Climate change is one of the major challenges of our time, adding significant stress to societies and the environment. From changing weather patterns to rising sea levels, the effects of climate change are global, unprecedented in scale and require urgent action.
At DEWA, we recognise the importance of addressing these challenges proactively to protect the future of our communities and ecosystems. The urgent need to mitigate these effects is clear, as the cost of inaction grows exponentially with time. We are committed to taking impactful actions today to mitigate future risks for generations to come.
DEWA's Commitment & Governance Towards Climate Change
As a cornerstone of Dubai's energy and water infrastructure, we recognise our vital role in driving sustainable solutions to combat climate change. Our vision — "A globally leading sustainable innovative corporation committed to achieving Net-Zero by 2050" — is built on a foundation of accountability, resilience and forward-thinking strategies.
We have firmly pledged to achieve net zero by 2050, and this commitment is underpinned by clear strategies and action plans to decarbonise our operations across the value chain. DEWA continuously works to innovate and adopt best practices, ensuring that sustainability is at the heart of everything we do.
DEWA's top management plays a pivotal role in fostering a culture of accountability and transparency, ensuring the organisation remains at the forefront of regional and global climate action. To institutionalise climate action, DEWA's Climate Change & Sustainability Department drives corporate sustainability programmes, oversees climate-related initiatives and ensures compliance with national and international frameworks. DEWA's Climate Change & Sustainability governance framework reflects its leadership and accountability, with clear structures in place to address ESG topics and climate challenges and deliver on its commitments.
DEWA's Strategic Alignment
At DEWA, we recognise that we have an integral role in helping to achieve the objectives set by international, national and local climate change-related strategies and policies. We ensure our strategies and roadmaps are well aligned with climate agendas, agreements and strategies set at local, national and global levels.
Frameworks DEWA Aligns With
GlobalParis Agreement
GlobalUnited Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
FederalUAE Net Zero by 2050 Strategic Initiative
FederalUAE National Climate Change Plan 2017–2050
FederalUAE Energy Strategy 2050
EmirateDubai Net Zero Carbon Emissions Strategy 2050
EmirateDubai Demand Side Management Strategy 2050
EmirateDubai Carbon Abatement Strategy 2030
EmirateDubai Clean Energy Strategy 2050
These efforts highlight DEWA's pivotal role in achieving Dubai's sustainability ambitions and reinforcing its global leadership in climate action.
DEWA's Climate Change Actions
DEWA adopts a comprehensive and strategic approach to addressing climate change through targeted initiatives aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions, enhancing energy efficiency and fostering resilience. Our efforts are multifaceted, reflecting our commitment to climate change mitigation, adaptation and resilience in alignment with global, federal and emirate-level climate goals.
Global and Local Collaboration
DEWA has actively participated in the UAE Climate Change Task Force since 2012, contributing to pre-COP and COP negotiations, and leading technical discussions on the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) and Article 6 under the Paris Agreement.
Supporting Dubai's Climate Targets
DEWA supports the Dubai Carbon Abatement Strategy 2030, contributing to Dubai's target of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 30% by 2030 compared to business-as-usual levels.
Clean Energy Leadership
Aligned with Dubai's Clean Energy Strategy 2050, DEWA is investing heavily in renewable energy infrastructure, including the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park, to achieve 100% clean energy production by 2050.
Supply-Side Efficiency
DEWA drives resource efficiency through supply-side energy efficiency improvements and optimisation projects, ensuring operational excellence and reduced emissions.
Demand-Side Efficiency
Through the Dubai Demand Side Management Strategy, DEWA targets a 30% reduction in electricity and water consumption by 2030. This is being achieved through innovative demand-side programmes and active public awareness and engagement.
Technology and Innovation
Leveraging advanced technologies such as AI, IoT and smart grids, DEWA optimises energy use, reduces emissions and enhances operational efficiency.
Resilience and Adaptation
To ensure reliable service and efficient delivery under different weather conditions, DEWA implements measures to strengthen the resilience of infrastructure and operations, including a comprehensive climate change resilience plan, diversification of generation and desalination sites, and advanced asset management practices.
Monitoring and Reporting
DEWA's Carbon Dioxide (CO₂) Emission Reduction Programme is supported by a robust monitoring, reporting and verification (MRV) framework compliant with ISO 14064, ensuring transparency and accountability in emissions management.
DEWA's Market Mechanisms
DEWA participates in market-based mechanisms, including the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) and International Renewable Energy Certificates (I-RECs), to support its decarbonisation efforts.
Through these initiatives, DEWA demonstrates leadership in tackling climate change, delivering sustainable energy solutions and fostering a resilient, low-carbon future for Dubai and its residents. Our efforts span across key areas, including the CO₂ Emission Reduction Programme, the Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventory, and forward-looking strategies to address emerging climate challenges.
DEWA publishes annual sustainability reports detailing its performance, initiatives and practices that follow internationally recognised Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) standards.
DEWA's Circular Economy Strategy drives the shift from a linear "take → make → dispose" model to a regenerative approach that maximises resource efficiency, reduces waste and delivers long-term value.
International Renewable Energy Certificates (I-RECs)
DEWA offers International Renewable Energy Certificates (I-RECs) to help customers verify and claim their renewable electricity use in line with global clean energy tracking standards.