score:
8
Notes:
The narrative originates from Aletihad News Center, a reputable news outlet in the UAE. The Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MoCCAE) and IBM are well-established entities with verifiable public presences. The report includes specific details such as the names and titles of individuals involved, enhancing its credibility.
Plausability check
Score:
9
Notes:
The claims about the partnership between MoCCAE and IBM to develop AI solutions for environmental sustainability are plausible and align with the UAE’s ongoing initiatives in digital transformation and sustainability. The narrative includes specific projects like AI-powered CITES certificate verification and fisheries monitoring, which are consistent with the UAE’s environmental goals. The language and tone are consistent with official communications from government entities.
Overall assessment
Verdict (FAIL, OPEN, PASS): PASS
Confidence (LOW, MEDIUM, HIGH): HIGH
Summary:
The narrative is fresh, original, and originates from a reliable source. The claims are plausible and supported by specific details, with no discrepancies or signs of disinformation identified.
