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11/1/24, 1:19 PM Unleashing the power of digital twins: Transforming water infrastructure in the GCC - Utilities Middle East
Digital twins also drive significant operational and financial impacts, underscoring Bentley’s value
proposition. “Our technologies have delivered a 30% improvement in energy efficiency for
Evides, a Dutch water utility, by optimising pumping schedules,” Velickov highlights. Such
efficiencies translate into reduced CO2 emissions and substantial cost savings. “In the UAE alone,
reducing non-revenue water by just 1% could offset the need for additional desalination
facilities,” he adds, pointing to Bentley’s active projects with ADDC and SEWA aimed at achieving
these efficiencies.

Looking ahead, Velickov envisions a future where “smart water networks” and “water-wise cities”
become the norm in the GCC. With Dubai already installing close to a million smart water meters,
there is an increasing focus on data-driven decision-making. “Data from these meters can inform
AI-powered insights that help anticipate demand, optimise energy use, and improve water
quality,” he says.

Velickov is also excited about the potential of nanotechnology and advanced filtration systems to
improve water treatment. “With digital twins, we can simulate chlorine distribution, water age,
and mixing patterns to optimise water quality further,” he explains. And as cities turn greener,
“Water-wise planning can reduce temperatures, capture rainwater, and make cities more
resilient.”

The role of the GCC governments, he believes, will be pivotal in pushing these digital
advancements. Velickov is optimistic: “The region is positioning itself to lead in leveraging digital
solutions for water management, adapting them to address specific local challenges.”

With Bentley’s digital twin technology at the forefront, the GCC’s water infrastructure is set to
undergo a digital transformation, one that promises resilience, sustainability, and operational
excellence in the years ahead. As Velickov concludes, “By harnessing the power of data, we’re
building not just infrastructure but a smarter, more sustainable future for the region.”

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