DEWA Youth Council’s Role in Driving Sustainability, Leadership, and Innovation in the UAE’s Energy Sector

The Youth Council of Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) continues to play a pivotal role in advancing the UAE’s vision of youth empowerment and sustainability. Supporting the directives of the nation’s wise leadership, the Council has been instrumental in fostering young talent to address accelerating challenges through innovative and sustainable solutions, contributing significantly to the UAE’s net-zero and sustainability targets.

Since its inception, DEWA’s Youth Council has organized 74 events, 23 awareness sessions, and six educational trips, while participating in 10 international forums and conferences. Between 2023 and 2024, the Council facilitated 13 benchmarking visits and supported participation in four national and international programmes. Additionally, it has launched over 10 communication platforms for DEWA’s young employees.

Leadership Commitment to Youth Empowerment
HE Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD & CEO of DEWA, emphasized the UAE’s commitment to empowering youth. “Guided by the vision of our leadership, we invest in our young cadres to nurture the next generation of sustainability leaders. We aim to amplify youth voices and involve them in achieving the Dubai Clean Energy Strategy 2050 and the Dubai Net Zero Carbon Emissions Strategy 2050,” he said.

Currently, 27.3% of DEWA’s workforce comprises young employees aged 18 to 35 years, with 36.44% holding managerial positions.

Highlights of Youth Engagement Initiatives

• Innovation Month 2024: The ‘DEWA’s Young Innovators’ initiative celebrated exceptional employees for their impactful contributions.
• Ramadan 2024: The third edition of the ‘Our Youth, Our Pride’ initiative recognized young pioneers in volunteering and community service.
• World Youth Skills Day 2024: Skill Lab workshops equipped 55 young employees with technical expertise to mark the occasion.
• Global Women’s Forum 2024: DEWA representatives highlighted youth-driven innovation and societal contributions in a session titled Future Force: Youth Unleashing Global Impact and Driving Social Change.

Youth Forums and Educational Activities
In line with International Youth Day, DEWA’s Youth Council hosted a forum with over 100 participants from local and corporate youth councils. Activities included discussions with Dubai Youth Council and other key organizations. Educational trips to cultural landmarks, such as Al Shindagha Historic District, further deepened the connection between youth and the UAE’s heritage.

Fostering Knowledge and Tolerance
The Youth Council also facilitated collaborative efforts like the ‘Sustainable Energy for Future Generations’ session and the Youth Talks series on International Day for Tolerance. These initiatives brought together senior citizens and youth to explore renewable energy and promote coexistence.

Awards and Recognition
DEWA’s young leaders continue to excel. Notably, Aysha Alremeithi, President of DEWA’s Youth Council, received the Future Women Energy Leaders Award 2024. She was also recognized as a Woman Young Leader at the ENOC Group’s Women in Energy Awards for her contributions to renewable energy and youth inclusion in climate work.

Through its dynamic initiatives, DEWA’s Youth Council remains a cornerstone in empowering young Emiratis, driving innovation, and contributing to a sustainable future.