DEWA's Humanitarian And Social Initiatives Impact Over 4.7 Million People In H1 2024

Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) employees dedicated 14,528 hours to volunteer work in the first half of 2024. Their efforts supported 4,763,973 individuals both within the UAE and internationally. During this period, DEWA initiated 19 social projects as part of its commitment to balancing economic, environmental, and social objectives through a structured approach to community service.

Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD and CEO of DEWA, stated that their operations align with the guidance of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. He emphasised DEWA's dedication to fostering volunteerism and humanitarian efforts to create a lasting impact. "We provide all needed facilities to help DEWA’s employees give back to our community," he said.

DEWA has consistently integrated humanitarian values into its policies. The organisation follows a comprehensive strategy for social responsibility rooted in the UAE's principles of generosity and social unity. This approach is evident in all DEWA activities, reflecting the cultural and humanitarian ethos of Dubai and the UAE.

From 2013 to 2023, DEWA introduced 438 social initiatives, resulting in 232,973 volunteer hours worldwide. In 2023 alone, societal satisfaction with DEWA reached an impressive 93.55 percent. The iVolunteer programmes at DEWA encourage staff participation in volunteering activities by allowing them to track their hours for rewards. This aligns with the Dubai Government Excellence programme requirements.

The Volunteer Diploma offered by DEWA enhances participants' skills in various aspects of volunteer work. It prepares them for managing volunteering programmes locally and globally while also training them for leadership roles within these initiatives.

Community Engagement During Ramadan

During Ramadan in 2024, DEWA employees participated in the Meer Al Khair campaign alongside Al Ihsan Charitable Society in Ajman. They collected 831 boxes of essential food supplies for low-income families during this holy month. Additionally, DEWA collaborated with Watani Al Emarat Foundation to distribute daily Iftar meals across Dubai.

In conjunction with Zayed Humanitarian Work Day, DEWA launched an internal campaign encouraging employee involvement in sustainable charity projects worldwide. This year’s focus was on constructing Zayed Al Khair Well in Malawi to aid over 10,000 people while providing clean energy solutions for a mosque, clinic, and school in Benin village.

Engaging Future Generations

DEWA's training programme engages employees' children in volunteering activities organised by the authority. Since its inception in 2027 until Q3 of 2024, around 100 young volunteers have contributed approximately 4,457 hours towards these initiatives.

The third edition of DEWA's 'For Generations to Come' initiative aims at distributing 2,500 school bags filled with essentials to children from low-income families. This builds on last year's success where they distributed 1,700 bags with active participation from subsidiaries along with government and private sector entities.

Every year, DEWA employees collaborate with public welfare associations to purchase school supplies like bags and tablets/iPads for students from low-income backgrounds including orphans or those determinedly pursuing education despite challenges.

This ongoing commitment by DEWA highlights its dedication towards enhancing societal well-being through structured volunteerism while promoting cultural values inherent within Emirati society.

With inputs from WAM