AI empowers stakeholders to make faster, data-driven decisions

In an interview with Bentley Systems, the company's sales director Slavco Velickov explained the role of AI in water management. Read on: 

What role does AI play in water management solutions?

Slavco Velickov: In arid regions like the Middle East, where water is a critical resource, AI empowers stakeholders to make faster, data-driven decisions that ensure reliability, reduce waste, and support long-term sustainability goals. Bentley Systems has focused on software for infrastructure engineering and operations for more than four decades.

Our approach to AI has been one of continuously embedding advanced intelligence within our water infrastructure solutions. We've been using algorithms to power complex simulations, analyses, and design optimisations for many years. AI represents the next wave of these capabilities, making our tools more intuitive and powerful. It's important to clarify that we see AI as an enabler for our digital twin solutions.

This is crucial because, globally, we're facing a significant challenge: demand for resilient infrastructure is surging, but there aren't enough engineers to manage the overwhelming amount of data generated. AI helps offset those tedious tasks, allowing engineers to focus on higher added-value activities and get better control of their data. We are investing in its potential across various areas, from asset operations to even using generative AI in the design phase, like in our OpenSite+ application.

Why should utility/power companies use AI-based solutions?

Slavco Velickov: Firstly, and perhaps most critically in many regions, is the reduction of non-revenue water, or water losses.

This remains a hot topic globally. Instead of having to build new infrastructure or production facilities, reducing losses in the existing network is a far more sustainable approach and a key driver for adopting technologies like AI for precise leak detection, including geolocation and optimal pressure management. Secondly, there's the significant challenge of productivity and due to the wave of retiring workforce in the sector.

Utilities hold decades of operational knowledge within their experienced personnel. AI-powered digital twins can capture this invaluable tacit knowledge: from understanding complex operational rules to predicting network behaviour, essentially augmenting the capabilities of the remaining and incoming workforce to manage increasing data volumes and systems complexity.

Implementing AI solutions can lead to substantial cost reductions over time. By minimising water losses and optimising operational processes, utilities can lower their operational expenses. 

^{Slavco Velickov, sales director, Bentley Systems}

What are the best ways to use AI in water sector?

Slavco Velickov: The most impactful AI use cases in the water sector today are focused on improving operational efficiency and system resilience.

Key areas include demand forecasting, which is crucial for optimising supply (treatment) and demand; predictive maintenance for critical assets, allowing utilities to anticipate failures before they happen; event detection and leakage detection and localisation, enabling rapid response to reduce water loss and service disruptions; and pumping optimisation and energy efficiency where AI can analyse complex system dynamics to minimise energy consumption representing significant operational costs.

What's powerful is that AI can provide valuable predictive insights in these areas even in situations where a full, calibrated simulation model such as Bentley OpenFlows might not be available, working directly with sensor and historical data to identify trends and predict potential issues.

Share with us an example of successful city water management.

Slavco Velickov: Bentley software is also used to manage water networks in the Middle East, including in Sharjah, to prevent water losses which exacerbate the effects of drought in dry arid climates.

Sharjah Electricity and Water Authority (SEWA) used Bentley’s OpenFlows Water software to help actively manage its water network, model water supply patterns, plan maintenance, ultimately reducing water leakage in the 3,400 km urban water distribution network.

This initiative was part of an AED 1.25 million programme led by SEWA, which aimed to identify leaks and high pressure in ageing areas of the network.

Additionally, Bentley software has been used by The Federal Electricity & Water Authority (FEWA) in Ras Al Khaimah on their AED 24.75 million project which sought to build a new water transmission and distribution network, providing potable water service to more than 20,000 people living in the six villages of Wadi Shaam.

The network had to cross difficult terrain. Using Bentley advanced technology allowed FEWA to analyse the data and optimise the models, given the physical constraints. FEWA completed the design one month in advance, reduced pipe lengths by 20%, and saved AED 500,000.

^{Leveraging iTwin and OpenFlows with AI and machine learning, PUB developed their high-fidelity digital twin for leak detection. (Image source: PUB, Singapore’s National Water Agency)}

How important is it to have transparent data and AI solutions that can benefit software engineering applications in the long run?

Slavco Velickov: We operate under three key principles for Generative AI: Control—users retain full control over their data and decide if, when, and how it's used, exclusively for their benefit. Contribute—users can choose to contribute anonymised data for collective AI model training if they wish, but it's their choice. Trust—we are transparent about how we create our AI models and how we source the data used to train them.

Our iTwin platform is designed to be open and interoperable, enabling users to bring together data from various sources without being locked in.

That ensures connecting people and data. Our open data ecosystem approach is crucial for transparency and ensuring the user has full visibility and control. We also invest heavily in cybersecurity to safeguard that data, recognising that the integrity of the digital infrastructure is as important as the physical.

For example, in our AI-powered digital twin applications, anomaly detection models are paired with visualisation and contextual data so that users can understand why an alert was triggered and how it was derived from the data. 

Focus areas included sludge and odour management. (Image source: TAQA Water Solutions)

A senior delegation from TAQA Water Solutions has completed a technical tour of Denmark organised by the Water Efficiency Middle East Alliance (WEMA) and supported by the Danish Trade Council, aiming to advance knowledge sharing around sustainable water infrastructure.

Held at a time of heightened focus on water security across the GCC, the visit connected Emirati and Danish water sector leaders to exchange proven strategies for wastewater reuse, energy optimisation, and circular economy practices. The tour aligned with key regional frameworks, including the UAE Water Security Strategy 2036, Net Zero 2050, and Saudi Vision 2030.

With Denmark widely recognised as a pioneer in sustainable utilities, TAQA representatives were given access to in-depth case studies and operational insights that hold strong relevance for Middle Eastern utilities working to meet rising demand with lower environmental impact.

Throughout the visit, TAQA executives engaged directly with Danish utilities, technology companies, and research institutions. Roundtable discussions and site visits were hosted by WEMA member companies such as Grundfos, Danfoss, DHI, NIRAS, Aquaterra, AVK, Watopi, and Aarhus Vand.

Focus areas included sludge and odour management, advanced wastewater reuse, energy-efficient pumping systems, stormwater resilience, and smart digital platforms to improve asset performance.

A highlight of the programme was a dedicated knowledge session with BIOFOS, Denmark’s largest wastewater utility, and Aarhus Water Utility, which is at the forefront of customer-centric water services and climate-adaptive infrastructure.

Groundwork for collaboration

The visit identified clear pathways for deeper technical cooperation, including feasibility assessments for Danish technologies in the GCC and potential pilot projects that demonstrate real-world impact.

TAQA Water Solutions outlined key priorities such as enhancing operational energy efficiency, solving infiltration challenges, and managing complex large-scale pumping requirements, areas where Danish innovation can play a significant role.

As WEMA continues to bridge connections between the Gulf and global water leaders, the mission underlined how structured knowledge exchange can unlock scalable solutions for more resilient, efficient, and future-ready water networks in the region.

“This delegation was more than a visit, it was a strategic exchange of ideas, technology, and shared ambition,” said Astrid SC Nielsen, the Danish Trade Council, Dubai. “TAQA Water Solutions’ commitment to innovation, coupled with Denmark’s decades of water expertise, are the seeds for impactful, long-term collaboration.”

“At TAQA Water Solutions, we have experienced firsthand how innovation profoundly drives comprehensive sustainability. It extends far beyond merely securing vital water and energy systems; it is the fundamental cornerstone reinforcing a resilient circular economy. This strategic imperative ensures that every precious drop is meticulously collected, expertly treated, and purposefully reused, thereby setting new benchmarks for responsible resource management and ensuring a water-secure future,” said Eng. Ahmed Al Shamsi, CEO of TAQA Water Solutions.

He added, “As part of TAQA Group's commitment to providing energy and water to communities worldwide, TAQA Water Solutions drives sustainable development and secures global water resources through strategic investments and collaborative partnerships in markets of growth. This visit exemplifies this mission, evolving beyond a technical exchange, profoundly deepening our shared commitment to advancing sustainable water solutions globally. We are grateful for the generous knowledge-sharing and the invaluable opportunity to learn from a community that has seamlessly integrated sustainability into its daily life, underscoring our belief that innovation truly thrives through reciprocal collaboration.”​

Also read: How does the UAE support island nations' water security?

The Construction Authority for Potable Water and Wastewater in Egypt.

ACCIONA, along with local firm DHCU, obtained an €35mn (US$38.15mn) contract from Egypt’s Construction Authority for Potable Water and Wastewater (CAPW) so it can operate and maintain Phase II of Cairo's Gabal El Asfar wastewater treatment complex.

The eight-year agreement rehabilitates also upgrades two major plants within the facility so that they can each treat 500,000 m³ per day.

Gabal El Asfar is known to be the largest wastewater treatment complex located in Africa as well as the Middle East. This ranks it third globally, with a total capacity of 2.5 m³ per day.

Home to more than eight million residents, it serves the vital eastern part of Cairo.

ACCIONA’s already established footprint is further reinforced by this latest contract within Egypt’s water sector.

The company led the design, construction, and commissioning in a previous expansion phase at Gabal El Asfar in 2013, adding another 500,000 m³ to its daily capacity.

ACCIONA and DHCU were entrusted not too long ago in 2022 for Phase I's operation and improvement that handles 1.5 m³ of wastewater for each day.

Other developments

Beyond Gabal El Asfar, ACCIONA has partnered together with CAPW on additional projects, and this includes the water infrastructure operations for New Cairo.

The initiative collects water from the Nile River and then transports the water. It then purifies the water and distributes to consumers in the satellite city 30 kilometers east of the capital.

The company constructed five other major drinking water treatment plants throughout Egypt.

The Almerya, Rod el Farag, Mostorod, North Helwan I, and North Helwan II plants serve collectively over six million people because they have a combined capacity that exceeds 600,000m³ per day.

Within ACCIONA’s portfolio is the Bahr Al Baqr wastewater treatment plant. It is actually another key project that is located in northwestern Egypt.

It has 5.6 m³ capacity as one of the world’s largest, designed for high-quality water production for agricultural irrigation.

Additionally, ACCIONA operates several other wastewater facilities in Egypt as these facilities include those located in Abnoub-El Fath, Sodfa-El Ghanayem, El Ayat, and Abu Simbel.

Sustainable infrastructure and renewable solutions are led by ACCIONA globally.

They have been keeping to carbon neutrality since back in 2016.

Operations are maintained in more than 40 countries, also the company reported €19.19bn (US$21bn) in sales for 2024.

Also check out:

MENA platform aims to enhance clean water accessibility

Water diplomacy: how UAE supports island nations' water security

Saudi Arabia's NWC takes on multiple wastewater projects

Iheb Triki and Mohamed Ali Abid founded Kumulus in 2021. (Image source: Kumulus)

The watertech company Kumulus Water, which turns air into potable water, has raised US$3.5mn in seed money.

Bpifrance led the seed funding through France 2030 SGPI and the Île-de-France Region, with participation from other international regional and investors, including Plus VC, MENA's most active VC, Khalys Venture, Flat6Labs, Europe's leading bottled water group Spadel, and several family offices and founders from Europe and North Africa.

Iheb Triki and Mohamed Ali Abid founded Kumulus in 2021. The company creates and produces atmospheric water generators, which use air humidity to produce safe drinking water without having any pre-existing electrical or water infrastructure.

Across Europe, Africa, and the Middle East, the company's technologies are currently in use in hotels, schools, and remote settlements.

With this financing, Kumulus will debut the Kumulus Boks, a new range of industrial-grade, cutting-edge Atmospheric Water Generators (AWG) that supply pure drinking water straight from air humidity, as well as expand operations in Tunisia, France, and Spain, and prepare for market entry into Saudi Arabia.

Producing water locally

“We’re deeply grateful to our existing and new investors for their trust and continued support,” said Iheb Triki, CEO and co-founder of Kumulus Water. “Their involvement is a strong vote of confidence in our technology and our vision. At Kumulus, we believe access to clean drinking water should not depend on existing infrastructure. With this funding, we’re taking a major step toward making clean water accessible, sustainable, and decentralised—especially for the communities that need it most.”

“This funding allows us to scale not just production, but impact,” said Mohamed Ali Abid, co-founder and CTO of Kumulus Water. “We have spent the past few years refining a technology that can operate reliably in some of the harshest and most water-stressed environments. Now, we are ready to deploy it at scale and bring truly off-grid, sustainable water access to more communities across the region and beyond.”

Hasan Haider, founder and managing partner at +VC, said, “Kumulus is building a scalable, climate-resilient solution to one of the most critical regional and global challenges-access to clean drinking water. At +VC, we invest in founders who are not only mission-driven, solving real-world problems but also executing with commercially scalable solutions. Kumulus fits that profile and is well-positioned for both regional and global growth. We’re excited to support their journey as they scale meaningful impact, making them stand out in the climate-tech space.”

“We believe the world needs complementary solutions to address the growing challenge of drinking water scarcity,” added Clément Yvorra, global business development manager at Spadel. “What convinced us is Kumulus’ ability to produce water locally, without packaging or transportation, offering a truly sustainable alternative.”