Technology Drives Enhanced Reliability in Dubai
The Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) has set a new world record for the lowest electricity customer minutes lost (CML), achieving just 0.82 minutes annually, which translates to about 49 seconds. This achievement highlights DEWA’s commitment to service continuity and reliability.
On April 29, DEWA announced this 13% improvement from its previous record of 0.94 minutes in 2024. HE Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD and CEO of DEWA, remarked, “We work in line with the vision and directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum to provide the best electricity and water infrastructure in the world.”
DEWA’s smart grid technology investment, totaling AED 7 billion by 2035, has been crucial in this success. The Automatic Smart Grid Restoration System, the first of its kind in the Middle East and North Africa, enables remote control and monitoring, enhancing energy transmission efficiency.
The smart grid system swiftly identifies and isolates faults, restores service quickly, and improves electrical load management. DEWA reduced customer minutes lost from 6.88 minutes per year in 2012 to 0.82 minutes in 2025, compared to the 15-minute average of leading European utility companies.
These advancements align with the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan and the Dubai Economic Agenda (D33), aiming to position Dubai among the top three global cities. DEWA integrates artificial intelligence and other cutting-edge technologies to strengthen its infrastructure.
Fourth Industrial Revolution technologies, particularly AI, are deeply embedded in DEWA’s strategies and operations. This integration supports delivering services that meet the highest standards of availability, reliability, and efficiency.
According to DEWA, these efforts showcase Dubai’s leadership in adopting innovative solutions to enhance its utility services globally.
