DEWA and Dell Technologies forge alliance to strengthen digital resilience and modernise smart infrastructure

The Dubai Electricity and Water Authority has partnered with the global technology company to explore advanced solutions spanning cyber security, artificial intelligence and intelligent grid management, reinforcing Dubai's position as a leader in sustainable infrastructure.

The pursuit of resilient digital infrastructure has become essential to the operation of modern utilities, and Dubai’s electricity and water authority has moved decisively to deepen its technological capabilities. DEWA has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Dell Technologies to explore collaborative opportunities in developing advanced solutions designed to enhance cyber resilience and business continuity across its operations.

The partnership encompasses a broad spectrum of technological advancement: the modernisation of smart grids and substations, the expansion of edge computing capabilities, and the strategic deployment of artificial intelligence and sophisticated data management systems. These areas of focus reflect a shared understanding that tomorrow’s infrastructure must be built upon intelligent, secure and exceptionally resilient digital foundations.

Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, Managing Director and Chief Executive of DEWA, articulated the authority’s vision, stating that the collaboration reflects a commitment to expanding partnerships with leading global technology companies to explore innovative solutions that support cyber and operational resilience, advance the smart grid, and leverage artificial intelligence and data to improve operational efficiency and enhance the readiness of DEWA’s digital and operational infrastructure. This endeavour aligns with the directives of Dubai’s leadership to reinforce the emirate’s position as a leading global model in smart and sustainable infrastructure.

The agreement was formalised by Hussain Lootah, Executive Vice President of Transmission Power at DEWA, and Walid Yehia, Managing Director for the South Gulf at Dell Technologies. Yehia emphasised that building future-ready infrastructure requires a secure, intelligent and highly resilient digital foundation, and that the collaboration reflects a shared focus on exploring advanced technology solutions that can modernise smart infrastructure and strengthen cyber and operational resilience.

Specific areas of cooperation include the exploration of reference designs and pilot projects to modernise the smart grid, substations and grid operations, with the aim of improving reliability, strengthening monitoring and control, and enhancing operational recovery capabilities whilst maintaining compatibility with existing platforms. The two parties also intend to explore advanced edge computing solutions built on hardened infrastructure, with centralised management of remote and field sites, extending intelligent oversight across DEWA’s distributed network.

This partnership sits within a broader strategic context. As we reported in November, DEWA International has been forging strategic partnerships with globally recognised institutions to advance its expansion across energy, water and infrastructure sectors. The organisation has also recently partnered with Acwa to expand its desalination capacity, demonstrating a multifaceted approach to enhancing Dubai’s vital infrastructure through technological innovation and strategic collaboration.

What it means for Abu Dhabi

For Dubai and the broader UAE, this collaboration represents a significant step forward in the country’s ambition to harness advanced technology in service of its people and environment. The integration of artificial intelligence and edge computing into the smart grid will enhance the efficiency and reliability of electricity and water services, two essential utilities upon which the emirate’s prosperity and quality of life depend. A more resilient and intelligent grid means better service continuity, faster response to operational challenges, and ultimately a more responsive infrastructure that can adapt to future demands.

The emphasis on cyber resilience is particularly significant in an era when digital security underpins all critical infrastructure. By strengthening DEWA’s capacity to withstand and recover from cyber threats whilst maintaining seamless operations, this partnership contributes to the broader security and stability upon which the UAE’s development and international standing rest. The modernisation of substations and grid operations, supported by enhanced monitoring and control systems, positions Dubai to maintain its reputation for excellence in service delivery and operational sophistication.

Source: WAM