At the International Mangrove Conservation and Restoration Conference in Abu Dhabi, VentureOne, the commercialization arm of the Advanced Technology Research Council (ATRC), introduced Nabat, a groundbreaking climate tech company. Nabat’s mission is to conserve and restore mangroves and other ecosystems in the region by leveraging advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics.
During the event, Nabat showcased its state-of-the-art tools, including drones, AI-driven software, and innovative seeding mechanisms. These technologies are designed to conserve and restore thousands of hectares of mangroves across the UAE over the next seven years. Mangroves, known to store up to five times more carbon than rainforest trees, play a vital role in the UAE’s ecosystem and contribute significantly to the global fight against climate change.
“Nabat is a perfect example of how the UAE is using cutting-edge technology to serve humanity,” said HE Faisal Al Bannai, Secretary-General of the Advanced Technology Research Council (ATRC). “By merging innovation and science, we are driving efforts to restore ecosystems, enhance biodiversity, and build climate resilience to accelerate our country’s transition to net zero.”
Dr. Najwa Aaraj, CEO of the Technology Innovation Institute (TII), the applied research arm of ATRC and the developer behind Nabat’s technology, emphasized the synergy between technology and nature. “Technology and nature are often seen as two opposing elements – but when we combine technology and scientific research to solve critical problems, technology can become one of nature’s most powerful allies,” she stated. “Our system helps solve several critical conservation challenges, one of the most important being data collection. No two ecosystems are the same – each requires a tailored, data-driven approach.”
Nabat’s AI and robotics capabilities enable precise mapping, seeding, and monitoring, ensuring that restoration efforts are customized to meet the unique needs of each ecosystem. Traditional mangrove planting methods are often labor-intensive and can inadvertently harm surrounding habitats. In contrast, Nabat’s technology interacts delicately with ecosystems, ensuring minimal disruption.
The mapping phase of Nabat’s system generates extensive data about the soil, as well as the density, elevation, and hydrology of natural habitats. Using this data, Nabat’s drones deploy seeds with optimized trajectory planning and flexible seeding patterns, ensuring accurate and efficient planting only where needed. Additionally, the system’s advanced monitoring capabilities track the growth and health of the planted trees, ensuring their long-term viability.
One of Nabat’s key advantages is its ability to operate in remote and hard-to-reach areas, expanding the scope of conservation efforts while reducing costs. This efficiency makes the technology especially suitable for scaling across diverse landscapes.
Reda Nidhakou, Acting CEO of VentureOne, highlighted the company’s mission to create impactful technologies. “VentureOne’s philosophy is to launch startups that deliver breakthrough technologies to the world. The most valuable technology is not only innovative, efficient, or profitable, but most importantly, it has a measurable positive impact. It has been a privilege to partner with the team and our broader ecosystem to contribute fundamentally to the UAE’s sustainable development journey,” he said.
While Nabat’s initial focus is on mangrove restoration in the UAE, the company has ambitious plans to expand to other regions and address a variety of ecosystems. Future efforts may include conservation work in desert areas, agricultural lands, forests, and even coral reefs.
Mangroves are critical to mitigating the effects of climate change as they serve as natural carbon sinks, protect coastlines from erosion, and provide habitats for diverse marine and terrestrial species. By restoring and conserving these vital ecosystems, Nabat is contributing to global climate resilience while enhancing biodiversity and sustainable development.
The initiative aligns with the UAE’s broader vision for sustainability and its commitment to achieving net-zero emissions. As the country hosts innovative projects like Nabat, it reinforces its position as a global leader in climate action and technological advancement.
This press release highlights the UAE’s continued investment in innovative solutions for environmental conservation. The translation of this text is intended for informational purposes and should be cross-referenced with the authoritative version in its original language to ensure accuracy.
