DEWA receives six prestigious awards from the British Safety Council

Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) has earned six distinguished awards from the British Safety Council in 2024, reaffirming its global leadership and excellence in well-being, health and safety. DEWA was awarded the Shield of Honour award in Well-being, making it one of only two organisations globally to receive the accolade in 2024, and the only organisation outside the UK. Additionally, DEWA received the Sword of Honour award for Health and Safety for the 17th time and the Globe of Honour award for Environmental Management for the 13th time. DEWA also achieved the top honour in the ‘Best in Power and Utilities’ category for all three awards: the Sword of Honour, Globe of Honour and Shield of Honour. DEWA is the first organisation in the Middle East to be awarded all three Honour accolades.

HE Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD & CEO of DEWA, received the awards from the British Safety Council delegation, which included Roni Kotecha, Chief Commercial Officer, and Stephen Loynton, Strategic Account Manager – International, at the British Safety Council. Dr Yousef Al Akraf, Executive Vice President of Business Support and Human Resources; Zaal bin Zaal, Vice President of Supply Chain Management and Quality, Health, Safety & Environment; and DEWA’s Health and Safety team were present.

“We are guided by the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, and the directives of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence of the UAE, and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai,  to create a positive, motivating work environment that ensures employee happiness and, in turn, the happiness of all stakeholders. We have implemented a well-being management strategy in compliance with ISO 45003:2021, the international standard for managing psychosocial risks. We prioritise workplace safety, equipping our employees with cutting-edge technology and tools to perform their tasks to the highest global standards. These efforts support the National Strategy for Wellbeing 2031, the Dubai Social Agenda 33 and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 3 on Good Health and Well-being,” said Al Tayer.

“Receiving these awards from the British Safety Council demonstrates our unwavering commitment to the health, safety and wellbeing of our employees and society in general. We provide an environment where employees feel valued, recognised and empowered to balance their work and personal lives while advancing professionally. Our employees are the cornerstone of our success, establishing DEWA as a global benchmark for operational efficiency and excellence,” added Al Tayer.

Kotecha said: “On behalf of the British Safety Council, I would like to specially commend DEWA for achieving the highest standards of health, safety, well-being and environmental management. This is an outstanding accomplishment, as DEWA has become the first organisation outside of the UK to achieve the Shield of Honour and the first organisation in the Middle East to be awarded all three Honour awards. The leadership team has played a significant role in driving best practice across all areas, and we are proud to support them in their achievements and delighted we can contribute to their ongoing success.”

Al Akraf said: “DEWA places the highest priority on protecting life and property, and maintaining a healthy and safe working environment in line with the highest international standards. DEWA’s top management adopts an open-door policy, fostering direct communication with employees to gather insights and feedback. Every employee is treated with respect and fairness in a supportive work environment. DEWA’s comprehensive health and well-being programme encompasses mental health support, fitness initiatives and resources to promote work-life balance. Additionally, we offer extensive training and development opportunities, nurturing employee loyalty, happiness and continuous growth.”

The British Safety Council introduced the Shield of Honour award in 2023. Organisations must undergo a rigorous audit conducted by an independent panel to qualify. The award recognises organisations that exemplify a robust culture of employee well-being and demonstrate exceptional standards across all levels.