DEWA’s empowers women to take lead roles in the UAE’s work

Dubai, UAE, 8 March 2021: Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA)’s strategy is to provide equal opportunities for men and women as well as empower women, from leading to technical positions, and this has made it a model for organisations inside and outside the UAE.

HE Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD & CEO of DEWA, said that DEWA follows the approach of the late Founding Father Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, may his soul rest in peace, His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE; His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai; and Her Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, Chairwoman of the General Women’s Union, Supreme Chairwoman of the Family Development Foundation, and President of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood, who is known as the Mother of the Nation. All support this approach: to empower society by empowering women, promote gender equality, and encourage a competitive environment based on efficiency and excellence. This approach also focuses on hard work and following the best local and international standards.

“DEWA is one of the most prominent organisations in the UAE to support women in the energy sector, especially renewable and clean energy and sustainability. DEWA works on providing all every means of support for its female employees, and helps them turn their challenges into opportunities, and keep pace with all changes. This is in accordance with the wise leadership’s efforts to empower women to shape the future, and enhance their role in the transition to the UAE Centennial in 2071, to make the UAE the world’s leading nation by then. Emirati women prove their abilities every day in consolidating DEWA’s achievements. They efficiently take responsibility for all types of work that supports the UAE’s goals. The achievements of Emirati women in the past 50 years promises another 50 years of leadership and excellence,” said Al Tayer.

Well-deserved trust

“DEWA’s top management is committed to providing a convenient environment to empower women and increase their capabilities to unleash their potential. The successes of DEWA’s female employees are a clear proof of their trustworthiness. They have also proved their capability to consolidate DEWA’s global position. DEWA has 1,949 women in its workforce, 80.5% of them are Emiratis. This includes 671 female engineers and technicians at DEWA. 32% of employees at the Innovation Centre are Emirati ladies, with most of them highly educated in science and engineering. DEWA’s female employees also volunteer inside the UAE and abroad. In 2020, DEWA’s female employees spent 7,999 volunteering hours in 22 different humanitarian and social initiatives,” said Khawla Al Mehairi, Executive Vice President of Strategy and Government Communications at DEWA.

High-profile Emirati women

“DEWA adopts fair policies and an inclusive environment for men and women equally. It spares no efforts to provide opportunities, overcome challenges to achieve gender balance. DEWA includes in its Emirati workforce some very experienced ladies who play major roles in achieving DEWA’s vision to become a globally leading sustainable innovative corporation. DEWA is committed to supporting women and increasing their representation in the energy sector, as well as innovation. It plays a pivotal role in empowering women by providing a motivating work environment that not only impacts DEWA positively but also society,” said Amal Koshak, Vice President of Marketing & Corporate Communications at DEWA.

Powerful image of DEWA’s female employees

Maryam Al-Mutaiwei, Vice President of Human Resources at DEWA, noted that DEWA achieved significant progress in employing women in the technical and engineering jobs, and in localising these specialisations has prepared a generation of Emiratis who are capable of meeting DEWA’s needs and its expansion plans. The top management’s efforts to empower and support women have paved the way for them to reach senior roles. Increasing the number of women in fieldwork also shows the hardworking image of DEWA’s female employees.  

Continuous innovative support for female employees

Fatima Mohammed Al Jokar, Chairperson of DEWA’s Women Committee, expressed her gratitude to DEWA top management for their support for the Committee. This has helped it carry on its hard work to provide all opportunities and capabilities that help female employees in different positions to succeed and develop. It also motivates them to create, innovate and prove themselves. The committee launches throughout the year innovative programmes and initiatives to motivate female employees and help them perform their role at home and work to the fullest. This is in addition to providing all support to ensure their safety and that of others around them. This contributes to building cohesive families and a strong society that keeps pace with emerging changes.

Emirati women… an inspiring example for generations to come

“DEWA’s journey of supporting women in the energy sector makes us proud and motivates us to work hard and play an effective role in this sector. It also increases our contribution to promoting DEWA’s globally leading position and helps us make more achievements. This maintains the position of Emirati women as a role model in doing the nation’s work and being inspiring examples for current and future generations. We are deeply grateful for DEWA’s efforts to provide its female employees with the technical and engineering training that meets the highest international standards. It trains and qualifies them theoretically and practically. This is through pioneering training programmes in research and development; anticipating the future; keeping pace with the Fourth Industrial Revolution; and benefiting from disruptive technologies. This enables them to effectively participate in leading in the water and energy sectors,” said Dr Aaesha Alnuaimi, Director of the Innovation Centre at DEWA. Dr Alnuaimi has won the International Solar Alliance Award and the Women in Renewables Asia of the Year Award 2020.

Prestigious position among youth calibres

Aysha Mohammad Al Remeithi, Senior Engineer and President of DEWA’s Youth Council, highlighted the Council’s commitment to achieve the top management directives to consolidate the role of youth and women in the energy sector. This ensures the sustainability of its achievements. The Council recorded young employees’ happiness with its key activities at 94% in 2020. The Council includes nine men and nine women. It serves 1,713 young employees. DEWA’s total workforce includes 1,865 young employees aged between 18 to 29 years, which is 15% of the total. This includes 33.46% women and 66.54% men. This consolidates the success of Emirati women among young people.

Constant training to keep pace with changes

“DEWA collaborates with major public and private organisations to increase the efficiency and loyalty of employees. It is committed to capacity building by organising workshops, seminars and activities that share knowledge and experience. Amid the new responsibilities associated with COVID-19, DEWA has increased its efforts to introduce female employees with ways of dealing with the pandemic and how to adapt to new changes. This enhances their knowledge especially for those have children and makes them key partners in Dubai’s and the UAE’s growth,” said Fatima Al Marzooqi, Senior Manager of Learning and Development.

Safe, positive, stable environment

Laila Ahli, Vice President of Operational Technology Security at DEWA, praised DEWA’s efforts to provide a safe, positive and stable environment that supports female employees and helps them balance between their professional and social lives to achieve success, excellence, and effective participation in building the nation and future generations. All female employees get support and care. They work in a secure, stable, and developed environment that helps them strengthen their talents and capabilities as well as motivating those who have the potential for creativity and innovation.