DEWA Supports FIRST Global Challenge 2019 in Dubai

Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) announced that it will be the Gold Sponsor of the 2019 edition of the FIRST Global Challenge, the world's largest challenge in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Robotics. The UAE, represented by Dubai Future Foundation (DFF) won the right to host the third edition for the first time in the MENA region, from 24 to 27 October 2019. Over 1,500 participants, between the ages of 14 and 18, representing more than 186 countries, will compete to win the challenge.

HE Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD & CEO of DEWA, expressed his happiness on supporting Dubai's hosting of the FIRST Global Challenge, as it enhances national efforts in shaping the future and keeping pace with its rapid developments, through innovation and creativity. This comes in line with the National Innovation Strategy, which aims to make the UAE one of the most innovative countries in the world.

“DEWA supports public and private organisations to implement Dubai’s Future Agenda, and the futuristic vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, in addition to the directives of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of DFF, to anticipate the future of strategic sectors on long and medium terms. We hope that the FIRST Global Challenge contributes to promoting global innovation, employing advanced technology, supporting creative minds and creating a generation that is ready to meet future global challenges, particularly in the fields of energy, water, sustainable development, and the green economy,” added Al Tayer.

“DEWA seeks to keep up with the Fourth Industrial Revolution and developing disruptive technologies such as AI, Internet of Things (IoT), robotics, 3D printing, among others. Among government organisations in the UAE, DEWA is a pioneer in aligning its strategies and initiatives with federal and local government plans and strategies. We launched DEWA’s Future Customer Happiness Centre, the first integrated smart customer happiness centre in Dubai based on AI and robotics. The centre provides smart and innovative services to all customers. We also recruited five robot staff members, as part of our ongoing efforts to develop work mechanisms that enrich customer experience and contribute to the provision of seven-star quality services at its Customer Happiness Centres. In 2017, we also launched Rammas, a virtual employee that uses AI to answer customer enquiries. Rammas is available 24/7 in both Arabic and English, on WhatsApp Business and are also the first UAE based government organisation  to obtain a verified WhatsApp business account. Rammas is also available on DEWA’s website, smart app (iOS and Android), Facebook, Amazon’s Alexa service, and in robotsop of Form,” noted Al Tayer.

The FIRST Global Robotics Challenge provides a framework for young people to develop their capabilities in science, mathematics, technology and innovation through a Robotics Olympics. It has been structured to enable them to acquire the tools, skills and expertise to design robots, shape their individual futures and contribute to global efforts to solve some of the biggest challenges and most pressing issues in vital sectors, such as water and energy.