DEWA’s Al Shera’a Bridge Sets New Standard for Transport Security in the Emirates

A high-level security review of the bridge connecting Al Jaddaf Metro Station to DEWA's new headquarters demonstrates the authority's commitment to integrated infrastructure excellence.

The gleaming span of the Al Shera’a Bridge represents more than a physical connection between Dubai’s transport network and DEWA’s innovative new home. It embodies a philosophy of seamless integration between security, sustainability and modern urban design, one that has attracted the scrutiny and admiration of the region’s leading infrastructure authorities.

In late October, the Transportation Security Department in Dubai and Etihad Rail, the UAE national rail operator, convened at DEWA to conduct a comprehensive review of the security standards and requirements underpinning this landmark structure. The visit reflected a deeper commitment to strengthening cooperation across the transport and infrastructure sectors, with particular focus on safety protocols, emergency preparedness and the exchange of specialist expertise.

Maj Gen Obaid Saeed Al Hathboor, Director of the Transportation Security Department in Dubai, emphasised the significance of the collaboration. He noted that joint efforts have positioned the Al Shera’a Bridge as a benchmark and model for similar projects across the region, underscoring his department’s pivotal role in establishing security requirements and standards for Dubai’s expanding transport network, bridges and associated buildings.

The delegation, comprising senior officers from the Transportation Security Department alongside construction and projects specialists from Etihad Rail, was received by DEWA’s leadership team. Dr Yousef Al Akraf, Executive Vice President of Business Support and Human Resources; Khawla Al Mehairi, Executive Vice President of Strategy and Government Communications; Zaal bin Zaal, Vice President of Supply Chain Management, Quality, Health, Safety and Environment; and Omar Al Mansoori, Chief Operating Officer, guided the review.

The visiting authorities commended DEWA’s integrated approach across multiple disciplines: security, safety, emergency preparedness, engineering excellence and environmental sustainability. This holistic methodology has yielded achievements and leading practices that officials recognised as having relevance and application to railway projects beyond this single structure. The bridge exemplifies how contemporary infrastructure can harmonise operational efficiency with robust protective measures and environmental responsibility.

The review also reflected DEWA’s alignment with the Dubai Social Agenda 33, a framework that commits the authority to fostering a positive work environment that prioritises the highest standards of well-being, sustainability, safety and quality of life, whilst contributing to sustainable urban development and shaping the cities of the future. As the Emirates continues its ambitious expansion of transport infrastructure, such collaborative reviews ensure that projects meet not merely functional requirements, but embody the region’s aspirations for intelligent, secure and sustainable urban living.

What it means for Abu Dhabi

The Al Shera’a Bridge review demonstrates the calibre of security and infrastructure planning that characterises major transport projects across the Emirates. By establishing benchmarks and models that can be applied to similar undertakings, DEWA and its partners are creating frameworks that will influence how future bridges, stations and transport hubs are conceived and built throughout the region.

The collaboration between DEWA, the Transportation Security Department and Etihad Rail signals a maturing approach to integrated infrastructure planning, one that treats security, sustainability and engineering excellence not as competing priorities but as complementary elements. Such coordination at senior levels between authorities ensures that Abu Dhabi’s own transport ambitions, as it continues its programme of development across the emirate, benefit from the expertise and standards being refined in sister emirates.

Source: UAE News Agency (WAM)