As part of its extensive digital transformation strategy, Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) is continuously enhancing the implementation of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies throughout its operations, with a particular emphasis on energy distribution. This initiative is designed to boost operational efficiency while improving service quality and reliability, according to a statement.
At the heart of this transformation is DEWA’s smart grid, supported by an investment of AED7 billion ($1.9 billion) through to 2035, which is instrumental in ensuring seamless, integrated services available around the clock.
Data-driven insights
His Excellency Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD & CEO of DEWA, remarked that DEWA’s Distribution Network Smart Centre analyzes over 15 million units of data collected daily from the distribution network, transforming this data into insightful reports and interactive dashboards that facilitate data-driven decision-making. The centre also utilizes Big Data, AI, and machine learning to deliver diagnostic and analytical services, thereby improving immediate, proactive maintenance responses and fostering customer satisfaction.
“Our projects and initiatives contribute to consolidating Dubai’s position as a globally leading city in adopting AI solutions and advanced digital technologies. Deploying AI in the energy distribution sector is part of our efforts to enhance the efficiency of the smart grid and strengthen our operational readiness. Our adoption of disruptive technologies of the Fourth Industrial Revolution has helped us achieve the world’s lowest rate of electricity customer minutes lost. In 2024, Dubai recorded just 0.94 minutes per customer, significantly lower than the 15-minute average of leading European utilities,” stated Al Tayer.
By the conclusion of 2024, there were sixty-nine 33kV substations and 45,317 medium-voltage (11kV and 6.6kV) substations in operation. To accommodate Dubai’s increasing electricity demand, driven by economic and urban development, DEWA deployed 1,202,411 smart electricity meters and 1,103,901 smart water meters across the emirate. With 100 percent of customers utilizing smart meters, this initiative bolsters DEWA’s smart electricity and water networks.
Read more: DEWA reveals $1.9 billion smart grid initiative to enhance efficiency
Roadmap to become world’s first AI-native utility
Moreover, in March 2025, DEWA launched its strategic roadmap to become the world’s first AI-native utility, leveraging AI across all core operations.
In accordance with the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, the UAE aims to be a global leader in AI adoption to accelerate government progress.
This initiative is expected to keep DEWA at the forefront of digital advancements and global transformations while creating new opportunities for sustainable growth in the energy and water sectors. In addition, the framework is intended to integrate AI technologies throughout all operational and service processes, thereby enhancing productivity and efficiency and promoting innovation and creativity. This approach further aligns with the UAE National Strategy for Artificial Intelligence 2031, which aims to position the UAE as a global leader in AI by investing in its people and key industries.
