Abu Dhabi-based startup Nabat has deployed 10 million mangrove seeds using AI-powered drones in 2026, reducing restoration costs and supporting the UAE’s environmental goals
Abu Dhabi, UAE: Abu Dhabi-based environmental technology startup Nabat has deployed 10 million mangrove seeds in 2026 using artificial intelligence and autonomous drones, marking a significant milestone in the UAE’s coastal restoration efforts.
Working with the Environment Agency, Abu Dhabi (EAD), the company combines drone imagery, satellite data and AI models to identify suitable planting locations and monitor ecosystem recovery. Nabat says its technology can reduce restoration costs by three to five times compared with conventional methods while improving planting efficiency.
Drones survey 800 hectares daily
Nabat’s technology allows a single team to survey approximately 800 hectares daily using high-resolution imagery. Its autonomous drones can also disperse mangrove seeds across 50 to 60 hectares per day. Mehdi Ajana, Vice President of Strategy at Nabat, said AI helps conservation teams understand where mangroves are growing, assess their health and determine where restoration is most needed. The technology can detect small mangrove seedlings and monitor changes across large coastal areas.
Ten million seeds support UAE environmental goals
The initiative contributes to the UAE’s ambition to plant 100 million mangroves by 2030. However, Nabat clarified that deploying 10 million seeds does not mean 10 million trees have successfully grown.
Scientifically selected restoration sites in the UAE have recorded mangrove establishment rates of approximately 40 to 50 percent.The company monitors seedling survival, vegetation density and biomass to measure long-term environmental results.
Impact to Expect
The initiative could help accelerate coastal restoration, protect biodiversity and strengthen climate resilience across the UAE. Nabat’s AI-powered approach could also support international environmental restoration projects, demonstrating how autonomous technology can improve conservation efficiency while reducing operational costs.
