The Technology Innovation Institute (TII) will host the GlobalEM high-power electromagnetics conference in Abu Dhabi from November 13–17. The conference, organized by TII’s Directed Energy Research Center (DERC), will feature sessions on sources, antennas, IEMI threats, high energy lasers, and critical infrastructure impacts. GlobalEM brings together experts to discuss challenges and opportunities in electromagnetics. Why it matters: The event strengthens the advanced directed energy domain in the UAE and supports Abu Dhabi's goal of becoming a hub for innovation in mitigating electromagnetic risks.
The Directed Energy Research Center (DERC) at Abu Dhabi’s Technology Innovation Institute (TII) is hosting the GlobalEM 2022 conference in Abu Dhabi. The conference brings together high-power electromagnetics (HPEM) experts to discuss challenges and opportunities in the field. The four-day event includes sessions on IEMI threats, high energy lasers, and HPEM impacts on critical infrastructure. Why it matters: Hosting GlobalEM in the UAE positions Abu Dhabi as a central hub for innovation in electromagnetics and directed energy research.
KAUST startup Sadeem, which provides solar-powered smart city solutions for flood, traffic and environmental monitoring, won the Best Global Startup award in Dubai in 2017. Since then, Sadeem has focused on building its business model and infrastructure to accommodate expansion. Sadeem recently installed its smart city sensors, including the Aura air quality monitor, in Madinah, Saudi Arabia. Why it matters: This expansion demonstrates the potential for Saudi-based startups to provide innovative solutions to local challenges and scale their impact internationally.
KAUST Professor J. Carlos Santamarina is researching solutions to the global energy challenge, focusing on sustainable energy production while reducing CO2 emissions. He notes the increasing energy demand due to population growth and the limitations of current energy sources. Santamarina emphasizes the need for fuel-producing countries to participate in carbon capture and storage to meet carbon targets. Why it matters: This research contributes to addressing critical sustainability challenges in the region, especially in oil-producing countries like Saudi Arabia.
Researchers from the Directed Energy Research Center (DERC) will present research papers at the 17th Workshop of the International Lithosphere Program Task Force on Sedimentary Basins in Abu Dhabi. Dr. Meixia Geng's study identifies potential geothermal exploration sites in the UAE based on Curie isotherm depths. Dr. Felix Vega's research demonstrates drone-borne synthetic aperture radar (SAR) for subsurface mapping of underground cavities. Why it matters: These studies showcase the UAE's commitment to sustainable development through geothermal energy exploration and advanced subsurface imaging techniques.