HE Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer highlights AI as a key enabler of energy sector transformation at the World Governments Summit 2026

HE Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD & CEO of Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA), emphasised that the world is going through a pivotal stage in which transformation in the energy sector forms a fundamental pillar for building more sustainable and reliable systems. This transformation is driven by integrating artificial intelligence (AI) into production, transmission and distribution processes. Such integration reduces environmental impact, enhances competitiveness and infrastructure resilience, and improves resource efficiency, enabling sectors to expand and communities to prosper.

Al Tayer made these remarks in his speech titled ‘AI-Driven Energy Transformation’ during the World Governments Summit 2026, where he highlighted pioneering visions and leading experiences from Dubai and the UAE in this field.

Al Tayer explained that the energy transition is not an end in itself, but a key driver of sustainable economic growth. A comprehensive transition of the energy sector cannot be achieved without harnessing Fourth Industrial Revolution technologies, especially AI, which is experiencing unprecedented global growth. The size of the global AI market is expected to increase from around US$300 billion in 2024 to US$4.8 trillion by 2033.

Al Tayer added that reports indicate that by 2027, 40% of control rooms in utilities worldwide will operate with AI-driven automation, predictive analytics and intelligent decision-making. This rapid expansion will significantly increase energy demand for advanced data centres. By 2035, global data centre electricity consumption is expected to exceed 2,000 terawatt hours annually, nearly five times the levels recorded in 2024.

“Guided by the vision and directives of the wise leadership 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, the UAE continues to consolidate its position as a global hub for sustainability and artificial intelligence. His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence of the UAE, and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, is the driving force behind Dubai’s transformative AI strategy. His leadership of the Dubai Centre for Artificial Intelligence and the launch of initiatives such as the Dubai AI Campus and the Annual AI Retreat are clear examples of an operational vision translating national strategies into tangible outcomes,” said Al Tayer.

“The report issued by Microsoft's AI Economy Institute confirmed that the UAE extended its lead as number one ranked country in the working age population using AI. According to the latest Oxford Insights report, the UAE has been ranked among the top countries globally in Government AI Readiness Index 2025, progressing from strategy formulation to large-scale practical implementation. At the same time, the country is moving steadily towards achieving net zero by 2050. In Dubai, through the Dubai Clean Energy Strategy 2050 and the Dubai Net Zero Carbon Emissions Strategy 2050, we aim to provide 100% of energy production capacity from clean sources by 2050,” he added.

Al Tayer emphasised that DEWA does not view AI merely as a tool for specific tasks. Rather, it integrates AI comprehensively into the core of the organisation’s corporate identity, culture and strategy, as well as across all operations, from the production, transmission and distribution of electricity and water to the overall customer experience. DEWA’s use of AI contributes to reducing operating costs, increasing productivity and attracting investment through the provision of reliable energy and water infrastructure. It also creates new employment opportunities in data analysis, digital engineering and smart systems maintenance.

Al Tayer shared key milestones illustrating the role of AI in reshaping the value chain across DEWA’s energy ecosystem. DEWA’s AI journey began in 2017 with the launch of Rammas, its AI-powered virtual employee, which has handled more than 12 million customer inquiries without human intervention. The company established Digital DEWA, its digital arm, supported by a comprehensive AI roadmap aimed at making DEWA the world’s first AI-native utility. Through Moro Hub, a subsidiary of Digital DEWA, DEWA has developed several data centres, including the world’s largest green data centre powered by solar energy, according to the Guinness World Records, located at the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park. DEWA’s AI-enabled Space-D programme aims to enhance planning, predictive maintenance, network asset monitoring and other operational applications.

Al Tayer noted that strategic partnerships play a central role in DEWA’s approach as it collaborates closely with leading global companies and research institutions to develop best-in-class AI solutions and innovations that help shape the future of utility services.

“In line with the vision and directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, we continue to implement the projects of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park, the world’s largest single-site solar park based on the independent power producer model. The solar park has become a leading global landmark that uses the best solar energy technologies, such as photovoltaic panels, concentrated solar power, and energy storage technologies. AI is improving efficiency and productivity by optimising photovoltaic panel cleaning cycles, forecasting power generation and enhancing the integration of energy storage systems with the grid. The solar park’s current capacity stands at 3,860MW. Clean energy accounts for more than 21% of Dubai’s energy mix and is set to exceed 36% by 2030, as the solar park’s capacity surpasses 8,000MW, exceeding the original target of 5,000MW,” said Al Tayer.

Al Tayer added that last year, he announced the development of the world’s first gas turbine intelligent controller powered by AI at the Jebel Ali Power Generation and Water Desalination Complex. It enables autonomous turbine control, while digital twin technologies are used to enhance thermal performance. DEWA has since extended this capability to cover the combined cycle power block, including gas turbines, steam turbines and boilers. DEWA is now reaching a new level in the use of AI in the power generation sector through the development of the ‘Virtual Engineer’, expected to go live in June 2026. This advanced intelligent system continuously learns from operational data and functions like a seasoned expert, providing predictive failure alert, root cause analysis, autonomous efficiency calculation, plant optimisation recommendations and real-time scenario simulation.

Across transmission networks, AI enhances grid resilience through advanced machine learning algorithms. In the water network, the smart meter operations centre relies on AI to deliver comprehensive visibility, improving efficiency and reducing water losses.

Al Tayer noted that thanks to the continuous support and guidance of the wise leadership, combined with decades of accumulated experience, DEWA ranks first among the world’s leading utilities across 13 key performance indicators. DEWA has developed world-class electricity and water infrastructure that supports economic growth, underpinned by robust governance frameworks, and has also attracted leading international partners from both the public and private sectors through the independent power and water producer model.

“The future of utilities is intelligent. DEWA remains firmly committed to leading this future, reinforcing Dubai’s global leadership and advancing a model in which innovation drives sustainability, ensuring that the UAE continues to inspire the world,” concluded Al Tayer.