DEWA reviews advanced technologies at Al Ruwayyah Complex

Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) Managing Director and CEO Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer visited the Distribution Power Division complex in Al Ruwayyah to review a suite of advanced technologies and initiatives aimed at strengthening the reliability, efficiency and sustainability of Dubai’s electricity distribution network. Accompanied by Rashid Bin Humaidan, Executive Vice President of Distribution Power, and other senior DEWA officials, Al Tayer toured the LEED Platinum-certified complex — which features advanced technical laboratories, a 663 kW solar photovoltaic system and the DEWA Disruptive Lab (DDL) for testing novel electricity-sector solutions.

“Continuous investment in research and development, coupled with a deep commitment to fostering creativity among employees, has resulted in pioneering solutions that significantly enhance the resilience of Dubai’s power network,” Al Tayer said during the tour.

The visit highlighted several operational and digital innovations now being deployed across DEWA’s Distribution Power operations. Central among these is the Asset Health Centre, a platform designed to provide real-time visibility into asset condition, risk levels and maintenance needs. DEWA’s leadership described the centre as a critical tool for prioritising interventions and extending asset life through data-driven maintenance.

Key technologies reviewed

• Asset Health Centre — real-time asset condition and risk monitoring to inform maintenance and investment decisions.
• Artificial intelligence-powered asset management — applying Big Data and advanced analytics for strategic decision-making and operational optimisation.
• Distribution Automation programme — leveraging RF-Mesh technology for remote monitoring and control from Distribution Control Centres.
• DEWA Disruptive Lab (DDL) — a facility within the complex for developing and testing innovative technologies and solutions for the electricity sector.
• Accredited laboratory services and innovative inspection techniques — supporting higher standards for testing and verification across distribution assets.

Al Tayer underlined the role of digitalisation in DEWA’s approach to distribution management: “These innovations embody a proactive approach to critical asset management by leveraging Big Data and advanced analytics to support strategic decision-making while improving both maintenance protocols and overall operational efficiency.” The comment frames DEWA’s deployment of AI-driven tools and analytics as core to reducing failures and optimising resource allocation across the grid.

The Distribution Automation programme, showcased during the tour, uses RF-Mesh communications to enable remote telemetry and control, feeding Distribution Control Centres with near real-time status and allowing operators to isolate faults and restore service more quickly. DEWA officials said the RF-Mesh-enabled automation underpins Smart Grid objectives and enhances network reliability for customers across Dubai.

Beyond hardware and communications, the site’s LEED Platinum certification and its 663 kW rooftop solar installation illustrate DEWA’s combined focus on operational resilience and sustainability. The DEWA Disruptive Lab (DDL) at Al Ruwayyah supports pilot projects and accelerates the translation of research into operational capabilities, according to officials who briefed Al Tayer.

Looking ahead, DEWA’s leadership indicated continued investment in research and development and wider rollout of the reviewed technologies across the distribution network. The emphasis on AI, asset-health monitoring and distribution automation signals a concerted effort to reduce outages, improve maintenance efficiency and support strategic planning as Dubai’s electricity demand and complexity grow.