Georgetown University Delegation Explores Dubai’s Green Economy Leadership
A major academic delegation from Georgetown University has visited DEWA headquarters to advance knowledge exchange on sustainable energy and clean technology innovation.
Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, Chairman of the World Green Economy Organisation and Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Dubai Electricity and Water Authority, welcomed approximately 45 students, faculty and staff from Georgetown University at Al Shera’a, DEWA’s headquarters, on 5th October 2026.
The visit, organised through WGEO’s Youth and Academia Platform, represents a significant initiative to strengthen collaboration between leading academic institutions and organisations championing the global transition to sustainable energy systems. The Georgetown delegation was led by Prashant Malaviya, Vice Dean of Programs at the McDonough School of Business, and Professor Raj M. Desi, Co-Director of the Master of International Business and Policy programme at the Walsh School of Foreign Service.
During the engagement, Mr Al Tayer outlined WGEO’s pivotal role in fostering international cooperation, knowledge exchange and partnerships across governments, the private sector, academia and emerging leaders. He emphasised the critical importance of developing the capabilities of young professionals to drive sustainable development and advance green economy initiatives globally.
The Chairman provided comprehensive insights into Dubai and DEWA’s remarkable journey in clean and renewable energy expansion. He highlighted the Emirate’s accelerating solar capacity development and underscored the essential role of energy storage technologies in guaranteeing electricity supply reliability. Mr Al Tayer also detailed DEWA’s sophisticated approach to operational efficiency, including the innovative recovery of waste heat from electricity and water production processes to optimise resource utilisation.
The delegation received detailed briefings on DEWA’s approach to engaging the private sector through the Independent Power Producer model, alongside the policy and regulatory frameworks that have established an attractive investment environment. The tour encompassed DEWA’s major clean energy projects, including the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park and the Hatta Hydroelectric Power Plant, demonstrating the diversification of Dubai’s energy portfolio.
Participants explored Al Shera’a itself, recognised as the world’s tallest, largest and smartest net-positive government building. The headquarters exemplifies the integration of clean energy systems, advanced efficiency measures, intelligent technologies and sustainable design principles. The facility tour also showcased DEWA’s digital transformation initiatives and the deployment of artificial intelligence across operations and customer services.
The visit formed part of Georgetown University’s Master of Arts in International Business and Policy Dubai module, held from 21 to 25 September 2026. This engagement reflects WGEO’s commitment to fostering meaningful collaboration between academic institutions and sustainability practitioners, providing students with practical perspectives on translating strategic objectives into transformative infrastructure and clean energy projects.
Source: WAM