HE Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, Managing Director and CEO of Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA), opened the Youth Forum organized by DEWA’s Youth Council ahead of International Youth Day 2025. The event brought together around 150 young employees from DEWA, as well as members from other youth councils including Dubai Municipality, the Emirates Group, Emirates Global Aluminium, and e&.
The forum featured panel discussions and workshops that focused on sustainable leadership and partnerships among youth councils. Participants discussed achievements made by DEWA’s young employees in supporting the company’s international standing and explored strategies to empower young professionals in sustainability initiatives.
“I am delighted to join you today in celebrating the International Youth Day and the UAE’s outstanding achievements in empowering its youths and fostering their active role in the nation’s comprehensive, sustainable development. Guided by the wise directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, and His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, the UAE adopts a consistent approach and strategic plans to this end. The wise leadership places youths at the heart of its proactive vision aimed at investing in people and building a responsible generation capable of shaping a sustainable future. In line with the National Youth Agenda 2031, we at Dubai Electricity and Water Authority are committed to harnessing the potential of young people by equipping them with future-ready skills, tools and technologies to become the next generation of sustainability leaders,” said Al Tayer.
Al Tayer noted that more than 2,500 employees between ages 18 to 35 work at DEWA, making up about one quarter of its workforce. Nearly 40% of supervisory positions are held by these younger staff members.
“We are committed to inspire the youth to embrace innovation and cutting-edge technologies. This promotes their leading milestones in advancing government work, accelerating digital transformation and cementing DEWA’s leadership and excellence both locally and globally. I compliment our conscientious youths who recognise the significance of keeping up with the latest advancements in artificial intelligence (AI), while also exercising caution in their interactions with these technologies. By diligently verifying the accuracy of the data they input and thoughtfully evaluating AI-generated output, they are able to make informed decisions – driving effective solutions and enhancing productivity,” said Al Tayer.
“DEWA’s Youth Council plays a major role in building qualified national youth cadres who lead the development process. The council enhances their readiness for the future and advances their contribution to enhancing social, economic and environmental sustainability. It amplifies their voices and solutions, providing a positive environment that nurtures promising leaders and exceptional talent proud of their Emirati identity. By launching initiatives and collaborating with different entities, DEWA’s Youth Council arms young people with the tools of innovation and urges them to participate constructively in consolidating the bonds of a cohesive, prosperous and supportive society,” added Al Tayer.
“Your teamwork and commitment have led to distinguished accomplishments that truly reflect your leadership in competition, innovation and excellence, both locally and globally. With great confidence, I anticipate even greater achievements and milestones ahead, that will accelerate the momentum towards a more prosperous and greener future,” said Al Tayer.
Aysha Mohammad Alremeithi, President of DEWA Youth Council highlighted ongoing efforts between various youth councils while acknowledging support from senior management for programs designed for younger employees.
“The DEWA Youth Council organised specialised workshops and events in collaboration with major local and international companies, with the aim of developing the technical skills of young people. These workshops and events equip the youth with the necessary tools to keep pace with the latest technologies and to adapt to rapid global changes, positioning them to become the cornerstone of sustainable and comprehensive development. Additionally, we are working to launch initiatives that allow DEWA’s youths to make meaningful contributions to society and to engage in volunteer activities in a way that not only embodies the values of giving, goodness and compassion but also strengthens the bonds of Dubai society, in line with Year of Community 2025,” Alremeithi said.
Between October 2019 through July 2025,DEWA’s Youth Council organized over eighty events, twenty-five awareness sessions as well as several educational trips abroad or within country boundaries; it participated thirteen times at international forums or conferences during this period; satisfaction rates among participants reached ninety-five percent according internal surveys; recognition included five awards such as Best National Government Youth Council 2025 Award given by Federal Youth Foundation.
The recent forum included two discussion panels titled ‘The Role of Youth Empowerment in DEWA’s Projects’ as well as ‘Youth Councils – Society & Youth’. Two additional workshops were held alongside Skill Lab—a project run by notable Emirati youth—focused on professional skill-building for about fifty attendees from among younger staff.
