The Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) is revamping its operational model to embody a culture of speed, precision, and measurable execution. This transformation aligns with Dubai’s broader vision, spearheaded by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, to elevate the emirate’s standing as a global leader by promoting a results-oriented work ethic.

Integrating Ambition with Execution

DEWA is integrating the Dubai-It initiative into its core strategy, ensuring that its mission and corporate values resonate with a culture of rapid and accurate execution. This initiative encourages organizations to turn ambitious objectives into tangible outcomes, mirroring Dubai’s ethos as a beacon of global leadership. The alignment of DEWA’s corporate framework not only strengthens its internal operations but also showcases its dedication to the directives set forth by the UAE’s leadership.

Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, DEWA’s Managing Director and CEO, emphasizes that this alignment is critical for improving performance and empowering employees. By focusing on translating innovative ideas into measurable results, DEWA supports Dubai’s sustainable development objectives. According to Al Tayer, corporate values must go beyond mere slogans—they should guide decision-making processes and be seen through the quality of services provided and operational efficiency.

Fostering a Culture of Excellence

DEWA’s efforts aim to enhance the overall quality of services while fostering an environment where customer satisfaction, sustainability, and innovation are prioritized. The agency aims to further support Dubai’s vision of becoming a global leader in quality of life and government services. The Dubai-It initiative is established to maintain the unique work culture of Dubai, ensuring that rapid project execution does not compromise quality.

An integral part of this initiative is the annual Dubai-It Award, directed by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. This award acknowledges exceptional entities and projects that realize ambitious goals within record time, encompassing various sectors from technology to real estate. This recognition not only boosts motivation but also promotes the application of the Dubai-It philosophy across the wider economy and public administration.

Performance Metrics and Technological Advancements

DEWA’s commitment to high performance is reflected in its operational achievements, ranking first globally across 13 key performance indicators in electricity and water services. Customers benefit from minimal service interruptions, averaging just 49 seconds annually, and the electricity infrastructure includes advanced systems for automated fault identification and rapid restoration. This technological advancement exemplifies how digital innovation can enhance service reliability and customer experience.

The authority has allocated AED 7 billion (approximately $1.9 billion) towards its Smart Grid Strategy, targeting automation and resilience across Dubai’s networks. Additionally, DEWA’s AI-driven virtual employee, Rammas, has efficiently managed over 13 million customer inquiries, highlighting the ascendancy of artificial intelligence in public service delivery.

Advancing Sustainability Goals

As part of its long-term vision, DEWA is closely integrating the Dubai-It philosophy with sustainability objectives. Currently, more than 21.5 percent of Dubai’s energy mix comes from clean sources, a figure projected to rise to 36 percent by 2030. DEWA’s groundbreaking initiatives, such as the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park and the Hatta Hydroelectric Power Plant, signify major strides in renewable energy and innovative project execution.

The commitment to good governance further solidifies DEWA’s operational framework. With the recent renewal of its BS 13500 certification for the tenth consecutive year, the authority demonstrates its dedication to accountability and stakeholder confidence. By interweaving execution-focused values with overarching sustainability and innovation priorities, DEWA is positioning itself as a leader in public services, ultimately enhancing the quality of life for all Dubai residents while supporting the emirate’s ambitious future goals.