DEWA uplifts communities through volunteer culture rooted in noble Emirati values

Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) is one of the first national entities to institutionalise volunteerism within its workforce in line with the highest international standards. Guided by social responsibility strategies based on the UAE’s core values and principles, DEWA has launched numerous initiatives to embed the culture of humanitarian and volunteer work, and to promote mutual responsibility rooted in authentic Emirati society. These endeavours enable employees and community members to make a meaningful impact in building a cohesive and prosperous society, helping to preserve national identity and values.

Between 2013 and 2024, DEWA launched 465 social initiatives through local and global partnerships as part of its corporate responsibility to achieve a balance between economic, environmental and social goals, in line with an institutional framework that advances community service and enhances happiness. Employees amassed 249,843 hours of voluntary service, benefitting several countries around the world. DEWA achieved a societal happiness score of 94.51% in 2024. Furthermore, 21 social initiatives were launched during the first half of 2025 alone.

“We are working in accordance with the directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, to make Dubai the best destination in the world for living, working and quality of life, and to achieve the goals of Dubai Social Agenda 33. We are keen to maintain our position as one of the largest contributors to supporting an integrated and sustainable volunteer ecosystem in the UAE and the emirate of Dubai,” said HE Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD & CEO of DEWA.

“Through strategic collaborations with a number of governmental and private entities, DEWA supports economic, environmental and social sustainability through social initiatives within an integrated framework that prioritises planning, implementation and evaluation, aligned with the Global Reporting Initiative to ensure the sustainability of results. In the Year of Community, we continue to provide new opportunities for social interaction while consolidating the values of cohesion and co-operation, reflecting Dubai's spirit, unique identity and rich social and cultural fabric,” Al Tayer added.

DEWA’s Volunteer Diploma

In 2019, DEWA launched the DEWA Volunteer Diploma in collaboration with Amity University to equip employees with comprehensive skills in volunteer work. The diploma empowers participants with the expertise to manage local and global volunteering programmes, and qualifies graduates to become trainers in DEWA’s Volunteer Leadership Programme. To date, 80 employees have successfully earned the diploma.

iVolunteer programme

DEWA’s iVolunteer programme enables employees to learn about volunteering opportunities, track their contributions and earn recognition through points and rewards. The programme meets the requirements of the Dubai Government Excellence programme, with 1,082 employees having benefitted from it in 2024.

Training programme for children of DEWA employees

DEWA’s training programme aims to engage the children of employees to volunteer in social programmes and projects organised by DEWA, helping them to acquire new skills. Since its launch through to the end of 2024, the programme recorded 3,988 hours amassed by 96 young volunteers.