In an era where artificial intelligence commands global attention, industrial giants like Emerson are redefining how businesses adapt, operate, and grow.

In a recent discussion, Emerson executives delved into their journey with industrial AI, particularly highlighting the transformative impact of acquiring Aspen Tech and the proactive embrace of AI in the Middle East.

Industrial AI, as Emerson’s vice president & general manager at Emerson for UAE, Oman, Yemen, and Lebanon, Widad Haddad explains, isn’t a new concept, although its potential has soared through technological advances and strategic alliances.

“If you look back, there’s a lot of technology that has been deployed and used in the past that is very similar to AI. It’s actually AI, but just not called AI,” Haddad reflects, referencing Emerson’s early use of advanced process control (APC).

The recent acquisition of Aspen Tech, an industry leader in advanced control systems and machine learning, has expanded Emerson’s AI capabilities, allowing for integrated solutions that enhance everything from field sensing to cloud-based analytics.

The tangible benefits of this shift are significant: greater operational efficiency, smarter decision-making, and rapid upskilling through digital twin technology.

“Redeployment of manpower is a huge advantage of AI, (as is) validation of information before decision making.

Decision making is done, is also a huge advantage of AI and also for education and training,” Haddad affirms.

She cites digital twin platforms (a blend of simulation and machine learning) which enable parallel workforce training even before a plant goes online, drastically reducing timelines and costs.

Crucially, Emerson’s AI journey isn’t just about technology, it’s about trust and meaningful business change.

Haddad notes, “The trust factor has to be there, right? We have to trust the technology to make sure we’re leveraging its power.” Mere adoption isn’t enough; success depends on rethinking workforce roles, processes, and trust in AI-driven insights.

Nowhere is the appetite for innovation more apparent than in the Middle East, says Haddad, with the UAE leading efforts to “go after things that they know will bring value towards their vision.”

Emerson’s regional footprint, from UAE headquarters to manufacturing in Saudi Arabia and a center of excellence in Qatar, enables the company to foster local talent, boost university partnerships, and ensure automation technology keeps pace with industry needs.

As industrial AI continues to reshape industries, Emerson’s story stands as a testament to the power of visionary leadership, regional innovation, and the drive to turn technology from buzzword to business advantage.

Smart cleaning innovation elevates QAIA passenger experience. (Image source: Queen Alia International Airport)

Queen Alia International Airport, operated by Airport International Group, has been honoured by Airports Council International with the Best Innovation in Airport Technology Award for its Smart Cleaning System

The award recognises a fully integrated, real time operational model developed under AIG’s leadership and implemented on site through its cleaning services partner, MENA Facilities Management, using the MIMS platform created by Arrow Labs.

The recognition highlights AIG’s long term strategy to modernise airport operations through digital innovation, data driven decision making and real time operational control. Within this framework, MENA Facilities Management is responsible for the daily execution of the Smart Cleaning System, applying the MIMS platform as part of the performance structure and operational standards defined by AIG.

The system brings together multiple data sources, including passenger movement patterns, flight schedules, IoT sensors, Building Management Systems and live feedback tools. This integration enables MENA FM to plan cleaning activities dynamically, respond quickly to changing operational demands and maintain consistent service levels throughout the terminal. Both AIG’s oversight teams and MENA FM’s operational staff benefit from improved visibility, coordination and responsiveness across airport facilities.

Since implementation, QAIA has recorded tangible operational gains, such as quicker response times, more efficient workforce deployment, improved transparency and higher levels of passenger satisfaction. The project demonstrates how AIG’s strategic direction, supported by specialised execution partners, can convert operational data into practical outcomes that enhance the overall airport experience.

“QAIA’s success reflects the strength of AIG’s visionary leadership, brought to life through close collaboration between a high-performing service provider and world-class technology,” said Rami Darwish, CEO, Arrow Labs.

He continued, “We are honored that our MIMS platform played a central role in this transformation. MENA Facilities Management’s commitment to service excellence and digital enablement was crucial in translating real-time operational intelligence into measurable performance outcomes. This award demonstrates what strategic leadership, strong partnerships, and continuous innovation can achieve.”

MENA Facilities Management plays a central role in turning digital insights into on ground execution, ensuring that the system delivers consistent performance across all airport areas.

“AIG’s dedication to digital innovation has been the true catalyst behind this milestone, and we are proud to have contributed as an integral operational partner. By adopting Arrow Labs’ MIMS platform, MENA FM has been able to enhance service delivery, optimise resources, and reinforce airport-wide coordination. This recognition is a clear testament to what aligned vision, advanced technology, and committed teams can deliver,” stated Aboud Abu Gharbieh, CEO, MENA FM.

As Jordan’s main international gateway, Queen Alia International Airport continues to strengthen operational excellence and digital transformation under AIG’s management. These efforts reinforce its standing among the region’s leading airports while supporting a smoother, more efficient travel experience for millions of passengers each year.

Scan & drive: Automated vehicle inventory checks. (Image source: Brady Corporation)

Get a real-time list of equipment present in a vehicle and see what is missing versus an established vehicle equipment list. Select missing tools on-screen. Quickly home in with proximity-increasing sounds and visuals on a portable RFID reader

Discover the affordable RFID Scan & Drive solution from Brady!

Have you ever arrived at an intervention without the necessary equipment? Ever lost tools during field interventions? How much time do you spend to make sure all equipment is accounted for, and present in your vehicles? Now you can confirm vehicle inventories digitally and automatically, highlight any missing assets, and home in on misplaced items to quickly complete your vehicles. How much time could you save?

Everything present

Instantly see which tools are present in a vehicle - and what is missing. Easily save substantial time per vehicle, per intervention, with automated equipment inventory checks that take only seconds.

By labelling equipment with passive, battery-free UHF RFID labels, we can let an RFID reader in your vehicle detect which tools and items are present. The RFID reader can check detected tools versus a list of expected items to confirm a complete vehicle inventory or to highlight missing equipment on your phone.

Be fully equipped before leaving for a field intervention. Avoid losing tools after interventions. Don’t waste time checking visually where every piece of equipment is. Just scan, get confirmation in seconds, and drive to your next destination.

Home in on assets

Quickly find misplaced equipment. Home in on specific items with a portable RFID reader and proximity-increasing sounds and visuals.

Passive, battery-free UHF RFID labels bounce back radio signals from a portable RFID reader up to 15 metres. By measuring the strength of the returning radio signal with patented data capture technology, our portable RFID readers guide users towards a unique RFID label applied on a specific tool. When closing in, auditive and visual feedback strength from the reader increases.

RFID labels can include an LED, powered by an RFID reader from a 1.5 metre distance, to let a tool light up or to find it in a dense inventory of equipment.

Solution components

Brady develops and manufactures every component in our solution. Tested in in-house laboratories, each component is designed to withstand the wear and tear of field interventions, including exposure to UV, dust and moisture.

• RFID labels: Brady offers industrial grade on- and off-metal RFID-labels and tags that stay attached and remain legible on your equipment.
• Fixed RFID readers: Equipped with patented data capture technology, Brady’s fixed RFID readers collect data on items passing through their read range.
• Portable RFID readers: With intuitive displays, Brady’s portable RFID readers and SLEDs deliver unmatched mobility, data collection and interaction.

Are you interested in automated inventory checks solution from Brady? Visit our website, watch the short video and download the free RFID labelling guidebook.

Find out more now!

ABB launches UAE training center to upskill talent. (Image source: ABB)

ABB has inaugurated a US$2mn training and customer experience facility in the UAE to develop digital and engineering skills for industrial, power, and utility applications across the Middle East

The center aims to accelerate adoption of advanced digital solutions for energy systems in data centres, utilities, and smart industrial, residential, and commercial buildings, supporting the UAE’s leadership in the regional energy transition.

With electricity demand in the UAE projected to grow by up to 4% annually through 2035, driven by urbanisation, industrial expansion, and the electrification of transport and cooling (source: IEA), the adoption of advanced technologies will be critical. These innovations will strengthen energy resilience, optimise capital investments, and support sustainability goals. As industries scale to meet rising demand, strategic asset management powered by AI enabled technologies will ensure reliability, cost efficiency, and progress toward net zero targets.

Marco Tellarini, senior vice-president, Europe, Middle East and Africa, ABB Electrification Service, said, “The electrification sector faces a dual challenge of an aging workforce and the urgent need for new digital skills. As experienced technicians retire, businesses must equip the next generation with expertise in data driven asset management, remote monitoring and predictive maintenance. Our new UAE facility will help bridge the skills gap by combining practical training with exposure to cutting edge digital and AI technologies. This will enable local engineers and operators to manage the power infrastructure and systems of the future.”

The 2,500 sq m Customer Experience Center, located in Dubai’s Al Quoz Industrial Area, features a state of the art workshop, lecture theater, and collaborative training spaces. The facility is designed to train around 2,000 engineers and technicians annually from across the Middle East. Training will focus on medium and low voltage technologies, digital asset management, AI, and predictive maintenance solutions.

The center will also contribute to energy resilience by sharing knowledge and developing skills to support upgrades and retrofits of older technologies. By adopting the latest digital asset management tools, customers can improve efficiency, reduce emissions, and enhance reliability, ensuring that ABB’s clients, distributors, and installation partners remain ahead of rapid technological change.

ABB has maintained a strong presence in the UAE since 1976, employing approximately 750 colleagues across commercial offices, factories, and innovation centers. Across the six GCC countries, including Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar, Oman, Kuwait, and Bahrain, ABB employs around 1,500 professionals.