Technology

Driving operational excellence in utilities through digital transformation

Emad Fahmy, director of systems engineering at NETSCOUT. (Image source: NETSCOUT)

As energy providers in the Middle East accelerate their digital transformation efforts, the need for a real-time, data-driven approach to network visibility has never been more critical. Utilities are undergoing a fundamental shift, driven by national strategies such as the UAE Energy Strategy 2050, DEWA’s Smart Grid Strategy 2035, and ADNOC’s Digital Transformation Plan.

These initiatives aim to enhance efficiency, improve service reliability, and support the region’s transition toward a more sustainable energy landscape. However, as networks become more interconnected, maintaining operational excellence requires a new level of observability and security.

The integration of IT and OT systems is a fundamental shift for energy providers. Traditionally, OT systems—such as Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) platforms—operated in isolation. Today, they must seamlessly connect with IT infrastructure to support intelligent automation, predictive maintenance, and real-time decision-making.

As seen with ADNOC's Digital Transformation Plan, energy providers are leveraging AI, ML, and big data analytics to improve efficiency. However, the more interconnected these networks become, the greater the need for complete visibility across IT and OT environments.

For modern utilities, achieving full visibility across IT and OT environments is essential for sustaining reliability and performance. By adopting advanced observability solutions, energy providers can:

• Enhance security: With the rising sophistication of cyber threats, protecting critical infrastructure is a top priority. Deep packet inspection and AI-driven analytics can help detect threats early, reducing the risk of major disruptions.

• Prevent service Outages: Predictive monitoring enables providers to identify anomalies before they lead to downtime. DEWA’s Smart Grid Strategy 2035 with an investment of AED 7 billion, is a prime example of how proactive monitoring enhances automation and service reliability.

• Optimise grid performance: Advanced data analytics allow energy companies to streamline operations, reduce waste, and improve efficiency. This aligns with the UAE Energy Strategy 2050, which aims to increase efficiency by 40% and expand clean energy contributions to 50% by 2050.

By leveraging real-time insights, utility providers can improve grid stability and meet the demands of a digital-first energy sector.

Ensuring reliable network performance

The shift to intelligent energy networks depends on secure and uninterrupted data flows. Smart meters, IoT sensors, and connected grid infrastructure generate vast amounts of information that must be processed and analysed in real time. Without the right observability framework, delays in data transmission between substations and control centres can lead to inefficiencies and service disruptions.

This is particularly relevant as ADNOC integrates AI-powered analytics across its operations to optimise asset performance, reduce costs and enhance energy efficiency.

For utilities and energy providers alike, having robust network visibility is essential to maximising the benefits of digital transformation.

As energy infrastructure becomes more interconnected, the risk of cyberattacks grows. Legacy systems running alongside modern digital applications create a complex environment where security gaps can easily be exploited. In recent years, the frequency of (DDoS) attacks on utilities has increased significantly, highlighting the need for enhanced cybersecurity strategies.

A proactive approach is essential. Advanced network monitoring solutions can Help identify potential breaches before they cause damage.

To fully leverage digital transformation, utility providers must bridge the gap between IT, OT, and security teams. Traditionally, these departments have operated in silos, leading to fragmented data insights and delayed response times. A unified observability approach ensures that all teams have access to real-time intelligence, improving collaboration and accelerating issue resolution.

Future-proofing energy infrastructure

As the Middle East continues to push forward with ambitious energy transformation initiatives, end-to-end visibility will be a critical factor in ensuring long-term success. With digitalisation reshaping the industry, maintaining a strong observability strategy is no longer optional—it’s a necessity.

By adopting intelligent monitoring solutions, energy providers can safeguard critical infrastructure, improve service reliability, and enhance cybersecurity resilience. Whether supporting grid modernisation, optimising performance, or mitigating risks, a proactive observability approach ensures that utilities remain agile in an increasingly complex digital landscape.

This piece was penned by Emad Fahmy, director of systems engineering at NETSCOUT. It has been slightly modified for brevity.

JLL to manage facilities at new Abu Dhabi data centre

This marks Pure’s first facility in the UAE. (Image source: JLL)

JLL has been selected by Pure Data Centres Group, a leading hyperscale data centre provider, to deliver integrated facilities management services at its state-of-the-art Yas Island data centre in Abu Dhabi.

This marks Pure’s first facility in the UAE, which began live operations in late February and will offer 45MW of capacity once fully completed.

The appointment strengthens JLL’s position as a top consultant and operator for hyperscale data centres across the EMEA region.

Under the agreement, JLL will provide hard FM and engineering services, including maintenance and support for the facility’s low-voltage and high-voltage electrical systems, uninterruptible power supplies, switchgear, and HVO-powered generators.

The firm will also manage hybrid air and liquid cooling systems, network and ICT infrastructure, and front-of-house FM services such as cleaning and landscaping.

This partnership comes as JLL expands its data centre services in response to a 742MW hyperscale construction boom in the EMEA region. The company has recently bolstered its team with three senior hires, reflecting the sector’s rapid growth and potential.

A digital future

“We are delighted to have been appointed by Pure DC on the management and operation of Yas Island after working collaboratively with them to ensure that we align our service delivery model with their expectations,” said Jonathan Kinsey, EMEA lead and global chair, data centre solutions, JLL. “Our team’s relentless focus on innovation and performance ensures that we are well-equipped to meet Pure DC’s needs and it is a testament to the growth of our offering that we have been trusted to take this flagship campus on and manage it.”

Dame Dawn Childs, CEO at Pure Data Centres Group, commented, “The opening of our Abu Dhabi campus is a very important moment in the growth of Pure DC and also for our customers in the UAE. We have appointed JLL to provide facilities management at Yas Island because it is a company which shares our values, approach and attitude – to always meet the required highest standards. This new partnership with such a global supplier is something we hope to grow and develop in the future. Together with our partners, Pure DC continues to grow its presence and influence in the data centre sector to meet the soaring demand for AI-driven and cloud-based services.”

Kinsey added that data centre activity continued to swell as the world moves toward a more digital future. He concluded, “This rapidly rising demand for stable and efficient digital infrastructure has also highlighted the need for data centre efficiency and greener solutions which will play a bigger role in the evolution of data centre operations.”

Also read: Vertiv expands global liquid cooling services

Emirates Transport and Fuelre4m partner to improve fuel efficiency

Fuelre4m’s product range, re4mx, is completely organic. (Image source: Fuelre4m)

Emirates Transport’s partnership with Fuelre4m is now entering phase two testing of Re4mx across its fleet, demonstrating that fuel efficiency, reduced emissions, and cost savings can go hand in hand.

Fuelre4m’s product range, re4mx, is a completely organic, fossil fuel reforming nano-biotechnology that enhances the combustion process in engines.

By breaking down impurities and complex hydrocarbons in liquid fossil fuels, the technology ensures a more efficient and cleaner burn, resulting in increased power output, lower fuel consumption, and a significant reduction in harmful emissions.

Data-driven results

Pilot testing has already shown a verified 17-23% improvement in fuel efficiency and up to 80% reduction in emissions.

The journey to this landmark rollout began with rigorous testing in 2023.

Emirates Transport and Fuelre4m conducted detailed assessments under real-world conditions, including idle fuel consumption analysis using OBD readers and the Torque Pro app, emissions measurement at idle with a gas flue analyser, drive testing over controlled routes to record fuel consumption and engine torque data, and accelerated testing to validate fuel performance improvements.

These tests confirmed the potential for significant fuel savings and emissions reductions, paving the way for the current phase two testing.

The second phase involves testing Re4mx on a pool of 18 buses, using advanced CANedge ECU monitoring technology to capture real-time performance data.

The process includes baseline testing to measure pre-Re4mx fuel consumption and emissions, live data tracking to monitor improvements in fuel efficiency and engine performance, performance benchmarking to analyse power output increases and fuel waste reductions, and control vehicles to ensure accurate, unbiased results.

Re4mx delivers immediate benefits, including up to 15-20% fuel savings, reducing operational costs for large fleets, up to 80% lower emissions, helping businesses meet sustainability goals, and enhanced engine performance, improving operational efficiency.

A call to action

As testing progresses, Emirates Transport and Fuelre4m will share real-time updates on performance gains, emissions reductions, and the broader impact of this transformative initiative.

“At Emirates Transport, we are dedicated to pioneering sustainable fleet solutions that drive measurable impact,” said Dominic Hagerty, chief transportation officer at Emirates Transport. “Our partnership with Fuelre4m marks a significant step in advancing innovative technologies that reduce fuel consumption and emissions without compromising operational excellence.”

“We’ve all seen sustainability claims that go nowhere,” said Rob Mortimer, managing director of Fuelre4m. “This isn’t one of them. This is about tangible, proven change that fleets can implement today.”

Fuelre4m is a Dubai-based company. It aims to serve industries that heavily rely on fossil fuels, including ports, maritime and shipping, power generation, rail, and public transport.

The company has said that using its products can help customers, who can witness “A massive 40% to 80% reduction in NO, NO₂, NOx, CO, SO, SO₂, and particulates translates into a cleaner and healthier environment, aligning with global efforts to combat air pollution.”

Rockwell to showcase automation for tire industry

Rockwell will showcase automation for tire industry. (Image source: Rockwell Automation)

Rockwell Automation, Inc., the world’s largest company specialising in industrial automation and digital transformation, is set to showcase its cutting-edge digital tools, advanced software, and connected technologies for the automotive sector at Tire Technology Expo 2025

The event will take place in Hannover, Germany, from 4-6 March.

Tire manufacturers and machine builders can engage with Rockwell’s industry consultants to explore solutions that drive operational excellence. Key topics include modernising production through advanced technologies, optimising uptime with artificial intelligence (AI), enhancing quality via digital threads and traceability, and improving logistics with autonomous mobile robots (AMRs). Rockwell’s flagship solutions also cover manufacturing execution systems (MES) and digital transformation strategies tailored to the tyre industry.

Driving tyre innovation

“Through our deep domain expertise paired with our extensive technology portfolio, we are aiming to define and drive the tyre industry of the future. Our solutions cover the entire design, operate, and maintain lifecycle, and enable customers to keep a critical eye on sustainability, resilience, and employee empowerment,” said Dominique Scheider, industry strategy manager transportation EMEA at Rockwell Automation.

Rockwell will also showcase its collaboration with Circulor, a leading provider of traceability and digital product-passport solutions. Together, they will help attendees address major industry challenges, including compliance with Europe’s Regulation on Deforestation-Free Products (EUDR) by ensuring supply chain transparency through natural rubber traceability and Digital Product Passports, as mandated by the Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR).

“Our collaboration with Rockwell offers advanced traceability and digital passport solutions that provide companies with comprehensive transparency into supply chains, not only to comply with global regulatory requirements but also to ensure responsible and efficient supply chains,” said Douglas Johnson-Poensgen, CEO and founder of Circular. “Our solutions, combined with Rockwell's advanced automation systems, provide organizations across multiple industries – including automotive, tyre, battery, metals, mining, and cement – with the means to gain a competitive advantage, through Rockwell Automation’s digital service arm, Kalypso.”

Kalypso specialises in digital transformation by leveraging AI, advanced data science, and enterprise technologies to optimize operations, drive innovation, and ensure seamless connectivity across industrial value chains.

Qatar trials autonomous vehicles at Hamad International Airport

These vehicles are outfitted with cutting-edge technologies. (Image source: Hamad International Airport)

In a first for the region, Qatar Aviation Services (QAS), in partnership with MATAR and Qatar Science & Technology Park (QSTP), a member of the Qatar Foundation, has started a project to test the newest autonomous transportation technologies at Hamad International Airport (DOH) as part of its airside operations.

Advanced autonomous vehicles, such as an autonomous bus and an autonomous baggage tractor, will be incorporated into the proof-of-concept trials, which began their first Autonomous staff bus trials testing on Sunday, February 16.

These vehicles are outfitted with cutting-edge technologies including GPS, artificial intelligence (AI)-powered systems, and a variety of smart sensors and lidars that are intended to improve operational efficiency and safety.

Real-time monitoring, automated charging systems, and round-the-clock operations in a variety of weather conditions are among their capabilities.

Supporting national growth

Through process optimisation and a reduction in manual involvement, the project prioritises innovation, operational efficiency, and sustainability.

The State of Qatar's larger autonomous transportation framework will eventually benefit from the successful completion of this proof-of-concept project, which will set the groundwork for growing the autonomous fleet.

Hamad Ali Al Khater, chief operating officer at Hamad International Airport, said, "Our airport is proud to lead the way by trialing autonomous vehicles. This initiative reflects our dedication to enhancing efficiency, safety, and sustainability. We are excited to lead the way into a future where technology and mobility seamlessly converge and look forward to a successful outcome through collaboration with our key stakeholders”.

Murat Nursel, senior vice president at QAS, commented, “We have an ambitious vision for the years ahead—one that demands a company-wide commitment to execution and innovation. At QAS, we are driven by a relentless pursuit of advancement and excellence. The testing of autonomous vehicles, in collaboration with MATAR and Qatar Science & Technology Park, underscores our dedication to supporting our nation’s vision while enhancing operational efficiency. We remain steadfast in our mission to redefine excellence, delivering unparalleled value to both our customers and employees."

Dr Jack Lau, president of QSTP, said, "At QSTP, we are proud to support the development and deployment of cutting-edge technologies that redefine industries. This collaboration demonstrates not only our commitment to advancing technology but also to driving the digital transformation of one of the world’s most complex and high-risk sectors—aviation. The Level 4 autonomous vehicle solutions being trialed at Hamad International Airport, developed within QSTP to shape the future of smart mobility. As we push the boundaries of technological excellence, initiatives like this align seamlessly with Qatar National Vision 2030, reinforcing our collective role in fostering a sustainable, tech-driven economy."

Also read: UAE maps air corridors for cargo drones and air taxis