DEWA and Mohammed bin Rashid Knowledge Foundation deepen partnership to boost Dubai knowledge production
DEWA and MBR Knowledge Foundation expand cooperation to boost Dubai knowledge production, accelerate tech adoption and develop national skills for the UAE.
Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, Managing Director and CEO of the Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA), hosted Jamal bin Huwaireb, Executive Director of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Knowledge Foundation, for talks aimed at strengthening ties to advance Dubai knowledge production. The meeting, attended by senior officials from both organisations, focused on joint programmes to accelerate adoption of future technologies and to build human capital. Both sides reiterated their commitment to the wider leadership vision of making Dubai a global hub for knowledge generation and application.
Senior leaders meet to formalise cooperation
Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer welcomed the delegation and underlined DEWA’s role in supporting national priorities linked to innovation and sustainability. Jamal bin Huwaireb outlined the Foundation’s mandate to foster knowledge ecosystems and said collaboration with energy and utilities stakeholders is central to that mission. The discussion centred on aligning institutional strengths to produce actionable knowledge that supports Dubai’s strategic development.
Commitment to Dubai’s knowledge production agenda
DEWA reiterated its commitment to the leadership’s goal of positioning Dubai as a capital of knowledge production and utilisation. Officials described knowledge production as a cross-cutting enabler for economic competitiveness, clean energy transition and smart-city services. Both parties agreed that coordinated efforts can accelerate measurable outcomes in research, technology deployment and workforce readiness.
Priority areas include technology adoption and skills development
Delegates identified future technologies — including digitalisation, artificial intelligence and smart grids — as priority areas for collaboration. Capacity building and training programmes for Emirati and resident talent were flagged as essential to sustain technology uptake. Representatives discussed joint initiatives that combine DEWA’s operational expertise with the Foundation’s networks and knowledge platforms.
Planned joint programmes and pilot projects
The meeting outlined plans for pilot projects that will test new technologies in operational environments and generate data-driven insights. Both organisations proposed knowledge-exchange platforms, joint research grants and public workshops to broaden impact. Officials also discussed mechanisms for monitoring progress and scaling successful pilots across Dubai and the wider UAE.
Implications for sustainability and economic competitiveness
Officials framed the partnership as contributing directly to sustainable development goals by improving resource efficiency and lowering emissions through smarter systems. They said knowledge-led innovation will bolster Dubai’s competitiveness by creating high-value jobs and attracting international research partnerships. The collaboration is positioned to support the UAE’s broader strategy of diversifying the economy through knowledge-intensive sectors.
Next steps, governance and timelines
Both institutions agreed to establish a joint working group to define specific programmes, budgets and timelines for implementation. The working group will map opportunities for co-funded projects, outline capacity-building curricula, and set key performance indicators for knowledge production outcomes. Leaders committed to reporting progress to stakeholders and to convene periodic reviews to refine the partnership.
The renewed cooperation between DEWA and the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Knowledge Foundation marks a strategic alignment designed to turn research and innovation into practical solutions for Dubai’s sustainable development. By combining operational capabilities, knowledge networks and targeted training, the partnership aims to accelerate technology adoption, develop skilled talent and strengthen Dubai’s position as a global centre for knowledge production.
