Abu Dhabi: The Technology Innovation Institute (TII), a leading global scientific research center and the applied research pillar of Abu Dhabi’s Advanced Technology Research Council (ATRC), has introduced a groundbreaking application of its advanced drone-borne Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR). This new technology is designed to detect underground water leaks in urban and remote areas without the need for excavation.
According to Emirates News Agency, the announcement was made at the World Utilities Congress (WUC) 2025, highlighting the event’s significance in showcasing innovative solutions for infrastructure and water security. The SAR system utilizes high-frequency radio waves to produce detailed, high-resolution images of the ground, enabling the detection of hidden water leaks. By leveraging a combination of P-, L-, and C-band radar signals, the system can penetrate subsurface layers, detect soil moisture fluctuations, and provide high-resolution surface imaging. This holistic approach allows for the identification of anomalies that may indicate water leaks, thereby enhancing early intervention efforts.
Optimized for sandy environments, the system can detect leaks at depths of up to 40 meters, offering utility providers an efficient and sustainable method for monitoring infrastructure conditions. Dr. Najwa Aaraj, CEO of TII, emphasized the system’s versatility in addressing real-world challenges, noting that non-invasive leak detection will equip utility providers with vital intelligence for water conservation.
By facilitating early and accurate leak identification, the technology offers significant benefits, including reduced water loss, lower maintenance costs, and the prevention of costly infrastructure damage. Dr. Felix Vega, Chief Researcher at the Directed Energy Research Center (DERC), highlighted the improvements in backscatter analysis and coherence metrics that have enhanced the system’s subsurface anomaly detection capabilities, particularly in complex environments like sandy terrains.
Compared to traditional sensors, TII’s SAR solution offers broader coverage, higher resolution, and reliable performance across various terrains and weather conditions. Its scalable architecture and modular drone integration make it suitable for urban utilities, desert infrastructure operators, agriculture, and disaster response sectors.
As the UAE continues to strengthen its national water security strategy, this technology arrives at a crucial time. By reducing water losses due to leakages, the SAR platform contributes to operational efficiency and supports the UAE’s commitments to climate resilience and sustainable resource management under the Net Zero 2050 initiative.
