DEWA showcased its latest programmes & innovative initiatives that maintain its global leadership

Dubai, UAE, 28 February 2023: During its participation in the UAE Innovates 2023, Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) showcased its most prominent programmes that use the latest disruptive technologies and its innovative and sustainable initiatives, which play a fundamental role in providing its world-leading electricity and water services according to the highest levels of reliability, sustainability, and efficiency. DEWA also organised a series of panel discussions, school tour, roadshows and workshops to highlight the importance of innovation and latest disruptive technologies to achieve sustainability.

HE Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD & CEO of DEWA, highlighted DEWA’s commitment to promoting investment in innovation and providing a positive work environment that encourages creativity and innovation. This is to find sustainable solutions to current and future challenges. It also strengthens the UAE’s position as one of the most innovative countries prepared for the future. It also supports the Dubai Net Zero Carbon Emissions Strategy 2050. Al Tayer noted that DEWA is the first government entity to include the words of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, ‘The future belongs to those who can imagine it, design it, and execute it’, into the three main phases of its Innovation and Future Shaping Framework to become ‘Imagine, Design, and Implement’.

“As part of Digital DEWA, our digital arm, we are disrupting the entire business of public utilities and contributing to building a new digital future for Dubai. Digital DEWA is based on four pillars: launching advanced solar power technologies; deploying a renewable energy grid with innovative energy storage technologies; expanding integrated AI solutions; and providing digital services that serve smart, sustainable cities while ensuring their security and continuity in the cyber digital space. We spare no efforts to enhance DEWA’s position as one of the most innovative utilities in the world. We support DEWA’s goals to disrupting the business model of public utilities, and becoming the world’s first digital utility to use autonomous systems for renewable-energy and storage; and expanding the use of digital services,” added Al Tayer.

At the UAE Innovates 2023, DEWA showcased its Interactive Web Service for DRRG generation profiles; Power Network Real-time Simulator, which contains different energy source points to study the impact of these energy sources on the network, how to protect it, and how to make maximum use of it; Smart Recycle Bin on Smart Office, that supports DEWA’s sustainable efforts by encouraging employees to recycling of plastic and aluminium cans; Temi Robot as a Guide, that welcomed the visitors of DEWA’s innovation activities and introduces them to DEWA’s projects and innovations; Waee Platform to enrich knowledge about information security, to protect DEWA’s cyberspace, and to create a safe and sustainable work environment, through a set of training courses and awareness sessions that are focused on information security; DEWA Digital Mapping Solution, a 3D Mapping solution for the digitisation of assets and environments with LiDAR technology; and PoC for Automation of Asset Tracking that automatically synchronises with the SAP system.

DEWA is also showcased E-ATQEN System, which identifies lapses in Infrastructure (information) NOC process. It assesses risks as per DEWA Enterprises Risk Management and takes corrective action and mitigation plans to prevent future mistakes; The Future Signal Catalogue (FSC), is an online platform that allows employees to identify and post about future signals and trends. It also allows employees to view, discuss and analyse signals, which can be eventually turned into initiatives; Future Trends Platform enables users to access the latest innovations worldwide, and shows examples of innovative practices in different industries and in products, services, technologies and much more.

Moreover, DEWA highlighted Future Shaping Online courses via the iLearn platform to encourage employees to grow their skills in the Future Shaping field; Integrated Innovation Initiative; PoC unified Processes, which enables employees to imagine the future of DEWA through presenting their ideas on the work, technologies, innovation platforms, sustainability, and digital government, as well as unify all PoC evaluation and reporting processes, for internal and external challenges; DEWA SMART Library, a gateway to both the internal and external knowledge resources; and Tech Radar Platform which allows employees to explore the number of emerging technologies adopted/not adopted, the status, benefits and the impact of the mentioned technologies on business.

As part of its efforts to prepare leaders for the future, DEWA organised school visits to hold interactive workshops about robotics and 3D printing. In addition, DEWA held many workshops and panel discussions that focus on the World Economic Forum, the Dubai model for energy improvement and its results, future-shaping tools, developer talks, future signals platform, metaverse, future trends platform, and the future of AI generators.

“The importance of Data in Decision making process” seminars focused on current and future trends related to data analytics, integrating data analytics into the decision-making process at all levels and examine the opportunities that accompany this integration. The seminars also shed lights on DEWA’s most prominent achievments in implementing data-driven innovation and the significant impact it has had on DEWA’s operations.

The seminars also focused on adoption of a full fledge data governance protocol can yield significant operational & financial benefits for DEWA, sustainability journey at DEWA, ChatGPT technology supported by Microsoft, shaping the future via Data-Powered Innovation, and the role of innovation in achieving the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 2030.

Moreover, as part of DEWA’s participation in the UAE Innovates 2023, DEWA’s Innovation Centre showcased its most prominent achievements that make it a global incubator for innovation in the energy and water sectors. During the event, the Centre held several workshops to introduce school and university students to the latest innovations and developments in the field of sustainability. Through its stand in the project of the Mohammed Bin Rashid Centre for Government Innovation “The UAE Innovates 2023” in the Global Village, the Centre showcased its most prominent initiatives and projects that support innovation in clean and renewable energy. The Centre’s stand also highlighted its innovative interactive shows using drones and hologram technology, as well as the pioneering experiences it provides to its visitors, including the Metaverse Experience, the digital telescope, the autonomous bus ride, and the virtual tour across the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park.

The Centre’s stand also included a model of its building at the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park. The Innovation Centre building is a major landmark of Dubai, with a panoramic view of the solar park. The building has achieved LEED platinum. It consists of four floors, which include more than 35 interactive exhibitions on renewable energy developments, in addition to DEWA’s Museum.