Smart resource management is a key pillar for enhancing energy and water security and sustainable development

Energy and water security is a fundamental pillar of sustainable development and quality of life, enabling cities to accommodate growth and adapt to change. Guided by the vision and directives of HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, Dubai has strengthened its position as a global benchmark for development through long-term planning and investment in infrastructure and innovation. This approach supports economic, social and environmental sustainability while ensuring the reliable delivery of vital services to the highest standards of availability, efficiency and quality.

At Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA), smart resource management is an integrated strategic approach that balances economic growth and development with resource conservation. It spans the entire value chain, from planning, generation, transmission and distribution to demand-side management. This enhances energy and water security, improves resource efficiency and reduces carbon emissions, supporting the Dubai Net Zero Carbon Emissions Strategy 2050 and the Dubai Economic Agenda (D33).

DEWA’s results demonstrate the success of this approach. Last year, DEWA ranked first globally in 13 key performance indicators across electricity, water and customer services. It recorded the world’s lowest customer minutes lost (CML), at an average of just 49 seconds per customer annually, as well as the lowest electricity transmission and distribution network losses at 2% and the lowest water network losses at 4.4%. These achievements reflect the efficiency, resilience and readiness of DEWA’s infrastructure to support Dubai’s rapid growth.

A key enabler of this progress is DEWA’s smart grid, which is being developed with total investments of AED 7 billion through 2035. Through smart monitoring and control systems and advanced data analytics, the Smart grid optimises load management, reduces losses and accelerates response times. It also supports the integration of clean energy sources and enhances demand-side management.

In the water sector, the Water Smart Distribution Management System integrates remote control and monitoring through the Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system, advanced hydraulic management systems, pressure monitors and automated valves. This enhances operational efficiency, improves asset management, strengthens network reliability and reduces losses. The system also predicts challenges and enables proactive responses, supporting resource sustainability while meeting growing demand.

Smart resource management extends beyond production to include demand-side management and customer empowerment. Through smart meters, digital services and consumption management tools, DEWA enables customers to monitor their electricity and water use and make informed decisions to improve efficiency. Digital transformation is a cornerstone of this ecosystem. Service automation has reached 100%, self-services requiring no physical presence stand at 100% and digital adoption of DEWA’s services has reached 99.5%. These achievements reflect a transformation that goes beyond service digitalisation to an organisation powered by data and smart technologies, in line with DEWA’s journey as the world’s first AI-native utility.

Smart resource management is not merely a technological choice; it is a strategic investment in Dubai’s future. By combining proactive planning, good governance, advanced infrastructure, data-driven innovation and strong stakeholder partnerships, DEWA continues to support the vision of our wise leadership to reinforce Dubai’s position as a global leader in sustainability, innovation and quality of life. This approach helps the city balance growth with resource conservation, securing a brighter and more sustainable future for us and for generations to come.