Al Tayer: Promoting awareness among community members, building their involvement and supporting UAE's national identity are our most important objectives

Dubai, UAE, 1 August 2014: Government organisations have their operational mandates, but also have social mandates to be active contributors to society at every level. The community and social initiatives launched by Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) are an integral part of its strategy to serve the public good. DEWA is not only concerned with the provision of power and water, but also making every effort to enhance growth and prosperity in Dubai and the UAE at all levels, through its social programmes and initiatives.

HE Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD and CEO of DEWA stressed that DEWA derives its social corporate responsibility vision from the directives of HHSheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, and from the UAE Vision 2021.

"The UAE Vision 2021 aims to make the UAE one of the best countries in the world by 2021, and stresses that Emiratis should be united in responsibility. It states that 'prominent Emiratis will be well aware of their moral duties towards others and must allow society at large to share in their success. Those whose actions benefit the common goodwill will become role models in a society that recognises and values those who engage and serve their country,'" added Al Tayer.

"At DEWA, we draw our vision and roadmap based on the guidance of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and his wise vision which gives the top priority to human beings. He stresses that everyone should have access to every service that ensures their welfare, including access to health and education facilities as well as services that ensure decent living for all people living in the UAE. DEWA aims to achieve its vision, which is part of Dubai's strategy to enhance community service, to become a sustainable world-class utility. DEWA strives to achieve Dubai's sustainable development through its vision, mission, motto and core values that are focused on sustainability and community service. These efforts enhance continuity in excellence and community service that supports sustainable development. DEWA is committed to delivering the best possible service to the community," added Al Tayer.

"DEWA is committed to serving the community and has adopted a strategy designed to entrench the values of social responsibility, by focusing on the concepts of giving and solidarity among its staff and customers. To achieve this, DEWA adopts a variety of activities and programmes to raise awareness among community members about the issues that concern them. These steps, coupled with DEWA's efforts to serve the society, protect the environment, and promote sustainable development, are aligned in content and objectives, with the aspirations of our prudent leadership. DEWA spares no effort to organise awareness campaigns and support activities and events that promote stronger interaction with the various segments of society to be key players in building a better future, for generations to come," said Al Tayer.

Constructive Campaigns & Initiatives

Dubai's first Earth Hour was in 2008, and is one of the many initiatives organised by DEWA to raise awareness about the importance of rationalising consumption of energy so that rationalisation becomes part of everyone's way of life. Earth Hour 2014 was organised under the patronage of HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and the Chairman of the Dubai Executive Council, in participation with the Dubai Supreme Council of Energy, and the Emirates Wildlife Society in cooperation with WWF, and supported by Dubai Properties Group. In one hour, Dubai managed to save 225,000kW of electricity as it joined the largest global environmental event along with more than 7,000 cities around the world. The event gained strong response from all government departments and organisations, private companies, educational institutions, and community members. Several ministries, federal entities and non-for-profit organisations participated in the event.

DEWA organised several environmental activities and awareness programmes to mark World Water Day, under the theme of 'International Year of Water Cooperation.' A number of ministries and government departments participated in the event to raise environmental awareness about the importance of using water sensibly to ensure its sustainability for generations to come.

As part of its strategy to encourage customers to streamline their daily consumption of water and electricity, DEWA organises the Consumer Award to encourage customers to reduce their consumption of electricity and water and follow environmentally-friendly practices that limit exhaustion of  natural resources needed to produce electricity and desalinate water, as well as reduce pollution and carbon emissions resulting from their use. The 'Conservation Award for A Better Tomorrow' also highlights DWA's leading role in promoting sustainability of natural resources and environmental protection, and the importance of cooperation with educational institutions to achieve these common goals.

"Our collaboration with the Knowledge and Human Development Authority and the Dubai Educational Zone has witnessed immense success in the field of energy conservation, which is embodied in the results of the Conservation Award every year. The ninth Award achieved high saving rates in the rationalised use of electricity and water. The Award helped to attain significant savings in electricity and water consumption, and enabled students, faculty, and educational institutions to collectively reduce electricity and water consumption by 10% and 21%, respectively. The Residential Consumer category achieved a reduction of 11% and 19% in electricity and water consumption, respectively. Together, the Award's categories were able to save 23 million kW of electricity and 128 million imperial gallons of water, which contributed to downsizing carbon dioxide emissions by 11,000 tonnes, saving AED 16 million," said Al Tayer.

DEWA organised the Neighbourhood Campaign to raise awareness about the importance of power and water conservation. In conjunction with the 42nd UAE National Day celebrations, DEWA organised several field visits to neighbourhoods including 170 houses to enhance communication with the various segments of society, and offer tips and advice on optimal consumption of energy and water resources. The campaign included field visits, by a specialist team, to many housing complexes in Dubai using a bus designed specifically for this purpose. DEWA developed a schedule to visit various localities to provide tips to guide all members of the community about ways to rationalise consumption.

In line with its vision to be a sustainable world-class utility, and its efforts to implement the Green Economy for Sustainable Development initiative with a view to achieve the sustainable development of Dubai, DEWA started the third phase of the electronic paperless Green Bill. The total number of registered customers for the service since its launch, in August 2012, reached 197,119 customers as of 22 June 2014. This achievement has contributed to reducing carbon dioxide emissions by 193.3 tonnes.

Leading community initiatives

DEWA launches and supports various community initiatives aimed at promoting social work as a whole. In this regard, DEWA has donated AED 5 million to the UAE Water Aid campaign launched by HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, to provide clean drinking water to five million people in impoverished countries experiencing water scarcity. DEWA's direct contribution will help provide clean water to over 200,000 people in a number of countries that suffer from shortage of water.

In fulfilment of the directives of HH Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, DEWA launched an initiative to raise funds for the 'Our hearts with the people of Syria' campaign that was organised by the UAE Red Crescent and the National Media Council to help Syrian refugees. DEWA also donated AED 1 million for the 'We unite for them' campaign launched by Emarat Al Youm newspaper and the Dubai Autism Centre for raising funds to complete and equip a modern centre for autistic children.

Supporting the 'Dress 1 Million Needy Children' initiative launched by HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid to provide clothing to one million deprived children around the world, DEWA donated AED 1 million which helped to provide dresses for 25,000 children.

Every year, DEWA sponsors the 'Arab Orphan Day' by organising a wide range of activities for orphans to alleviate their suffering and deprivation and bring joy and happiness to them. At this year's celebration of 'Arab Orphan Day,' DEWA organised cruise trip for a group of orphan students in cooperation with Awqaf & Minors Affairs Foundation, a strategic partner of DEWA. The event was organised under the theme 'You're in our hearts' and was attended by 100 student and supervisors. 

During Ramadan 1435 Hijri (2014), DEWA organised an initiative to serve Iftar meals for more than 2,200 people throughout the Holy Month. A Ramadan tent was set up in the courtyard of its headquarters and a number of other branches. DEWA also supported many religious, cultural, and social events that promote tolerance and compassion among all segments of society.

As a strategic sponsor, DEWA supported the 13th Ramadan Forum organised by the Department of Tourism & Commerce Marketing in Dubai under the patronage of HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation. Dubai believes in the important role the Ramadan Forum plays as an enlightening platform that hosts the most prominent Islamic scholars in the Arab and Islamic worlds. The Forum promotes religious tourism in Dubai and offers more information on Islam to the expat community.

DEWA's Women's Committee, in collaboration with Human Appeal International, launched, Abayaty, a social initiative to serve society, supporting underprivileged families, and enhancing social and volunteer work. The Abayaty initiative succeeded in providing clothing for 3,000 families.

Throughout the year DEWA organises blood-donation campaigns, in collaboration with the Dubai Health Authority, in all branches of DEWA. A large number of DEWA's staff at all sectors and departments take part on the campaigns to fulfil the need for blood.

To commemorate Zayed Humanitarian Day that was launched by HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum to mark the passing anniversary of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan on 19th Ramdan each year, DEWA sponsored the 'Ten Years of Loyalty to Sheikh Zayed' event organised by the UAE President's Private Department. This year marks the 10th anniversary of the passing away of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. DEWA received an honorary shield during the event. DEWA also launched a number of charitable and humanitarian initiatives across the UAE for Zayed Humanitarian Day, including the announcement of the completion of Zayed Al Khair mosque that DEWA built in Somalia and was announced last year.

DEWA was honoured for its contribution to the success of Umm Al Ataa (Mother of Giving), the 8th annual charity event organised by Dar El Ber Society, under the patronage of HH Sheikha Hind bint Maktoum bin Juma Al Maktoum, wife of HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum (Umm Al Ataa). DEWA was honoured as the gold sponsor of the celebration held at the Dubai World Trade Centre. DEWA exerts diligent efforts to support orphans and empower them to do their role in society as an integral part of the community's fabric.

Internal Social Initiatives

DEWA is committed to the psychological, family and social stability of all its employees. One of DEWA's most prominent social activities that it organises each year is the mass wedding which it has been doing for the last six years. The mass wedding, under the patronage of HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai, Minister of Finance and President of DEWA, enables male and female employees of DEWA to celebrate their weddings without spending large amounts of money. In February 2014, DEWA celebrated the wedding ceremony of 45 employees in a joyous atmosphere. Mass weddings promote employees' organisational loyalty and enhance social cohesion among employees of all sectors.

DEWA regularly organises its Health & Safety Week which features a wide range of activities including lectures on health and basics of first aid, painting workshops, safety competitions, safe-driving licences for children, and several safety competitions. A health and safety week is also organised each year for DEWA's staff and its strategic partners. The event includes health seminars, first-aid basics, and free medical tests.

Social initiatives that support national identity

Every year, DEWA organises a Suhoor gathering for its employees during the Holy Month of Ramadan. The event is in line with DEWA's commitment to supporting social responsibility and enhancing social interaction, while preserving the UAE's customs and heritage. A large number of DEWA's employees participated in the Suhoor, which was held at Dubai World Trade Centre. The event included various activities as well as a lecture by Sheikh Suliman Al Jubailan.

DEWA supports the project of setting up nurseries at government departments to ensure the empowerment of women personally and in their careers. The national project was launched in 2008 under the auspices of HH Sheikha Manal bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, wife of HH Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister of Presidential Affairs, and Chairperson of Dubai Women Establishment.

DEWA inaugurated its first nursery at its headquarters in 2010 according to the best international standards in teaching methodologies and nursery design. It can accommodate 32 children while the nursery at DEWA's Sustainable Building in Al Quoz accommodates 48 children. DEWA recently opened its third nursery in its Warsan building. There are 40 children currently enrolled and the nursery can accommodate 48 children with a total capacity of 87 children. This initiative supports DEWA's strategy to provide an ideal work environment for its employees and help them to achieve a balance between their professional and personal lives.

In 2014, DEWA organised Arweehom (Arabic for 'Quench their thirst') campaign for the third consecutive year. The initiative provides DEWA employees as well as workers from various contracting companies working on DEWA's projects with meals, bottles of cold water and food storage bags. The campaign also distributed leaflets to workers highlighting the importance of drinking adequate quantities of water during the summer. The success of the first and second campaign boosted awareness on the goals of the Arweehom initiative and increased the number of beneficiaries from 400 workers in 2013 to 1,200 workers in 2014.

DEWA is moving forward towards supporting the sustainable development of Dubai, and to reduce electricity and water consumption below international levels. DEWA is committed to promoting a better sense amongst today's youth of how much electricity and water they use, so that they too can become can take a more active role in encouraging everyone to rationalise their use of electricity and water.

In all its efforts, DEWA looks into the welfare of society. This is embodied in the pioneering social initiatives and programmes it undertakes throughout the year.

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© Press Release 2014