How Dewa powered the battle against COVID-19

Khitam Al Amir | Chief News Editor

The Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (Dewa) demonstrated excellent adaptability in dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic, with detailed plans and emergency work teams put in place to meet any challenges.

“Inspired by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, we have learned how to turn challenges into opportunities and find solutions,” Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, Managing Director and CEO of Dewa, said.

Speaking of Dewa’s efforts during the pandemic, Al Tayer said: “We dealt with COVID-19 according to what the circumstances demanded at each stage. With the outbreak of the pandemic, we rolled out emergency plans and formed quick response teams to ensure the availability of vital services to all the residents in the emirate.”

Dewa adopted a strategic plan to strengthen its flexibility and redirect financial and human resources in line with the leadership’s vision and directives to ensure the sustainability of services. This was done in coordination with Dubai’s Supreme Committee of Crisis and Disaster Management and strategic partners, Al Tayer said.

“Dewa’s advanced digital infrastructure has greatly contributed to the continuity of its services in line with the highest international standards, despite preventive measures in place against the spread of COVID-19. This includes transforming its Customer Happiness Centres into self-service centres where customers were able to complete their transactions online easily and smoothly,” Al Tayer said.

Keeping pace with the latest technologies has helped Dewa support its employees who currently work remotely. This also helps them to be responsible for following instructions to ensure the continuity of water and electricity services without interruption while maintaining quality, he added.

Expert teams of engineers and technicians were placed at various locations across the emirate to handle emergencies like power disruption and perform their duties safely round the clock, Al Tayer said.