Innovation
We are always encouraging new thinking to shape the future of the global maritime and trade industry
Transforming the Future of Trade
Innovation, research, and data-backed decisions are the key driving forces behind the phenomenal growth of AD Ports Group. We support our leadership’s vision to diversify the economy and advance innovation in the UAE.
Re-inventing the way of doing business while looking out for new and more efficient ways has been a constant and continuous exercise for AD Ports Group. We develop and harness the power of emerging technologies to transform the future of trade, stay competitive and achieve sustainable growth.
To foster innovation across our group we launched an idea management programme (IBTIKAR) in 2012, we set up a Research & Development (R&D) committee, and integrated several innovative solutions, such as innovation lab, knowledge corner and 3D lab printing, in order to build an infrastructure that conceives, fosters and executes innovative ideas in real-time business scenarios.
The Evolution of AD Ports Group Innovation
In line with the UAE national strategy for innovation, AD Ports Group has consistently contributed to strengthening the country’s position as a global hub for innovation through enhancing the ideation of new concepts that ultimately create a widespread culture of innovation.
AD Ports Group strives to continue this trend, incubating innovation across its integrated clusters, supporting the expanding global presence of the Group. We have delivered a world-class and comprehensive portfolio of innovation activities that built internal capabilities and further connected AD Ports Group to the global ecosystem of innovation.
Discover Our 2023 Accomplishments
Large Language Models (LLM)
The Innovation Department started the Innovation Week 2023 by a session on Large Language Models (LLM), and its application in various fields including Finance, HR, Marketing and Engineering. Throughout 2023, the Innovation Department engaged in several sessions and projects to pioneer in integrating LLM with current operation.
Hackathon in the Metaverse
Following the success of the first Hackathon and the several events conducted in the Metaverse, the second Hackathon was conducted in the Metaverse and employees from sister ADQ companies were involved with focus on areas related to innovation, collaboration and product development.
Autonomous Truck
For the first time, in 2023 our Ports Cluster retrofitted a truck to run autonomously in Zayed Port. The demo was conducted in the last day of the Innovation Week 2023 and engineers from AD Ports Group were given the privilege to have the first training session on autonomous trucks.
Innovation Exploration
A series of innovation awareness and exploration sessions were held across the Group’s Clusters to discover innovative solutions for green and sustainable ports, smart technology, futuristic economic cities and logistics.
The Innovation Department started the Innovation Week 2023 by a session on Large Language Models (LLM), and its application in various fields including Finance, HR, Marketing and Engineering. Throughout 2023, the Innovation Department engaged in several sessions and projects to pioneer in integrating LLM with current operation.
Hackathon in the Metaverse
Following the success of the first Hackathon and the several events conducted in the Metaverse, the second Hackathon was conducted in the Metaverse and employees from sister ADQ companies were involved with focus on areas related to innovation, collaboration and product development.
Autonomous Truck
For the first time, in 2023 our Ports Cluster retrofitted a truck to run autonomously in Zayed Port. The demo was conducted in the last day of the Innovation Week 2023 and engineers from AD Ports Group were given the privilege to have the first training session on autonomous trucks.
Innovation Exploration
A series of innovation awareness and exploration sessions were held across the Group’s Clusters to discover innovative solutions for green and sustainable ports, smart technology, futuristic economic cities and logistics.
Innovation Campaigns
AD Ports Group targeted innovation business solutions throughout the year with the implementation of multilabel innovation campaigns, including: “the Decarbonisation Journey Supply Chain Solution, ‘Cost Optimizing, Boosting Efficiency: Join Our Sustainable Savings Campaign’ and ‘How can Artificial Intelligence (AI) make our work more efficient
Training and Development
Over 5,700 hours of innovation training sessions and workshops were delivered in 2023, highlighting key topics including the first training for ports engineers on Autonomous technology, TRIZ training, GIMI level 1&2, Design Thinking, and Finance ChatGPT.
Innovation Events
A wide range of innovation events were celebrated throughout 2023, including the UAE Innovation Month 2023 and Innovator of the Future Summer Camp 2023.
AD Ports Group targeted innovation business solutions throughout the year with the implementation of multilabel innovation campaigns, including: “the Decarbonisation Journey Supply Chain Solution, ‘Cost Optimizing, Boosting Efficiency: Join Our Sustainable Savings Campaign’ and ‘How can Artificial Intelligence (AI) make our work more efficient
Training and Development
Over 5,700 hours of innovation training sessions and workshops were delivered in 2023, highlighting key topics including the first training for ports engineers on Autonomous technology, TRIZ training, GIMI level 1&2, Design Thinking, and Finance ChatGPT.
Innovation Events
A wide range of innovation events were celebrated throughout 2023, including the UAE Innovation Month 2023 and Innovator of the Future Summer Camp 2023.
IBTIKAR
AD Ports Group’s ideation management programme “IBTIKAR”, has enabled the generation of over 15,100 inspiring ideas from staff and stakeholders. To date, over 840 innovators have been recognised and rewarded for their contributions.
ideasUK
AD Ports Group has maintained the ideasUK Platinum accreditation for the seventh year in a row; achieving a 100% perfect score for the third consecutive year, as well as attaining many awards in the “Idea of the Year” Competition.
Innovation Café
This dynamic, virtual platform hosted talks with renowned industry experts on key trending global topics, such as the future of AI in workspaces.
Benchmark Innovation Exercises
AD Ports Group’s Innovation Department conducted a series of benchmark exercises with local and international best-in-class organisations to exchange knowledge and share the best practices in Innovation and R&D.
AD Ports Group’s ideation management programme “IBTIKAR”, has enabled the generation of over 15,100 inspiring ideas from staff and stakeholders. To date, over 840 innovators have been recognised and rewarded for their contributions.
ideasUK
AD Ports Group has maintained the ideasUK Platinum accreditation for the seventh year in a row; achieving a 100% perfect score for the third consecutive year, as well as attaining many awards in the “Idea of the Year” Competition.
Innovation Café
This dynamic, virtual platform hosted talks with renowned industry experts on key trending global topics, such as the future of AI in workspaces.
Benchmark Innovation Exercises
AD Ports Group’s Innovation Department conducted a series of benchmark exercises with local and international best-in-class organisations to exchange knowledge and share the best practices in Innovation and R&D.
Eco SeaWall Project
ADQ, AD Ports Group’s Innovation Department, Engineering and Technical Services (ETS), AD Maritime, and Dive Tech, conducted an exercise testing Archireef Eco Sea Panels in the UAE. This unique innovation fostered sustainable marine ecosystems in Abu Dhabi, showcasing AD Ports Group's dedication to global environmental initiatives, including the United Nations Decade of Ecosystem Restoration.
Etree
With the boom of electric vehicles, Autoterminal Khalifa Port (ATK) is preparing its terminal to provide all the services needed to maintain high operational efficiency. ATK tested Etree in its premise which is an EV charging bank of second life batteries which provide a booster charge for EVs within Ro-Ro vessels.
HullWiper
To maintain efficiency, the hull of the vessel should be cleaned regularly. This process is typically energy intensive if done onshore and could lead to leakage of waste if done offshore. An exercise was conducted with HullWiper where the hull could be cleaned using a robot that contains the waste leading to a sustainable and efficient cleaning process.
ADQ, AD Ports Group’s Innovation Department, Engineering and Technical Services (ETS), AD Maritime, and Dive Tech, conducted an exercise testing Archireef Eco Sea Panels in the UAE. This unique innovation fostered sustainable marine ecosystems in Abu Dhabi, showcasing AD Ports Group's dedication to global environmental initiatives, including the United Nations Decade of Ecosystem Restoration.
Etree
With the boom of electric vehicles, Autoterminal Khalifa Port (ATK) is preparing its terminal to provide all the services needed to maintain high operational efficiency. ATK tested Etree in its premise which is an EV charging bank of second life batteries which provide a booster charge for EVs within Ro-Ro vessels.
HullWiper
To maintain efficiency, the hull of the vessel should be cleaned regularly. This process is typically energy intensive if done onshore and could lead to leakage of waste if done offshore. An exercise was conducted with HullWiper where the hull could be cleaned using a robot that contains the waste leading to a sustainable and efficient cleaning process.
15,100
Innovation Ideas
5,700
Hours of Innovation Training
41
Innovation Campaigns
Research & Development
The global supply chain environment is highly competitive, dynamic, and fluid. As a result, the maritime and trade industry continuously demands new innovative ways of doing business.
With a progressive and sustainable intent in mind, we founded our R&D Committee. The goal was to build on infrastructure to conceive, foster and execute innovative ideas in real-time business scenarios.
Our R&D committee also raises awareness about the importance of technical and scientific research, publishing research papers, and organising workshops to explain the ongoing research and developments.
23.2 Million AED
Saved Through Innovative Ideas
728
Innovative Ideas Implemented
15
Proof of Concepts and R&D Projects Executed
Innovative Solutions
For AD Ports Group, unconventional thinking and a futuristic outlook have been the key elements of our unprecedented growth since inception. Today, with the use of cutting-edge technology and ultra-modern automation techniques, AD Ports Group is not only making it easier for its stakeholders and customers to do business but is also setting an example for the worlds ports and industrial community to follow.
Ports Operational Innovations
Khalifa Port is an outstanding testimony of how cutting-edge engineering innovation has been fused with tailored technology and world-class creative processes to create a seamless port experience.
The port offers innovative solutions, including:
The port offers innovative solutions, including:
Better steel coil handling capabilities are unlocked by using coil forklifts instead of using traditional crane hooks.
By bringing all critical data and workflows on a single platform, this system allows Khalifa Port authorities to optimise staff and assets allocation in the best way possible.
Evaluation of a patented fuel additive to reduce carbon emissions and fuel consumption was undertaken on MICCO trucks resulting in commendable savings of over 20% in fuel consumption and carbon footprint reduction.
Minimal to no human intervention is needed to operate Gantry Cranes ensuring maximum safety and optimal output.
From reading shipping line schedules, prioritising tasks, to delegating them to the employees, this system does it all on auto-pilot.
Innovative permeable concrete was tested and introduced at Khalifa Port, which has helped eliminate flooding and water stagnation.
To ensure 360-degree surveillance and security, unmanned drones are deployed over land, sea, and areas without CCTV coverage at Khalifa Port facility.
Smart Infrastructure
KEZAD lies adjacent to Khalifa Port and spans over 550 square kilometres at the gateway between East and West.
Positioned as the Middle East's industrial, logistics and trade hub, the giant economic zone is itself a fountainhead of innovation and leading-edge solutions.
Positioned as the Middle East's industrial, logistics and trade hub, the giant economic zone is itself a fountainhead of innovation and leading-edge solutions.
A specially constructed roadway that enables cost-effective and energy efficient transport and delivery of aluminum in molten form, saving energy and GHG emissions.
An environment breakwater was built at Khalifa Port to safeguard Ras Ghanada coral reefs.
To ensure hassle-free movement of ultra-wide equipment between KEZAD and Khalifa Port, an eight-lane roadway has been constructed. Reduced traffic incidents with less noise and air pollution are key benefits of this development.
SAFEEN Group has built and employed a unique marine debris cleaning boat and removed several hundred tonnes from marine debris to date.
Multiple air quality and marine water quality stations have been installed to ensure that our environmental impacts are monitored and managed.
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Digital Innovation
At AD Ports Group, it has been our ambition to invest in and propagate cutting-edge technology for use in the trade community. This ambition was realised when we laid the foundation of the first of its kind Digital Innovation Lab in the Middle East.
With the setup, we aimed to cater to the needs of disruptive technologies such as AI, Cyber Security, and the use of robotics to optimise operations and positively impact the pillars of sustainability
With the setup, we aimed to cater to the needs of disruptive technologies such as AI, Cyber Security, and the use of robotics to optimise operations and positively impact the pillars of sustainability
Maqta Gateway developed the region’s first Port Community System (PCS), a leading-edge digital platform solution that provides a single window facilitating information flow between all stakeholders, port authorities, and traders.
ATLP aims to digitally facilitate trade through sea, land, air, economic and free zones, in addition to enhancing customer and stakeholder experience within the trade and logistics sectors. The platform is developed and operated by Maqta Gateway, under the supervision of the Department of Economic Development.
A platform built using the latest blockchain technology to track every stage of vaccine distribution. The solution is provided to the HOPE Consortium, a UAE-based public-private partnership, offering a unique end-to-end supply chain solution capable of delivering large quantities of COVID-19 vaccines, from production to those in need, anywhere in the world.
Masaha is an advanced application that lets KEZAD customers access and use all services provided by Maqta Gateway. Using the App, users can apply for services, set up a business and track the status of the application in real-time.
This mobile application serves as a tool to get the real-time status of the shipments for all the registered users of Maqta Gateway’s Port Community System (mPCS).
IBTIKAR Programme
IBTIKAR is the AD Ports Group’s flagship open innovation programme, launched in 2012 as an in-house ideation scheme. Over the years, it has evolved into a globally recognized platform that empowers employees, customers, and stakeholders to share ideas, drive innovation, and shape the future of trade and logistics.
Be part of AD Ports Group’s innovation ecosystem by contributing bold ideas that transform our services and processes into smarter, more efficient solutions. Through IBTIKAR, your creativity helps deliver excellence beyond expectations, advancing the maritime and logistics community while driving sustainable trade and economic growth worldwide.
At AD Ports Group, innovation is not just encouraged; it is rewarded, recognized, celebrated, and scaled.