AI Engineer to Reboot Dubai's Energy Management

AI Engineer to Reboot Dubai's Energy Management

Artificial intelligence is not only transforming industries but also opening up new possibilities in public services. A living example of this is the Dubai Electricity and Water Authority's (DEWA) latest announcement: from June 2026, the first AI-based "virtual engineer" will be operational, overseeing and optimizing production units completely autonomously. The initiative aims not only to reduce operating costs but also to enhance system reliability and ensure sustainable operations.

What will the AI engineer be capable of?

The AI-based engineering system will intervene at multiple levels in DEWA's energy processes. It will not only collect and analyze data but will also be able to predict faults, diagnose causes, and provide solutions to improve efficiency. The system will work particularly in production units (e.g., gas turbines, solar farms, power plants), using machine learning models to forecast maintenance needs, maximize uptime, and reduce costs.

This new engineer is essentially like an experienced expert capable of interpreting billions of data points, making real-time decisions, all without any human oversight.

DEWA’s strategy: the world's first 100% AI-driven utility provider

The announcement is not an isolated initiative but part of a comprehensive strategy aiming for DEWA to become the world's first fully AI-driven utility service provider. The strategy extends not only to production but also to the transmission and distribution of energy, permeating the entire infrastructure.

Existing systems, like the "Rammas" AI customer service agent, which has responded to more than 12 million inquiries so far, clearly demonstrate that artificial intelligence is not in an experimental phase but is already an active element in daily operations.

The Role of Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park

The world's largest single-site solar park, operating in the Dubai desert, already functions with AI-driven systems. Here, artificial intelligence not only oversees solar energy production but also optimizes panel efficiency, forecasts production volumes, and coordinates the charging and discharging cycles of energy storage systems.

This advanced technological background enables Dubai to integrate solar energy more efficiently into the electricity grid, which is crucial for achieving the climate neutrality targets set for 2050.

Digital revolution in the background: Digital DEWA

DEWA's digital subsidiary, Digital DEWA, plays a key role in innovation. Their projects include the world's largest green data center, which operates on renewable energy and is built on sustainable technologies. The center not only conducts energy-intensive digital processing but also serves as a model for sustainable data processing.

This platform will also serve as the backend system for the operation of the AI-based engineer, as this level of machine learning and data modeling requires massive computational capacity.

International recognition: UAE at the global AI-top

According to recent research by Microsoft and Oxford Insights, the United Arab Emirates ranks first in the world in AI application. The UAE is also at the forefront in the Government AI Readiness Index, indicating that digital technologies are not mere marketing tools but genuine strategic resources in the nation.

This international recognition affirms the vision that Dubai aims to be not only a regional but also a global hub for artificial intelligence and sustainable energy.

Beyond technology: climate neutrality targets by 2050

One of the key motivations for the DEWA AI introduction is sustainability. The company's goal is for the Emirates to achieve full climate neutrality by 2050. One cornerstone of this is the shift to 100% clean energy sources, achievable only if the energy network is intelligent, predictive, and adaptable to the rapidly changing production and consumption demands.

Thus, artificial intelligence not only brings efficiency and cost savings but also serves as a tool for environmental protection and global responsibility.

Summary

Dubai is not just dreaming of the future but is realizing it. The introduction of an AI engineer into DEWA's system is a clear signal that we have entered a new era in the energy industry. The city is not afraid of technological innovations; indeed, it actively shapes them. This not only reduces costs but makes energy supply more reliable and sustainable — all while the world watches and learns from it. With this, Dubai has taken another step towards becoming the innovation capital of the 21st century.