The United Arab Emirates’ energy operators are increasingly relying on automation and artificial intelligence to keep plants running when unexpected problems arise, according to senior Emerson executives. The shift aims to shorten downtime, enhance safety and support the country’s ambitious expansion plans.
In an exclusive interview with Gulf News, Samer Najm, Strategic Account Director at Emerson Automation Solutions, and Walid Samara, Vice President of Global Projects Pursuit and Strategic Sales for the Middle East and Africa, outlined how digital tools are reshaping the sector’s approach to business continuity. They noted that traditional strategies depended on building spare processing trains, extra pipelines and standby equipment—a costly, time‑intensive method that competes with growth‑oriented spending.
“Resilience begins long before a disruption occurs,” Najm said, emphasizing the importance of pre‑planned contingency procedures, rehearsed drills and reliable instrumentation.
Both executives agreed that local engineering teams and on‑site service capabilities dramatically cut the lag between problem detection and plant restart. When damage is identified, engineers can assess the situation quickly, plan repairs with confidence and mobilise spare parts without waiting for distant support.
Automation, they explained, offers three primary benefits. First, continuous monitoring and advanced process control allow faults to be spotted within minutes rather than over several shifts, reducing alarm fatigue and focusing attention on critical events. Second, inspection robots can safely enter hazardous zones, giving engineers a clearer picture before human crews are deployed. Third, optimisation software can rebalance production across remaining units, while simulator‑based training helps operators rehearse restart procedures for faster, more predictable recovery.
Samara warned that digital solutions cannot create capacity that does not exist, stating, “Physical redundancy protects capacity, while automation protects time.” In many disruption scenarios, the cost of lost time outweighs the expense of additional hardware.
Despite the clear advantages, the pair acknowledged that many AI initiatives remain in pilot phases, often stalled by integration challenges and the need for robust data ecosystems. Nonetheless, the UAE’s ongoing energy expansion is driving demand for smarter, more agile technologies.
As the nation pushes forward with new projects, Emerson’s message is clear: a blend of physical backup and digital intelligence will be essential to keep the energy sector resilient and ready for the next wave of growth.
