DEWA strengthens social cohesion and sustainable growth

Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) stepped up its social responsibility agenda in 2025, the UAE’s ‘Year of Community’, combining large-scale humanitarian contributions with volunteer-driven initiatives across Dubai and beyond. Through programmes and events spanning social support, inclusion, youth development and environmental action, DEWA worked tirelessly to enhance Dubai’s dynamic community by strengthening collaboration and social cohesion while also paving the path for comprehensive and sustainable growth.

Between 2013 and 2025, DEWA launched 496 social initiatives regionally and globally – including 31 community initiatives last year alone – with employees contributing 470,270 volunteer hours to humanitarian and social causes. DEWA also reported a 95% community approval score, an outcome it attributes to sustained engagement and structured partnerships.

“Under the wise leadership of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, Dubai has evolved into a global city that brings people together, empowers them and enhances quality of life. At DEWA, we are committed to strengthening community ties, fostering shared responsibility in nation-building and creating an environment that encourages interaction and collaboration among all stakeholders for the benefit of individuals, institutions and the community. This approach drives collective progress and ensures a brighter future for all. We are keen to maintain a balanced approach across economic, social and environmental priorities through a clear framework of institutional action that enhances community happiness,” said HE Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD & CEO of DEWA.

Ramadan 2025: giving, food support and awareness

During the Holy Month of Ramadan, DEWA announced a headline contribution of AED 20 million to the Fathers’ Endowment campaign, launched by HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, to help fund treatment and healthcare for those in need. Alongside its endowment contribution, DEWA’s seasonal giving extended to food-support initiatives. Through the ‘Meer Al Khair’ initiative, launched in collaboration with Al Ihsan Charitable Society in Ajman, DEWA and Mai Dubai employees collected 409 food boxes for families in need.

DEWA organised awareness activities promoting responsible consumption, community solidarity and the use of digital services that support electricity and water efficiency. It also took part in several Ramadan initiatives, including Quran Day, organised by the Maktoum Centre for Quran Memorisation. Building on this outreach, DEWA organised iftar-tent field visits featuring recreational and awareness activities, and – in collaboration with the Community Development Authority – held panel sessions and competitions for senior citizens at Al Barsha Community Centre, highlighting DEWA’s accessible, round-the-clock services. To mark Eid Al Fitr, DEWA supported the ‘Eid Joy’ initiative launched by the Tawazun Council and Emirates Red Crescent, with DEWA employees preparing Eid supply boxes for families in need.

Inclusion: initiatives supporting People of Determination

In 2025, DEWA participated in the Ramadan Festival for People of Determination, organised by the Dubai Club for People of Determination to highlight the POD facilities and services offered by the club. It also organised the ‘Basmat Al Dar’ exhibition, in partnership with the Ministry of Family and the Community Development Authority, to give productive families and People of Determination a platform to showcase their products, projects and capabilities. DEWA sponsored an initiative by Al Noor Rehabilitation & Welfare Association for People of Determination to provide Eye Gaze devices that enhance communication for individuals with physical and hearing impairment. It also supported the ‘Mind Empowerment’ initiative, launched by the Dubai Club for People of Determination to help People of Determination build digital and technological capabilities.

Environment: mangroves and beach clean-ups

On the environmental front, DEWA – in collaboration with the Emirates Marine Environmental Group and Dubai Environment and the Dubai Climate Change Authority – organised 11 activities between February 2023 and December 2025 that resulted in the planting of 13,950 mangrove trees at the Jebel Ali Marine Sanctuary, alongside a beach clean-up campaign that removed waste (mostly plastic) and cleared algae and seaweed.

Youths and families: summer training camps

During the summer of 2025, DEWA organised training programmes for students and schoolchildren. It also convened camps for orphans, People of Determination and employees’ children. Programmes included a summer camp with 64 participants, and the 16th edition of the ‘Future Engineer’ camp for children aged 10 to 12, attended by 30 children of DEWA employees. Furthermore, DEWA organised educational activities in collaboration with government and private sector entities across the UAE and Dubai. On Emirati Children’s Day, DEWA hosted educational, cultural and recreational activities at its five child care centres.