Dubai Electricity and Water Authority - Innovation and Creativity 2011 Forum

In line with the vision and directives of H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, to support Dubai’s reputation as an international hub for finance, business and tourism, Dubai Electricity and Water Authority today hosted its first ‘Innovation and Creativity Forum 2011’ at the Address Hotel, Dubai as part of its ongoing efforts to provide the best services, attract innovative national talent and to adopt the best international solutions and practices. This forum enhanced the skills of participants by using group work dynamics, innovation and creativity skills to improve excellence at managerial levels. This was done by developing and implementing a group of innovative ideas by the work team through strategic thinking and developing group performance, improving productivity and dealing with international updates. “The adoption of innovation strategy is key to DEWA’s vision to be ‘a recognized world-class utility.’ DEWA is considered one of the leading utilities worldwide compared to others in more-advanced countries. DEWA always strives to achieve excellence in delivering the best results. We do this by applying world-class innovative and creative models to support our ongoing initiatives to develop our organization. Furthermore, we do this by involving our employees and customers in decision-making processes and promoting an innovation-centric culture and environment. All these factors are related to innovative thinking and nurturing a culture of excellence amongst all government sector employees. This supports our ongoing achievements in implementing the Strategy of the Government of Dubai; which is to enhance sustainable development in the Emirate. Today, this forum recognizes this pioneering role,” said HE Saeed Mohammad Al-Tayer, MD & CEO of DEWA. “The efficiency of our management is linked to the values of this forum. It forms a basis for innovating, adopting and implementing our best practices by building our experiences and expertise to enhance our operations to continuously improve our efficiency and reliability. DEWA already has in place a suggestions scheme that generates innovative ideas to support our strategic planning and implementation process. We also draw innovative ideas from many other sources, such as studies, analytical reports, reviews, in addition to its internal and external suggestion schemes and best practices. We aim to commit every available resource to achieve sustainable innovation within a dynamic environment that drives our strategic plans and initiatives. DEWA applies the latest models, approaches and methodologies. We continuously assess the variables that affect best practices to transform the challenges that face today’s business community into promising opportunities for DEWA to achieve its strategic vision to be a recognized world-class utility”. “We always work to improve the learning and knowledge of our staff, who in turn build, produce, think and innovate. This benefit not only DEWA, but also for our community and country and it positively reflects on the economy of the United Arab Emirates. We need to encourage and promote innovative thinking and constructive discussion wherever possible. Furthermore, every government department and authority must adopt these scientific methods” concluded Al-Tayer. The Forum was attended by a large number of employees from across DEWA’s divisions and other Government Departments, and featured debates on innovative and creative process and their influences on the success achieved by government departments.