Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) reported that its internal innovation platform, Afkari, received 3,424 employee ideas in the first half of 2025. This represents a 24.8% increase compared to the same period last year. Employee participation also rose by 7%, reaching 2,056 employees. Of the ideas submitted, 1,064 contributed to cost savings and 206 are currently being implemented. Since its launch in 2015, Afkari has collected more than 70,850 ideas.
Afkari uses artificial intelligence to encourage employees to suggest new ways to improve operations and strengthen DEWA’s position both locally and internationally. Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, Managing Director & CEO of DEWA, stated that converting these ideas into practical solutions and rewarding creative input has helped build a culture of innovation within the organization.
Al Tayer praised the use of AI and other new technologies in employee suggestions aimed at improving electricity and water services for stakeholders.
He noted that DEWA has upgraded the Afkari platform with Microsoft 365 Copilot as a smart assistant. This tool helps users analyze situations, weigh pros and cons, identify relevant roles, assess feasibility, and prepare well-structured idea submissions.
“We welcome constructive ideas that contribute to broadening business horizons and exploring new opportunities and approaches that support DEWA’s success. The willingness of employees to put forward their innovative ideas and suggestions indicates their high sense of responsibility and their commitment to turning challenges into opportunities, so that they can be part of Dubai’s future plans and national efforts aimed at making the emirate of Dubai the preferred destination to live, work and visit,” Al Tayer said.
“The Afkari platform plays a pivotal role in managing innovation, ensuring the continuous improvement of DEWA’s services, enhancing its performance and efficiency, reducing expenses and elevating its excellence and leadership worldwide,” added Al Tayer.
