DEWA’s Youth Council Achievements in 2024: Pioneering events and programmes empowering youth and fostering a culture of sustainability

The Youth Council of Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) supports DEWA’s efforts to realise the vision of the UAE’s wise leadership in empowering youth, who are the drivers of positive change and the cornerstone for achieving ambitious national goals. By developing innovative and sustainable solutions to address accelerating challenges, the Council contributes significantly to achieving sustainability and net zero targets.

DEWA’s Youth Council contributes to accelerating action on national initiatives targeting young people, providing platforms for youth climate action, and enabling their voices and innovative solutions to facilitate the energy transition and shape a sustainable future. Between October 2019 and December 2024, DEWA’s Youth Council organised 74 events, 23 awareness sessions and 6 educational trips and field visits. It also participated in 10 international forums and conferences, hosted 13 benchmarking visits and facilitated participation in 4 national and international programmes during 2023 and 2024. Furthermore, the Council launched numerous initiatives and more than 10 communication platforms for DEWA’s young employees.

"In line with the directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, and His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, we invest in our young cadres and empower the UAE youth to become the next generation of sustainability leaders. We aim to consolidate the UAE's position as a global leader in youth empowerment and support the significant progress made in enabling young people to assume decision-making roles and actively participate in the UAE's overall development. We are committed to amplifying the voices of youth and their innovative solutions, engaging them in achieving the Dubai Clean Energy Strategy 2050 and the Dubai Net Zero Carbon Emissions Strategy 2050. In line with the National Youth Agenda 2031, we provide the necessary tools to enable young people to keep pace with technological advancements and acquire future-ready skills, positioning them as active partners in driving positive change," said HE Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD & CEO of DEWA.

DEWA’s workforce includes 2,920 young employees aged 18 to 35 years, which is 27.3% of the total workforce. Additionally, young employees hold 36.44% of managerial roles at DEWA.

Aysha Mohammad Alremeithi, President of DEWA’s Youth Council, said: "The Youth Council receives unwavering support from DEWA’s top management to enhance its effectiveness and expand its scope. The Council focuses on raising awareness, enhancing qualifications, empowering technical skills and equipping young people with tools to drive sustainable and inclusive development. We work closely with national youth councils and local and international institutions to harness the talents and energies of young people, enhance their productivity in development sectors, particularly clean and renewable energy, and solidify the national identity as a pillar of DEWA’s global excellence."

Innovation Month

During the UAE Innovation Month ‘UAE Innovates 2024,’ DEWA’s Youth Council launched the ‘DEWA’s Young Innovators’ initiative to spotlight distinguished employees and honour their contributions and impactful innovations.

The Holy Month of Ramadan

In Ramadan 2024, the Council launched the third edition of the ‘Our Youth, Our Pride’ initiative to honour young pioneers in volunteering, community service, and humanitarian work.

World Youth Skills Day 2024

The Council organised a Skills Day in collaboration with Skill Lab, a platform led by prominent young Emiratis. The event included technical workshops attended by 55 young DEWA employees, designed to develop their skills and mark World Youth Skills Day.

Global Women’s Forum - Dubai 2024

At the Global Women’s Forum 2024, in a session titled ‘Future Force: Youth Unleashing Global Impact and Driving Social Change’, Aysha Alremeithi, Deputy Manager in the Sustainability and Innovation Centre and DEWA’s Youth Council President; Reem Almansoori, Acting Manager - Network Design and DEWA Women’s Committee Member; and Reem Alawadhi, Deputy Manager - Digital Media, highlighted the impact of youth and their ability to create meaningful societal change, contributing to growth and development, in addition to their key role in the energy sector and enhancing sustainability efforts.

Eid Al Etihad

With the participation of several female and male young people and in conjunction with the 53rd Eid Al Etihad, DEWA’s Youth Council organised an educational trip to Al Shindagha Historic District and heritage areas of Dubai. These locations served as the cradle of Dubai's contemporary achievements and remain a social and cultural symbol of cohesion and interdependence among Emiratis.

Youth Forum

DEWA’s Youth Council, in conjunction with International Youth Day observed annually on 12 August, organised the Youth Forum to highlight the great strides made by youth in preparing themselves to be the next generation of future leaders. The Forum included a series of activities and panel discussions with the participation of more than 100 young male and female employees, as well as representatives from local and corporate youth councils, including the Dubai Youth Council, the Dubai Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) Youth Council, the Community Development Authority (CDA) Youth Council, and the Du Youth Council.

Panel Discussions

DEWA’s Sustainability and Innovation Centre held an awareness session entitled ‘Sustainable Energy for Future Generations’ in collaboration with the Ministry of Community Development, as part of the Ministry’s ‘Meeting Across Generations’ initiative. Several senior citizens and youth participated in the session, which aimed to expand their knowledge on ways to enhance sustainability across environmental, social, and economic aspects. The session highlighted the UAE and Dubai’s leading experience in transitioning towards renewable and clean energy sources.

International Day for Tolerance

On the International Day for Tolerance, observed on 16 November each year, the Youth Council, in cooperation with the Ministry of Tolerance and Coexistence, organised a panel session entitled ‘Youth and Tolerance’ as part of the ‘Youth Talks’ series. The session saw the participation of more than 80 young people.

Empowering Youth

DEWA’s efforts to empower youth and women have yielded significant achievements. Aysha Alremeithi and Khalifa Abdullah Al Shaiba, Engineer - Electromechanical Maintenance, won the Dubai Medal for Young Employee at the Dubai Government Excellence Program (DGEP) Awards in 2021 and 2024. Additionally, Aysha Alremeithi won the Future Women Energy Leaders Award 2024 by the Women in Renewable Alliance. This recognition acknowledges her efforts to include women and youth in climate work and renewable energy while encouraging innovative and sustainable solutions. Alremeithi was also honoured as Woman Young Leader by the ENOC Group during the second edition of the Women in Energy Award 2024, recognising her leadership in the energy sector.