Dubai Electricity & Water Authority (DEWA) | Dubai Youth Council and DEWA launch volunteering initiative to clean solar panels on rooftops in Hatta

Dubai Youth Council, with the support and sponsorship of Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA), has launched a youth volunteer initiative, the first of its kind, to clean solar panels on rooftops in Hatta. This supports the ‘Day for Dubai’ initiative, launched by HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of the Executive Council of Dubai, to consolidate the spirit of volunteering in society.

50 volunteers participated in the initiative. They visited houses in Hatta to clean the solar panels installed as part of DEWA’s project to install solar panels on the roofs of villas for Emiratis in Hatta, free of charge based on the regulations of the Shams Dubai initiative. This contributes to environmental sustainability, and to making Dubai one of the most sustainable cities in the world.

HE Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD & CEO of DEWA, emphasised DEWA’s intent to promote environmental, social, and economic sustainability in Dubai, and the UAE.

“In line with the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, DEWA adopts a clear strategy to establish and promote Corporate Social Responsibility, environmental protection, and the conservation of natural resources to achieve sustainable and comprehensive development. This volunteering initiative, which was launched in cooperation with the Dubai Youth Council to clean the solar panels in Hatta, reflects our efforts to encourage volunteering and make society happy and also shows our support for the ‘Dubai for Dubai’ initiative launched by HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of the Executive Council of Dubai. Our corporate social responsibilities initiatives are an integral part of our strategy plan, based on an integrated organisational approach to serve society,” said Al Tayer.

“At DEWA, we want to expand the role of our youth in the comprehensive sustainable development of Dubai and the UAE. We spare no effort in providing the necessary support for young people to direct their energies to enable them to discover new opportunities and become empowered to be more innovative and creative. We are guided by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, who said that. “Youth are the strength of any nation and its hope for a better future, and the country’s prosperity and future lie in their hands,”” said Al Tayer.

HE Abdulla Al Basti, Secretary General of the Executive Council of Dubai, praised the efforts of the initiative organisers which supports the ‘Day for Dubai’ initiative, translating the directives of HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, to promote volunteering and positive participation by society, and encourage people to connect by sharing experiences and knowledge. It also invests their skills and energies to motivate them to volunteer, in line with the aspirations of Dubai, and its plans and strategies to create a cohesive society.

“This initiative represents the values of the ‘Day for Dubai’ initiative, to invest time and effort in innovative volunteering work to improve people's lives and to make a behavioural change that makes volunteering a part of the daily lifestyle and choices of our society. Volunteering is a key pillar in the nation's advancement and community development, and spreading the values of cooperation and connection among people. Volunteering is an indicator of the development of the nation and society, and one of the drivers of social development,” said Al Basti.

Hamad Rajab, Member of the Dubai Youth Council and Director of the initiative, expressed his pride in the young volunteers and their efforts to give.

“This initiative, which is the first of its kind, underlines the keenness of the youth to protect the environment and sustain resources for future generations. The initiative aims to raise awareness among the community and the youth about the importance of keeping our environment clean and sustainable, and the need to clean solar panels. This increases their production capacity four times compared to their capacity when dirty for a long period. Thus, it contributes to reducing carbon emissions. Youth participation in this volunteer work underscores the commitment of Emirati youth to support Dubai's efforts to become the city with the lowest carbon footprint in the world,” said Rajab.