Dubai Electricity & Water Authority (DEWA) | DEWA Academy projects rank 1st & 2nd in 8th Learning Skills Development initiative

Students of Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) Academy came first and second in the 8th Learning Skills Development initiative, in the ‘From idea to innovation’ category for their innovative projects. The initiative is supported by HH Sheikha Rawda bint Ahmad bin Juma Al Maktoum, wife of HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai, Minister of Finance and President of DEWA. This recognises DEWA's efforts to support vocational and technical education in the UAE, and instils the concept of innovation among future generations, to implement the leadership’s vision in supporting a knowledge-based economy.

Hamdan bin Mohammed Smart University hosted the event, which was attended by HH Sheikh Saeed bin Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum, HE Omar bin Sultan Al Olama, Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Dr Eesa Bastaki, President of Dubai University and Chairman of Emirates Science Club, Dr Riad Al Muhaidib, Director of Zayed University, and several educators, academics and sponsors.

DEWA Academy’s students came first in the ‘From Idea to Innovation’ category for their ‘Smart Bridge Alarm System’, which includes an accurate sensor to monitor bridges. In case of any danger or defect in the invisible side of the bridge, the system issues warning signals on the other side of the bridge to alert drivers, to ease their speed immediately, and reduce the occurrence of similar accidents.

DEWA Academy’s students came second in the same category for their project ‘Super Power Workshop Trolley’. The project replaces hand-drawn carts used to transport materials and heavy equipment between workshops, with mechanical solar-powered trolleys. This saves time and effort to move among the Academy’s external workshops.

“DEWA seeks to achieve a major leap forward in vocational and technical education in the UAE, with the launch of DEWA Academy. This supports the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, that education ensures the continuity of development and provides a basis for achieving ambitions in all fields. It also supports the UAE Centennial 2071, which is a long-term government work roadmap, shaping the future UAE for the next generations, and the Dubai Plan 2021 to make Dubai home for happy, creative, empowered people,” said HE Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD & CEO of DEWA.

“This success that DEWA’s efforts to foster innovation among the Academy's students supports the National Innovation Strategy to make the UAE one of the most innovative countries in the world, and the Dubai Innovation Strategy to make Dubai the most innovative city in the world. DEWA adopts innovation in technical, professional and engineering disciplines, such as electrical and mechanical engineering, maintenance and operation of equipment, and renewable and sustainable energy. We also provide the necessary infrastructure, such as training rooms, lectures, workshops and computer labs, equipped with state-of-the-art technology and educational facilities, according to the best global practices and standards. We strive to enable students to make the most of the educational process, to ensure excellent learning outcomes at the Academy, and to make Emirati generations capable of dealing with all challenges in vocational and technical matters,” added Al Tayer.

“DEWA is committed to contributing effectively to building and development the country and its nationals. Through its Academy, it provides opportunities to Emirati youth to acquire the technical skills required to enter the labour market. The programme is accredited by the Knowledge and Human Development Authority in Dubai (KHDA), and is the equivalent of the Secondary School Leaving Certificate in the UAE, in addition to a certificate issued by Business and Technology Education Council (Pearson BTEC). The programme was established in 1984. Over 30 million students, from 70 countries, including the UAE, participate in this annual programme,” said Dr Yousef Al Akraf, Executive Vice President of Business Support and Human Resources at DEWA.

The list of participants in the 8th Learning Skills Development initiative included 64 students from 15 organisations; with 33 winners, and 10 were shortlisted in four categories: Electronic programming, Best application supporting Arabic language, Best teacher strategy, and From Idea to Innovation.