Borouge partners with Yokogawa to develop AI-driven autonomous control room, enhancing efficiency, safety, and profitability at its Ruwais petrochemical facility.
Borouge has entered into a strategic collaboration with Yokogawa to pilot an innovative proof-of-concept focused on deploying autonomous, AI-driven control room operations at its state-of-the-art Ruwais complex in Abu Dhabi. This initiative represents a significant step in Borouge’s digital transformation journey, positioning the company at the forefront of industrial innovation within the global petrochemical sector.
Yokogawa UAE Industry, a recognized leader in advanced automation technologies across the Emirates, will bring its expertise in artificial intelligence and data-driven solutions to the project. The company will employ sophisticated AI systems capable of analyzing large volumes of operational data, recognizing trends, and forecasting irregularities. Such predictive capabilities are designed to facilitate faster and more effective corrective actions, minimizing the possibility of unplanned downtime and ensuring stable, continuous operations.
The proof-of-concept initiative will also investigate the potential of autonomous control rooms to drive greater value by improving plant efficiency, enhancing decision-making, and optimizing overall performance. Moving away from traditional manual monitoring, the AI-enabled system is intended to function as a proactive, intelligent operations hub that maximizes productivity while safeguarding safety standards.
Hazeem Sultan Al Suwaidi, Chief Executive Officer of Borouge, emphasized the importance of this development within the company’s broader transformation program. He stated: “As we advance our AI, Digitalisation and Technology (AIDT) agenda, our ambition is to create an AI-driven autonomous control room at what will be the world’s largest integrated petrochemical site. This milestone will enable Borouge to accelerate sustainable growth and generate enduring value for our shareholders.”
Echoing this vision, Norinao Sato, President and CEO of Yokogawa Middle East & Africa, described the concept as a leap toward the future of operations. “An AI-powered control room represents the next generation of industrial management. By combining artificial intelligence, machine learning, and automation, it can significantly enhance efficiency, automate routine tasks, improve safety, and transform decision-making. This evolution redefines the role of the control room from a reactive monitoring hub into a forward-looking, intelligent command centre,” he noted.
Borouge has been actively incorporating artificial intelligence, advanced digital solutions, and strategic partnerships to improve its profitability and operational performance. As part of its 2025 roadmap, the company has set an ambitious goal of generating $575 million in value from these technology-driven initiatives. Notably, by the end of the second quarter, Borouge had already achieved $307 million in measurable value, showcasing the effectiveness of its ongoing transformation efforts.
Through this collaboration with Yokogawa, Borouge not only strengthens its technological capabilities but also underscores its commitment to pioneering innovation, efficiency, and sustainability within the petrochemical industry.
