As part of its digital transformation, Dubai Electricity & Water Authority (Dewa) is scaling up the adoption of AI technologies across its operations, particularly in energy distribution.

This initiative aims to improve operational efficiency and enhance service quality and reliability. Central to this transformation is Dewa’s smart grid, backed by AED7bn in investments till 2035, helping ensure seamless, integrated and round-the-clock services.

Dewa’s distribution network smart centre analyses over 15 million units of data collected daily from the distribution network, converting these data into insight reports and interactive dashboards to support data-driven decision-making. The centre also leverages big data, AI and machine learning to provide diagnostic and analytical services, thereby enhancing immediate, proactive maintenance responses and promoting customer satisfaction.

“Our projects and initiatives contribute to consolidating Dubai’s position as a globally leading city in adopting AI and advanced digital technologies,” said Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, CEO of Dewa (www.dewa.gov.ae). “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.”

By the end of 2024, there were sixty-nine 33kV substations and 45,317 medium-voltage (11 and 6.6kV) substations. To keep pace with Dubai’s growing electricity demand driven by economic and urban development, Dewa deployed 1.2 million smart electricity meters and 1.1 million smart water meters across the emirate. With 100% of customers using smart meters, this supports Dewa’s smart electricity and water networks.