Sharjah Electricity Utilizes Satellites to Save 2 Billion Gallons of Water

Sharjah's Satellite Water Leak Detection Saves $12.5 Million in Revolutionary Infrastructure Push

The Sharjah Electricity, Water and Gas Authority has achieved remarkable results through its satellite-powered water leak detection program, identifying and repairing 1,345 leaks across transmission and distribution networks. The initiative saved 1.331 billion gallons of water, translating to approximately 46 million dirhams ($12.5 million) in preserved resources—a breakthrough that positions the emirate as a regional leader in smart infrastructure management.

Advanced Technology Delivers Measurable Impact

Engineer Faisal Al Sarkal, Director of Water Management at SEWA, revealed that the program utilized satellite technology to survey 5,000 kilometers of water networks between March 2024 and May 2025. Field teams complemented this space-based monitoring by conducting acoustic detection surveys across 950 kilometers of infrastructure, targeting invisible leaks that traditional methods often miss.

The dual-technology approach represents a significant evolution from conventional leak detection methods, which typically rely on visual inspections and reactive maintenance. By combining satellite imagery analysis with ground-based acoustic sensors, Sharjah has created a comprehensive monitoring system that identifies problems before they escalate into major failures.

Strategic Importance for Gulf Water Security

This achievement carries particular weight in the Gulf region, where water scarcity remains a persistent challenge despite massive desalination investments. The UAE consumes among the world's highest per-capita water volumes, making efficiency gains crucial for long-term sustainability and cost management.

Regional Context and Comparisons

Sharjah's success mirrors similar smart city initiatives across the Gulf, but with notably stronger results. Dubai's smart water grid program, launched in 2020, focuses primarily on consumption monitoring, while Abu Dhabi's water efficiency programs emphasize demand management. Sharjah's satellite-based approach offers a more proactive solution by preventing water loss before it occurs.

Internationally, cities like Singapore and Barcelona have pioneered smart water management, but typically at much higher per-unit costs. Sharjah's program demonstrates that emerging markets can achieve comparable results through strategic technology deployment rather than wholesale infrastructure replacement.

Economic and Environmental Implications

The 46 million dirham savings represent more than immediate cost recovery—they signal a fundamental shift toward data-driven utility management. With regional water production costs averaging $2-3 per cubic meter through desalination, preventing waste delivers exponential returns compared to expanding production capacity.

Investment and Scalability Potential

The program's success creates a compelling case study for infrastructure investors and technology providers targeting the Middle East market. Satellite-based monitoring systems typically require significant upfront investment but deliver measurable returns through reduced operational costs and extended asset lifecycles.

For utility operators across water-stressed regions, Sharjah's model offers a scalable template that balances technological sophistication with practical implementation. The combination of satellite monitoring and acoustic detection provides redundancy while maintaining cost-effectiveness—critical factors for widespread adoption.

Future Implications for Smart Infrastructure

This initiative positions Sharjah at the forefront of the Gulf's broader smart city transformation. As regional governments increasingly prioritize sustainability and efficiency, proven technologies like satellite-based leak detection will likely see rapid adoption across neighboring emirates and countries.

The program's success also validates the growing trend toward predictive maintenance in critical infrastructure, suggesting that similar approaches could be applied to electricity grids, transportation networks, and telecommunications systems throughout the region.