DEWA first in UAE to deploy Microsoft Copilot Cowork, embedding agentic AI across its workforce
Dubai Electricity and Water Authority adopts Copilot Cowork within Microsoft 365 to automate tasks, boost productivity and advance Dubai’s AI-driven workplace transformation.
Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) has rolled out Microsoft’s Copilot Cowork across its Microsoft 365 environment, becoming the first government entity in the United Arab Emirates to deploy agentic AI at scale for everyday work. The initiative—announced by DEWA’s Managing Director and CEO Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer—positions the tool as a digital colleague that can plan, execute and streamline multi-step tasks while remaining under employee supervision.
DEWA announces strategic adoption of Copilot Cowork
DEWA said the Copilot Cowork deployment marks a significant step in moving from informational AI to a system that carries out integrated operational tasks. The authority framed the move as part of its commitment to make Dubai “most prepared for the future,” with the technology intended to accelerate task completion and data-driven decision-making.
Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer described the agentic capability as an executive assistant for staff, able to translate operational goals into coordinated actions across the daily work ecosystem. DEWA emphasized that the initiative aims to raise productivity, reduce operational costs and deliver faster, more efficient services to stakeholders.
Integration with Microsoft 365 and Power Platform
The Copilot Cowork implementation is embedded within DEWA’s Microsoft 365 suite and leverages Microsoft Power Platform tools already in use across the authority. DEWA said this integration allows the digital agent to interact with emails, meetings, documents and business applications in context, creating workflow plans tied to operational objectives.
By building on the existing Microsoft 365 infrastructure, the authority seeks to limit disruption while extending automation into routine and complex tasks. The approach was presented as pragmatic: augmenting employee capability with a digital tool that can execute multi-step processes without replacing human oversight.
Agentic AI that plans and executes tasks
DEWA described Copilot Cowork as an agentic AI—capable not only of producing information but of initiating and carrying out sequences of actions to meet defined goals. The system can analyze contextual data such as communications, calendar entries and files to formulate an execution plan, then take delegated steps while keeping the user in control.
Officials said the agent’s remit includes preparing structured workflows, coordinating follow-ups and handling administrative tasks that typically consume staff time. DEWA highlighted that the tool preserves a human-in-the-loop model, with employees retaining final approval and supervision over all automated actions.
Anticipated benefits for operations and workforce
DEWA expects the Copilot Cowork rollout to accelerate routine processes and free staff to focus on strategic, value‑added work. The authority pointed to anticipated gains in turnaround times, operational efficiency and the quality of service delivery as primary outcomes of the deployment.
In addition to efficiency improvements, DEWA cited better-informed decision-making driven by the agent’s ability to synthesize data and generate action plans. The authority also noted that generative AI and Copilot features already in use—such as Microsoft 365 Copilot and Power Platform—had contributed to performance and stakeholder satisfaction, and that Copilot Cowork builds on those foundations.
User control, oversight and data context
DEWA stressed that the Copilot Cowork agent operates under full user control and is designed to respect governance and data-protection practices. The tool’s workflow includes explicit supervision points, allowing employees to review, modify or cancel proposed actions before they are executed.
Officials said the agent analyzes work-context data—including messages, meeting content and documents—to produce relevant execution plans, but that oversight mechanisms remain central to the deployment. The authority’s emphasis on supervision is intended to balance automation benefits with accountability and operational safeguards.
Fit within DEWA’s wider digital transformation
DEWA framed the Copilot Cowork adoption as part of a broader strategy to mainstream AI across its services and operations. The authority has been integrating generative AI capabilities and low-code platforms to modernize processes and enhance employee productivity, and this deployment is presented as a next step in that trajectory.
By positioning the agent as a workplace colleague rather than a replacement, DEWA signaled intent to use AI to augment staff capabilities and support Dubai’s ambition to set global standards in AI adoption. The authority expects the initiative to contribute to its long-term goals for innovation, efficiency and improved stakeholder experience.
The deployment of Copilot Cowork at DEWA signals a deliberate move toward more autonomous AI applications within UAE public sector operations, combining Microsoft 365 integration, user oversight and targeted productivity objectives to reshape how routine and complex tasks are managed.
