Dubai: As part of its dialogue series, the Dubai Press Club (DPC) hosted 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 discuss Dubai's strategy for sustainable energy and water and its advanced infrastructure and readiness for growth.
According to Emirates News Agency, the session, attended by Mona Ghanem Al Marri, Vice Chairperson and Managing Director of the Dubai Media Council and President of the Dubai Press Club, also explored the emirate's emphasis on innovation, crisis management, and business continuity, alongside the broader role of strategic planning in supporting long-term sustainability goals and strengthening Dubai's position as a global leader in vital sectors.
During the session, Al Tayer highlighted the directives and support of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, which have resulted in Dubai having world-class electricity and water infrastructure with the highest levels of availability, reliability, and efficiency. He noted that DEWA ranks first globally in 13 key performance indicators, including the world's shortest customer minute lost duration at an average of 49 seconds per customer per year, and the lowest transmission and distribution losses, at 2% for electricity and 4.4% for water, reflecting the emirate's advanced infrastructure readiness.
Al Tayer emphasized that energy and water security is a core aspect of the UAE's national security considerations, noting that Dubai's electricity production capacity is around 18,000 megawatts, supported by a balanced mix of conventional and renewable energy. Clean energy initiatives are driven by the Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park, the world's largest of its kind, which integrates photovoltaic and concentrated solar power technologies, along with battery storage and green hydrogen technologies. He added that by 2030, clean energy capacity from the solar park will exceed 8,000 megawatts. The solar park has also achieved four Guinness World Records.
In terms of water management, Al Tayer explained that DEWA employs advanced desalination technologies, including high-efficiency reverse osmosis, and has developed the world's largest desalinated water storage and recovery project in underground aquifers, with a storage capacity of 6 billion gallons. This can be accessed immediately during emergencies, complemented by a water interconnection system with other emirates.
Al Tayer also underscored the role of innovation and technology in strengthening readiness through AI and smart systems to predict crises and manage risks, supporting an advanced digital infrastructure. DEWA has utilized AI since 2017, including developing the virtual employee 'Rammas' with Microsoft, which operates 24/7 to serve customers. Smart meters and connected systems enable real-time monitoring of consumption and leak detection, supported by the Moro data center under DEWA Digital for AI, big data, and cybersecurity.
In her remarks, Mona Ghanem Al Marri thanked Al Tayer for his valuable insights, highlighting the importance of electricity and water services in supporting sustainable development and quality of life. She emphasized that sharing information about the sector strengthens transparency, public awareness, and confidence in future plans.
Maryam Al Mulla, Director of the Dubai Press Club, stated that hosting Al Tayer reflects the club's commitment to engaging with national leaders to reinforce Dubai's position as a global model in future planning and the efficient management of vital sectors. She added that Dubai's achievements in energy, water, and infrastructure are a result of a clear strategic vision and the ability to turn challenges into opportunities, strengthening the emirate's competitiveness and future ambitions.
