DEWA & HBMSU cooperate to enrich knowledge, stimulate innovation & scientific research and boost institutional development

Joint efforts to push sustainability through creation of graduate programs in Renewable Energy, Energy Efficiency and Environmental Sciences

The Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) and Hamdan Bin Mohammed Smart University (HBMSU) have recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to enhance cooperation in the field of knowledge dissemination, scientific research and training, and institutional, scientific and career growth to support their common aspirations to make positive contributions towards comprehensive development. The MoU was signed by H.E. Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD & CEO, DEWA, and Dr. Mansoor Al Awar, Chancellor, HBMSU, in the presence of officials from both sides.

The MoU aims to intensify joint efforts towards enhancing the creative skills of youths and motivating them to innovate in line with national efforts to achieve the goals of the Dubai Innovation Strategy which aims to make Dubai the world’s most innovative city. The two sides agreed on providing educational opportunities and eight (8) scholarships in the field of environmental management as well as creating a unique portfolio of quality graduate programs in the field of renewable energy, energy efficiency and environmental sciences which represents a great push towards the sustainability of the UAE. The signatories are set to initiate cooperation in the field of scientific research and applied studies and conduct combined training courses and programs in the field of quality management, human resource management, e-education, and other areas of mutual interest.

Under the terms of the agreement, the two sides will work to improve the performance and efficiency of DEWA’s human resources through a series of scientific and training programs provided by HBMSU which will be based on the methodology of learning through smart, innovative and flexible ways as opposed to traditional teaching concepts to keep pace with the rapid changes spurred by the digital era. The two sides will exchange information, studies and printed cognitive publications in line with their tireless efforts to enrich knowledge and strengthen practical skills especially in the electronic field. This will support the Dubai Government’s thrust towards becoming a model of a smart government that ensures the happiness of customers and the well-being of the community.

In order to take this strategic partnership to the highest level of excellence, both parties have signed a contract under which HBMSU will offer nine (9) training programs for the benefit of DEWA in Financial Management, Strategic Management, Innovation and Creativity in Business, Leadership, Change Management, and Effective Communication Skills, among others. In the first phase, 60 employees will have the chance to join a Professional Diploma in Business Innovation Management Program and a Strategic Management and Leadership Program. Both programs provide important opportunities for members to attain the highest skill levels, competencies and experiences that will enable them to make sound decisions, effectively meet challenges, and achieve excellence in the areas of innovation, leadership, creativity and strategic management – all of which are vital to continue the march to governmental excellence pursued by the UAE under the visionary policy of its wise leadership.

H.E. Al Tayer praised HBMSU for its pioneering role in disseminating smart education and its vital role in cultivating a culture of innovation and excellence in scientific research and providing the best experiences and practices to elite Arab and international universities. He emphasized the importance of cooperating with academic institutions at a high level of professionalism, excellence and leadership, particularly as it is the best option for smart education in the Arab world and is a major contributor in shaping the future of education locally and regionally.

“We are pleased to be working with HBMSU to provide quality training and further invest in creative human resources, as well as generate new creative ideas that further fuel our ambitious vision to position DEWA as a sustainable, innovative and world-class utility. We are confident that HBMSU’s advanced training techniques and flexible educational methods will help provide our employees with the tools needed to contribute to ongoing efforts to transform Dubai into the world’s smartest and fastest-developing city in line with the vision of H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. We look forward to further strengthening our cooperation and facilitate the transfer of knowledge and close coordination in the field of scientific research and applied studies, in addition to developing master’s degree programs in renewable energy, energy efficiency, and environmental science, all of which lie right at the heart of DEWA’s strategic priorities,” added H.E. Al Tayer.

Dr. Al Awar said: “We are delighted to lay a solid foundation for strengthening our existing partnership with DEWA and opening new channels of cooperation in the field of training, learning and innovation. The new MoU reflects the government sector’s trust in HBMSU’s role as a leader in driving innovation and creativity in smart learning and instilling a culture of quality in education and scientific research. We are committed to providing the best means to enrich and deepen knowledge as well as enhance creative skills and human resources in DEWA. We will also intensify our efforts to ensure that DEWA has the necessary tools to keep up with the requirements of the 21st century and strengthen its position as a leading utility in providing world-class water and electricity services.”

“The signing of the training contract comes in line with our commitment to ensure the optimal investment in human resources, disseminate modern knowledge, and instill a culture of innovation, in line with the directives of H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and President of the University, to further strengthen HBMSU’s contribution to efforts to make Dubai a hub for global innovation. The new training programs are of great importance as they provide a unique opportunity for DEWA’s employees to gain the best strategic skills in leadership, management, and effective communication, which in turn will positively impact government performance and the ability to achieve the happiness of customers and the well-being of society,” concluded Dr. Al Awar.

The MoU involves the organization of sessions, meetings and interactive workshops as well as strengthening joint efforts to conduct benchmarking studies and implement leading initiatives and development projects for promoting the pivotal role of both HBMSU and DEWA in promoting social development according to applicable frameworks and methodologies and the mutual goals of both parties.