Abu Dhabi activates integrated maritime surveillance center
Photo: Sergey Guk / Pexels
Abu Dhabi has activated a new Waterway Monitoring and Control Centre that combines radar, CCTV, communications, sensor networks and AI-supported analytics to strengthen maritime safety across the emirate.
The Integrated Transport Centre (Abu Dhabi Mobility), in collaboration with Abu Dhabi Maritime and with support from the National Guard, has activated the Waterway Monitoring and Control Centre as a central platform for monitoring maritime traffic, public waterways and safety operations.
The center provides situational awareness across more than 45,000 square kilometers of navigational channels and open waters. Its surveillance infrastructure includes 16 radar stations, 29 CCTV cameras at key locations and more than 400 cameras installed within public maritime facilities.
The system also incorporates 17 VHF communication devices for real-time coordination between vessels and shore-based operators.
Integrated monitoring and predictive analytics
The center oversees nearly 2,000 navigation aids and sensor-equipped smart lanterns, including lateral marker buoys, beacons and signage buoys. It also monitors movements across more than 1,500 public berths, public water transport services and approximately 3,600 recreational marine craft.
More than 100 public and private maritime facilities fall within its monitoring and inspection remit.
Data from these systems is consolidated within a single digital environment and can be processed through artificial intelligence programs to generate predictive insights. According to Abu Dhabi Maritime, this approach is intended to support faster response, safer navigation and more proactive management of maritime risks.
The center also coordinates wreck and debris removal, maritime notices, inspections and enforcement of maritime safety regulations.
The facility is managed by the Integrated Transport Centre and operated by Abu Dhabi Maritime in coordination with the National Guard. Its main control center is located on Saadiyat Island, supported by a satellite facility in Al Dhannah in the Al Dhafra Region.
