DEWA embeds Dubai-It philosophy into strategy as it advances AED 7 billion smart grid program

Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) is embedding Dubai’s execution-focused Dubai-It philosophy into its corporate strategy and day-to-day operations as it advances a AED7 billion ($1.9 billion) smart grid program aimed at modernizing the emirate’s electricity and water infrastructure by 2035.

The utility said it is aligning its mission, corporate values, and operating model with the Dubai-It initiative, launched by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai, to foster a workplace culture centered on speed, precision, and measurable results.

DEWA said the approach will embed a culture of achievement, innovation, and proactive decision-making across its operations to enhance service delivery, operational efficiency, and organizational performance.

“Integrating the Dubai-It approach into DEWA’s strategy, mission, and corporate values reflects our commitment to continuously developing our institutional model in line with the vision of our leadership,” said Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of DEWA. He added that the initiative would help transform ideas into measurable outcomes that support Dubai’s sustainable development ambitions.

The announcement comes as DEWA advances its Smart Grid Strategy, a AED7 billion ($1.9 billion) program built around six strategic pillars and 19 capabilities to strengthen automation, resilience, digitalization, and the integration of advanced technologies across Dubai’s electricity and water networks.

The investment forms part of the utility’s broader digital transformation, which includes automated grid restoration systems capable of detecting faults, isolating affected sections, and restoring electricity supplies without manual intervention.

DEWA said customers experienced an average electricity interruption of just 0.82 minutes, or around 49 seconds, while electricity transmission and distribution losses stood at 2% and water network losses at 4.4%. The utility also said it ranks first globally across 13 key performance indicators for electricity and water services.

Artificial intelligence is also playing an increasingly prominent role in customer service. DEWA’s AI-powered virtual assistant, Rammas, has handled more than 13 million customer inquiries since its launch in 2017 through mid-June 2026.

The authority is also linking its digital transformation with Dubai’s clean energy ambitions. Clean energy now accounts for more than 21.5% of the emirate’s energy mix and is expected to reach 36% by 2030, supporting Dubai’s goal of achieving 100% clean energy production capacity by 2050.

Key projects supporting that transition include the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park, developed under DEWA’s independent power producer model, and the Hatta Hydroelectric Power Plant, which will have a generation capacity of 250 MW and an energy storage capacity of 1,500 MWh.

DEWA has also renewed its BS 13500 certification for governance management systems for the tenth consecutive year, reinforcing its commitment to accountability, organizational resilience, and stakeholder confidence.

The Dubai-It initiative aims to embed Dubai’s results-driven approach across government and industry, encouraging organizations to turn ambitious ideas into measurable outcomes while maintaining speed, precision, and excellence in execution. An annual Dubai-It Award recognizes individuals, organizations, and projects that demonstrate exceptional delivery across sectors including technology, education, real estate, and public services.