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Abu Dhabi’s Tadweer aims to revolutionise waste management

30 September 2025

 

Tadweer Group has launched a new company, Tadweer Collection (Tajmee’e), that aims to revolutionise waste management in Abu Dhabi. The new entity has been tasked with transforming waste collection and treatment through advanced technologies, data-driven operations and community engagement, with the goal of diverting 80% of waste away from landfill by 2030.

“Technology is the central nervous system of Tajmee’e’s operations,” says Matt Rogers, executive director of technology and digital at Tadweer Group (pictured, right).

“It is no longer just a supporting function but a core strategic driver alongside community engagement and partnerships. Every aspect of the business, from collections and asset management to customer service and sustainability reporting, is built around digital integration.”

Technology core

Tajmee’e’s activities are structured around an integrated waste management platform that brings together collection, transportation and treatment into a single system. The company has adopted artificial intelligence to optimise collection routes, improve fuel efficiency and reduce emissions. Collection vehicles are equipped with telemetry systems to monitor speed, braking, idling and fuel use. At the same time, containers are fitted with sensors that measure fill levels and transmit data in real time, enabling dynamic scheduling of collections according to need rather than fixed timetables.

Other digital technologies reinforce this approach. Radio frequency identification (RFID) tags allow bins to be tracked, while computer vision systems inspect containers for damage, contamination or overflow as trucks arrive. These innovations collectively aim to transform waste collection from a fixed, schedule-based service into a flexible, intelligent logistics operation.

Investment is also being directed at downstream treatment facilities. At new material recovery plants, optical sorting systems and robotics guided by artificial intelligence will be introduced to increase efficiency, reduce contamination and improve the quality of recycled materials. Waste-to-energy plants are also planned to process non-recyclable materials, generating energy and reducing reliance on landfill.

Strategic asset

The technological transformation is underpinned by the systematic collection and analysis of data. Every pick-up generates operational information on weight, type and volume of material, as well as vehicle and environmental data. Fleet management software records driving behaviour and emissions, while facility monitoring systems capture energy yields and recycling rates.

This data is processed through predictive models that allow Tajmee’e to forecast future waste volumes, manage contamination levels and plan capacity requirements.

Rogers says the objective is to become a “big data enterprise” that makes strategic decisions guided by real-time information. This approach supports the company’s headline target of diverting 80% of waste away from landfill by 2030.

Artificial intelligence is central to this process. Beyond route optimisation and robotic sorting, it is being applied in areas such as health and safety. Cameras in vehicles can detect whether drivers are wearing seatbelts or engaging in unsafe behaviour, allowing managers to intervene and improve training. “Some of these less tangible uses of AI provide the greatest value,” says Rogers.

The adoption of advanced technology inevitably involves cost. “You do see a slight uplift in costs compared to traditional models, but it is quickly recouped through efficiency gains,” says Rogers.

International potential

Tajmee’e’s ambitions extend beyond Abu Dhabi. The company has been established with a mandate to explore international markets, with potential entry routes ranging from acquisitions and joint ventures to licensing of technology platforms. Options are open at this stage and will be pursued on a case-by-case basis.

Centralised operations in Abu Dhabi provide the foundation for this expansion. The company has created a command-and-control centre that monitors live camera feeds and data flows from across the city. Artificial intelligence enables automated responses to incidents, reducing the need for human oversight. Once established, this model can be scaled to monitor operations in other markets regardless of geography. “Distance is not an issue,” says Rogers. “With AI support, we can manage fleets and facilities on the other side of the world.”

Such capabilities allow Abu Dhabi to serve local needs and export expertise, in much the same way that the UAE has leveraged its experience in aviation, ports and logistics to create global businesses.

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Colin Foreman

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