DEWA Youth Knowledge Challenge engages more than 50 young employees in interactive skills competition
DEWA Youth Knowledge Challenge engaged 50+ young DEWA employees in interactive problem-solving, leadership and teamwork exercises to boost future-ready skills.
The Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) Youth Knowledge Challenge brought together more than 50 young DEWA employees for a day of timed problem-solving, creative collaboration and leadership exercises designed to sharpen workplace readiness. The event placed a clear emphasis on developing decision-making under pressure while reinforcing communication and teamwork skills among early-career staff. Organizers said the activity aimed to prepare participants to contribute to a sustainable future and assume leadership roles within the utility sector.
DEWA Youth Knowledge Challenge draws more than 50 participants
The event was organized by DEWA’s Youth Council and drew participation from across the authority’s young workforce. Attendees included staff from technical, operational and support functions who were invited to test their skills in a simulated competition environment.
Council organizers described the turnout as reflective of growing interest among young employees in upskilling opportunities. The participation level also demonstrated the authority’s commitment to integrating talent development into daily operations.
Interactive ‘Contest Room’ simulated real‑time decision making
Central to the Knowledge Challenge was an interactive “contest room” where teams faced a series of timed tasks requiring rapid analysis and inventive solutions. The exercises were structured to mirror operational scenarios that demand quick thinking, effective delegation and clear communication.
Teams were scored on accuracy, creativity and time management, with facilitators providing immediate feedback to reinforce learning. The immersive format encouraged participants to apply technical knowledge alongside soft skills under realistic constraints.
Council chair highlights empowerment and sustainability leadership
Engineer Aisha Mohammed Al Rumaithi, chair of DEWA’s Youth Council, said the initiative supports the authority’s broader objective of empowering young talent. She emphasized that the program seeks to elevate employee capabilities, preparing them to lead sustainability initiatives and drive future innovation.
Al Rumaithi noted that building competencies such as leadership, problem-solving and collaborative decision-making is central to DEWA’s strategy for developing the next generation of sector leaders. She added that these skills contribute directly to the authority’s operational resilience and long-term sustainability goals.
Exercises focused on communication, problem solving and teamwork
Beyond technical challenges, the Knowledge Challenge placed particular weight on effective communication and conflict resolution. Participants were required to brief peers, negotiate task responsibilities and present solutions under time pressure, mirroring high-stakes workplace interactions.
Facilitators observed that teams that balanced assertive decision-making with inclusive collaboration consistently outperformed more siloed groups. The format reinforced the link between clear information exchange and operational efficiency in utility environments.
Youth Council events show rising engagement and career development impact
DEWA’s Youth Council has increased the frequency of development-focused events as part of a structured approach to employee growth. Officials said this rise in activity reflects a culture of continuous learning and a desire among young staff to take on new responsibilities.
Organizers expect lessons from the Knowledge Challenge to feed into broader training programs and talent pipelines. By aligning experiential activities with career pathways, the authority aims to accelerate readiness for supervisory and project leadership roles.
Participants reported immediate benefits from the experience, citing improved confidence in decision-making and clearer appreciation of teamwork dynamics. Several teams highlighted that the competitive yet supportive setting helped identify individual strengths and areas for improvement.
The Knowledge Challenge is part of DEWA’s ongoing efforts to integrate innovation, professional development and sustainability into its human capital strategy. Organizers signalled plans to expand similar programs across departments to sustain momentum and broaden access to practical leadership experiences.
Feedback from the event will be used to refine future exercises and to design follow-up training that matches career development needs. DEWA’s approach emphasizes measurable skill gains and the translation of event learnings into everyday work practices, helping to equip young employees for evolving operational and sustainability challenges.