Post by : Badri Ariffin

The Dubai Press Club (DPC) welcomed His Excellency Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, Managing Director and CEO of Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) and Vice Chairman of the Dubai Supreme Council of Energy, to continue its dialogue series focusing on the emirate's sustainable energy and water framework, readiness, and visionary growth plans.

The session included Her Excellency Mona Ghanem Al Marri, Vice Chairperson and Managing Director of the Dubai Media Council and President of the Dubai Press Club. The discussions highlighted Dubai's unwavering commitment to innovation, crisis response, business continuity, and effective planning to realize long-term sustainability initiatives and reinforce the emirate's position in key sectors.

Dubai’s Energy and Water Infrastructure is World-Class

During the discussion, Al Tayer asserted that, guided by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, the city has established what he termed the most advanced electricity and water infrastructure globally, ensuring exceptional reliability and efficiency.

He noted DEWA's top position globally across 13 significant performance indicators. Notable accomplishments include achieving the world’s lowest customer minute lost duration at an average of just 49 seconds per customer yearly and minimal losses in transmission and distribution at 2% for electricity and 4.4% for water.

Al Tayer emphasized that these statistics illustrate the sophistication of Dubai's infrastructure and its preparedness for sustained development.

Energy Security: A Core National Mandate

Al Tayer conveyed that energy and water security are vital elements within the UAE's national security framework.

He stated that Dubai’s electricity generation capacity is presently around 18,000 megawatts, supported by a diverse mix of traditional and renewable energy resources.

Benefiting the emirate's clean energy vision is the Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park, identified as the largest solar project globally, combining photovoltaic and concentrated solar power technologies alongside battery storage systems and green hydrogen technology.

Al Tayer revealed that the solar park’s clean energy capacity is projected to surpass 8,000 megawatts by 2030.

Solar Park Sets Four Guinness World Records

Al Tayer pointed out that the Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park has achieved four Guinness World Records.

These records include:

• The Highest Capacity Single-Operator Concentrated Solar Power Plant, featuring a capacity of 700 megawatts.

• The Tallest Concentrated Solar Power Tower, reaching 263.126 meters.

• The Largest Thermal Energy Storage Plant, capable of 15 hours of thermal storage.

• The Longest Continuous Operation of a Concentrated Solar Power Plant.

Enhanced Water Infrastructure for Emergency Response

On the topic of water security, Al Tayer mentioned that DEWA employs advanced desalination methods, including high-efficiency reverse osmosis systems, to secure a consistent water supply.

He also emphasized the world’s largest desalinated water storage and recovery initiative housed in underground aquifers, capable of storing 6 billion gallons of water for immediate access during crises.

Additionally, Dubai's water interconnection system facilitates water exchange with other emirates, ensuring a responsive approach to demand needs.

Leveraging AI and Smart Technologies for Enhanced Preparedness

Al Tayer underscored the pivotal role of technology and innovation in bolstering operational readiness and managing risks.

He elaborated that DEWA employs artificial intelligence and smart technologies for crisis prediction, risk assessment, and efficient decision-making through modern digital frameworks.

Since 2017, DEWA has harnessed AI, with initiatives like “Rammas,” a virtual assistant developed with Microsoft that provides round-the-clock customer service.

Moreover, smart meters and connected systems facilitate real-time consumption tracking and leak detection. The Moro data center under DEWA Digital supports big data analytics, AI applications, and cybersecurity measures.

Continuity Assurance Through Strategic Partnerships

Al Tayer affirmed that Dubai maintains continuous energy and water services during unforeseen events owing to proactive planning, resilient infrastructure, strategic reserves, and robust partnerships.

These initiatives have established DEWA as a global standard of reliability and sustainability, enhancing Dubai's ability to meet future challenges confidently.

Public Awareness as a Priority for Dubai Press Club

Her Excellency Mona Ghanem Al Marri expressed gratitude to Al Tayer for sharing insights regarding Dubai’s energy landscape.

She highlighted the critical nature of electricity and water services in fostering sustainable development and enhancing living standards. Al Marri emphasized that distributing information about the sector bolsters transparency, public awareness, and instills confidence in future plans.

She commended DEWA's role in reinforcing Dubai's stature as a principal player in clean and renewable energy while effective communication fosters responsible resource utilization and aligns with sustainability objectives.

Promoting Knowledge Sharing by the Dubai Press Club

Maryam Al Mulla, Director of the Dubai Press Club, remarked that hosting Al Tayer reflects the club’s commitment to engaging with pivotal leaders who guide Dubai towards a future-focused approach in managing essential sectors sustainably.

She noted that Dubai's achievements in energy, water, and infrastructure stem from a definitive strategic vision, synergy between long-term planning and real-time readiness, and the capacity to convert challenges into growth opportunities that reinforce future aspirations.

Al Mulla concluded that such dialogues play a significant role in sharing national expertise, lifting awareness of preparedness measures, and spotlighting Dubai’s leading experience in sustainability and innovation in infrastructure.

How does Dubai secure its water supply during crises?
Dubai utilizes advanced desalination technologies alongside a 6-billion-gallon underground water storage project and interconnections with other emirates for water distribution when necessary.

What role does AI play at DEWA?
Since 2017, DEWA has integrated AI, utilizing virtual assistants like “Rammas,” smart meters, and interconnected systems to manage risks and enhance customer service.

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