Gulf's First Digital Twin: Abu Dhabi Terminals
An interactive, real-time installation powered by the most advanced game-engine then to create one of the earliest digital twins in the logistics sector — visualizing live port activity via an augmented camera feed over a decade ago.
Ports are among the most complex logistical environments in the world, yet most visitors — including stakeholders, clients, and investors — have no way of understanding the flow of goods, data, and operations happening in real time.
Abu Dhabi Terminals needed a transparent, engaging, and live representation of port operations for its visitor experience center. The challenge was to combine storytelling with live infrastructure — without compromising performance or security.
We developed a real-time visualization interface using a live camera feed as the base, layered with dynamic data overlays representing vessels, container movements, and content metadata. This was built using Unity 3D, repurposed from its gaming roots into an industrial engine for data visualization — a novel approach at the time.
What we built was, in essence, a working digital twin — updating in real time with backend data feeds, embedded into a spatial and interactive UI. The AR-style overlay made data feel tangible, helping non-technical audiences understand the scale and precision of daily port operations.
The installation successfully visualized the invisible — turning backend terminal operations into a live, spatial, and emotionally resonant experience. It became a key asset for client walkthroughs, international delegations, and educational tours.
Technically, it set a regional precedent: combining live operational data, spatial interfaces, and Unity-powered rendering — years before such implementations became mainstream. Conceptually, it validated the utility of digital twins and real-time AR in heavy industries, paving the way for modern AI-native monitoring platforms.
