DEWA enhances stakeholder engagement in defining sustainability priorities

Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) applies an integrated organisational approach to engage stakeholders in setting sustainability priorities, thereby enhancing transparency and governance while directing initiatives and resources towards areas with the greatest economic, environmental and social impact.

As part of preparations for its 2025 Sustainability Report, DEWA organised three virtual workshops with diverse stakeholder groups to review and evaluate 32 potential material topics covering the circular economy, climate change, innovation, customer happiness and cyber security. This ensured that DEWA’s priorities are aligned with stakeholder expectations, as well as national and international trends and priorities. The materiality matrix serves as a key foundation for preparing sustainability reports in line with Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) Standards.

“We have an integrated stakeholder engagement ecosystem that supports the alignment of our strategic priorities with stakeholder expectations and emerging trends in DEWA’s areas of work. The materiality assessment reflects our commitment to transparency and accountability, while transforming environmental challenges into opportunities for innovation, sustainable growth and an enhanced quality of life. This supports Dubai’s leading position and reinforces DEWA’s status as a global model for sustainable and innovative utilities. The materiality assessment results serve as a key reference for developing strategies, initiatives and performance indicators, as well as directing resources towards areas that deliver the greatest value to stakeholders and generate sustainable economic, social and environmental impact. Moreover, this approach enhances the quality of sustainability reporting and strengthens the establishment of a more effective governance system that keeps pace with stakeholder expectations, exceeds them and supports Dubai’s journey towards a more sustainable and prosperous future,” said HE Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD & CEO of DEWA.

The stakeholder engagement process involved a wide range of internal and external groups, including top management, employees, government entities, investors, suppliers, customers, partners and the wider community. This approach provides a clear understanding of the most significant and impactful issues and enhances responsiveness to stakeholder expectations over the medium and long term.

The results of the 2025 materiality assessment highlighted a strong focus on environmental issues related to climate change, emissions, energy, water, the circular economy and waste management. This reflects DEWA’s role in supporting the transition to a low-carbon economy while enhancing resource efficiency and strengthening infrastructure resilience.