The integration of AI in waste management is transforming waste segregation processes through automation and precision. Smart systems, supported by advanced telecommunications infrastructure, are reshaping how waste is collected, sorted, and processed, bringing new efficiency to an industry ready for change.

These technological advancements arrive at a crucial moment as the waste management sector embraces digital solutions to address growing environmental challenges.

The scale of Saudi Arabia’s waste management challenge demands innovative solutions aligned with Vision 2030’s sustainability goals. The country generates more than 110 million tonnes of waste annually, with nearly half concentrated in three major cities – Riyadh (21 per cent), Jeddah (14 per cent), and Dammam (8 per cent). The environmental impact is substantial, with the National Centre for Waste Management (MWAN) estimating environmental degradation costs from solid waste at $1.3bn in 2021.

As landfill sites approach capacity, the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture has responded with a comprehensive strategy unveiled in early 2024. This ambitious plan aims to achieve a 95 per cent recycling rate and process 100 million tonnes of waste annually, supported by more than 65 initiatives and investments exceeding SR55bn. The strategy is expected to contribute SR120bn ($31.99bn) to the gross domestic product, marking a significant shift in how waste management operates within the Kingdom.

The implementation of AI and IoT technologies, enabled by modern telecommunications networks, stands at the forefront of this transformation. Smart bins equipped with sensors now monitor waste levels in real-time, transmitting data to central management systems that analyse fill rates and predict collection needs.

These systems optimise pickup routes, reducing unnecessary collections and lowering fuel consumption and carbon emissions from collection vehicles. In processing facilities, AI-powered sorting machines improve material recovery rates using advanced algorithms to identify different types of waste materials. This technology processes waste faster than traditional methods while maintaining higher accuracy rates and reducing contamination in recycled materials.

The integration extends to collection vehicles, where AI systems monitor and verify waste content, ensuring compliance with acceptance criteria and maintaining processing quality standards throughout the entire waste management chain.

Predictive analytics and data-driven decision-making are reshaping waste management operations at every level. By analysing historical data and current trends, AI systems forecast waste generation patterns, enabling precise resource allocation and infrastructure planning. This capability proves particularly valuable in urban areas, where waste patterns vary significantly based on population density and commercial activity.

The technology monitors waste from collection to processing, providing real-time data on volumes, types, and processing status. These insights enable facility managers to optimise operations, identify improvement areas, and make informed decisions about infrastructure development. The implementation of robotics in material recovery facilities (MRFs) adds another layer of sophistication, with AI-guided robotic sorting systems working continuously to separate materials, reducing processing time, and improving recovery rates, particularly effective for handling mixed waste streams where accurate sorting is crucial for maximising resource recovery.

The digital transformation of waste management through AI introduces unprecedented levels of transparency and efficiency to the sector. Advanced monitoring systems track waste throughout its journey, from source to final processing, creating a digital trail that ensures accountability and enables real-time reporting.

This data-driven approach provides valuable insights for policymakers and operators, facilitating strategic planning and operational improvements. AI systems analyse patterns in waste generation and processing, enabling better infrastructure planning and resource allocation.

The technology optimises recycling processes through continuous analysis of waste composition data, ensuring maximum resource recovery while minimising environmental impact. This systematic approach to waste management represents a fundamental shift in how the sector operates, moving from reactive to proactive management strategies that anticipate and address challenges before they emerge.

The potential of AI in waste management extends beyond operational efficiency – it’s about creating a cleaner, more responsible world for future generations, ushering in an era where every action in managing waste is a step towards sustainability.

• Abdullah Mohammad Khorami is the Chief Business Officer of Etihad Salam Telecom Company.

Saudi Arabia is set to introduce new regulations for investment funds in the country.

The Capital Market Authority (CMA) in Saudi Arabia has initiated a public consultation regarding proposed changes to the regulatory framework for investment funds.

Important: How LEAP 2025 is shaping Saudi Arabia’s tech ambitions

The proposed regulations aim to enhance the regulatory framework by increasing transparency and disclosure for fund unit holders, ensuring governance standards that protect investor rights, and boosting the appeal of asset management in the country.

Additionally, the consultation outlines provisions for the voluntary withdrawal of public and private fund managers. Current fund managers will now be required to transfer their management responsibilities to a successor within 60 days of receiving approval.

Read: Saudi Arabian poultry producer Entaj plans to sell 30% stake in Riyadh IPO

This regulatory mechanism would ensure:

• The protection of investors’ rights in public, private, and real estate investment funds
• A smooth transition of fund management
• Safeguarding unit holders’ interests
• Bolstering investor confidence in the capital market

Real estate investment funds

Funds listed on the Parallel Market (Nomu) would, upon establishment, be allowed to invest in real estate development projects. These funds will not be bound by the investment policy percentages and asset restrictions stipulated in the Real Estate Investment Funds Regulations.

Advantages for investors

• Expansion of investment opportunities for these funds
• Support for the diversification of assets
• Increased flexibility, enhancing potential returns for investors

Must know: Saudi Arabia eases foreign property investments in Mecca, Medina

If approved, the project would also allow capital market institutions licensed to conduct investment management activities to distribute foreign funds and offer their securities in Saudi Arabia. This would enable clients in the country to invest in foreign funds.

Additionally, the CMA has proposed other regulatory provisions to encourage the growth of investment funds and real estate investment funds in Saudi Arabia.

The UAE Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE) and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) have launched the Food Control System Assessment in the UAE.

Read: New initiatives announced for children, community in Dubai

It was launched during a five-day inception and training workshop held at MOCCAE headquarters in Dubai. More than 50 professionals from the UAE’s Competent Authorities (CAs) participated in the workshop, marking the beginning of a comprehensive evaluation of the national food control system.

Dr Mohammed Salman Al Hammadi, Assistant Undersecretary for the Food Diversity Sector at MOCCAE, said food safety is a key pillar of the UAE’s National Food Security Strategy and plays a crucial role in protecting public health.

Find out: How Switch Foods is redefining plant-based eating in the UAE

The Food Control Systems Evaluation Project–Food Safety Index has been launched in collaboration with the FAO, with index measurement set to begin in 2025.

Reason why the project has been launched

The project aims to:

• Assess the current status of food safety systems in the UAE
• Identify necessary initiatives and actions for the ministry and local authorities to enhance existing systems in line with international best practices
• Determine the food safety rate at the federal level
• The authorities will also review data and the capabilities of food regulatory bodies in the country as part of the project

Food establishments, imported food shipments, food laboratories, animal feed, and other related aspects of food safety will also be considered.

Advantages: How the assessment will help the UAE

This assessment will provide valuable insights and data needed to strengthen the UAE’s food safety system.

Not only will it assist the country in addressing food safety risks, but it will also help align the UAE with global best practices and promote regional and international trade.

Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence of the UAE, and Chairman of the Executive Council of Dubai, has approved the Dubai Child Protection Protocol to improve the lives of children and residents in the UAE.

According to a Dubai Media office report, the initiatives aim not only to enhance social development benchmarks focused on children’s quality of life, but also to improve the well-being of people in the country.

Must know: These 4 areas to become car-free zones in Dubai

The initiatives were approved at a meeting of the Executive Council of Dubai, reflecting the UAE’s commitment to caring for its people and building an inclusive, resilient, and future-ready society.

On January 27, the UAE declared 2025 as the Year of Community.

The ‘Dubai Child Protection Protocol’ has been designed to provide a comprehensive approach to child welfare in the country, with a strong focus on family support.

Other child-centric initiatives will include proactive child welfare services, training programs for social workers, and legislative reforms to strengthen governance.

The focus of the protocol

The initiative covers multiple stages of a child’s life, including prenatal care, birth registration, early childhood services, school-age support, youth development, and pre-marital counseling for adults.

Important: Dubai greenlights initiatives to mitigate impact of severe weather

The protocol is based on a well-governed framework for child welfare, aiming to enhance collaboration among specialized teams, such as:

• Dubai Police
• Community Development Authority
• Dubai Public Prosecution
• Dubai Courts
• Supreme Legislation Committee
• Knowledge and Human Development Authority
• Dubai Health Authority
• Dubai Academic Health Institution
• Dubai Corporation for Ambulance Services
• Erada Center
• Dubai Foundation for Women and Children
• General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs
• Digital Dubai Authority
• Dubai Sports Council

Community Development Fund Policy

This policy is designed to enhance community services, fund social programs, and foster an inclusive society for all UAE residents.

Managed by the Community Development Authority, the policy focuses on empowering UAE nationals, improving social services, and driving innovation in social support. It aligns with the Dubai Social Agenda 33 and supports various social development initiatives.

Dubai is stepping up its commitment to sustainability with the introduction of the new Super Block initiative, aimed at creating car-free zones across key residential areas in the city.

Announced on Thursday by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence of the UAE, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of the Executive Council of Dubai, the initiative is designed to enhance the urban experience by prioritising pedestrians and cyclists in residential neighbourhoods.

The initiative aligns with Dubai’s broader vision for a greener future, as laid out in the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan.

With a focus on reducing carbon emissions, the plan aims to make Dubai a more sustainable and livable city by transforming existing residential areas into pro-pedestrian zones.

Four areas to be designated as car-free, pedestrian-friendly zones

Areas such as Al Fahidi, Abu Hail, Al Karama, and Al Quoz Creative Zone will be the first to undergo these transformative changes.

These areas will be redesigned to improve green spaces and promote social interaction through shared public spaces, enhancing the overall quality of life for residents.

The Executive Council of Dubai has approved the Super Block initiative, a key step in reinforcing the city’s status as a global leader in pedestrian-friendly urban environments, said Sheikh Hamdan in a post on the social media platform, X.

Further, we introduced the Super Block initiative to create car-free pedestrian-friendly neighbourhoods. The Unified Digital Platform initiative was also adopted to streamline government services offered through specialized platforms such as the Dubai Now app, Invest in Dubai for… pic.twitter.com/GZesV9hXqZ

— Hamdan bin Mohammed (@HamdanMohammed) February 6, 2025

In addition to these transformative urban changes, Dubai continues to expand its wellness offerings, with the recent announcement of Therme Dubai, an innovative wellness destination that is aiming to take on the mantle of the “tallest’ resort in the world once it’s complete.

Therme Dubai will focus on creating an immersive wellness experience, combining natural thermal bathing with cutting-edge health and wellness technologies.

Read: Therme Dubai – What the world’s ‘tallest’ Dhs2bn resort will offer

Dubai Walk Master Plan

In December last year, Dubai also approved the Dubai Walk Master Plan, a comprehensive initiative to establish a 6,500-kilometre network of modern walkways across the emirate by 2040.

This ambitious project, approved by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE, and Ruler of Dubai, aims to connect 160 areas with 3,300 kilometres of new walkways and rehabilitate 2,300 kilometres of existing ones.

The plan prioritises accessibility, safety, and the integration of green spaces, providing a comfortable walking experience that enhances Dubai’s livability. It also includes the construction of 110 pedestrian bridges and underpasses and aims to boost pedestrian mobility from 13 to 25 per cent by 2040.

Aligning with the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan and the Quality of Life Strategy 2033, the Dubai Walk Master Plan is designed to strengthen Dubai’s position as a global leader in pedestrian and soft mobility. In addition to promoting active lifestyles and improving connectivity, the plan will feature distinctive designs that reflect the unique character of each area, with amenities such as art displays, rest areas, and commercial spaces.

The plan’s implementation will occur in three stages, beginning in 2025, and is set to transform Dubai into one of the world’s most pedestrian-friendly cities.