In a region where innovation is rapidly becoming a cornerstone of progress, Emirati engineer Youssef Hassan Al-Barai stands out as a shining example of what ambition, persistence, and creativity can achieve. Driven by a passion to solve real-world problems, Youssef has built a robust portfolio of 10 inventive solutions across diverse sectors — two of which have already earned him official patents.
His journey is a testament to how youthful energy, when directed with purpose, can lead to innovations that make a genuine global impact.
Turning Water Leaks into Power and Data
Among his most groundbreaking inventions is the “Coupled Pipe Collar for Leak Detection” — a smart, energy-efficient solution designed to detect water leaks with unprecedented precision in utility networks.
Youssef explains that this collar doesn’t just detect leaks — it transforms the leak itself into a source of energy and a smart alert signal, a solution that is unique globally. Unlike existing systems that show only the total water loss in a network, Youssef’s invention measures the water loss individually per pipe, while also identifying the exact leak location and time.
What sets this invention apart:
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Detects microscopic leaks, even when water escapes in droplet form.
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Identifies the exact leaking pipe without confusion.
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Operates without external power sources or batteries — it generates energy from the leak.
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Sends immediate alerts pinpointing the leaking section.
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Calculates water loss separately for each pipe — a feature not available in current technologies.
This innovation began in 2018, overcoming countless technical and financial hurdles. After years of development and testing, it proved its real-world effectiveness by 2021. It was officially registered in 2022 and underwent three years of scrutiny and refinement, culminating in a formal patent granted on December 16, 2025.
A Portfolio Full of Promising Technologies
Youssef’s drive to innovate didn’t stop there. He currently has three more inventions under examination, including:
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A ring disc device,
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Smart bolts,
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And intelligent liquid lids.
Additionally, several other creations are already in the process of being registered:
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The smart warning tape,
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An inspection robot,
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A pipeline safety vehicle dubbed the “Al-Mirqab Car”,
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And the ShamsNet solar-powered box.
He is also preparing to file for a new invention: the Energy Cube.
From Vision to Recognition
Youssef Al-Barai’s story is more than a personal triumph — it’s a source of inspiration for young Arabs across the region. His work proves that with persistence, technical skill, and a future-focused mindset, local innovators can not only contribute to solving global issues but also lead the way in creating sustainable, smart technologies.
Through his tenacity and inventive spirit, Youssef is reshaping how we look at challenges — not as obstacles, but as opportunities waiting to be engineered into solutions.
