Dubai Women Establishment (DWE) has announced Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) as the Strategic Sustainability Partner of Global Women’s Forum Dubai 2020 (GWFD 2020), which will be held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates, and Ruler of Dubai. The Forum will take place in Madinat Jumeirah on 16 -17 February 2020, under the theme “The Power of Influence”.

This partnership is a part of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed by both parties and is an extension of DEWA’s continuous support for Global Women’s Forum Dubai since its inaugural edition in 2016.

His Excellency Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, Managing Director and CEO of Dubai Electricity and Water Authority, expressed his happiness at the partnership between DEWA and DWE and stated: “DEWA plays a key role in enhancing the role of women and boosting their capabilities, in accordance with the directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum to ensure women’s active inclusion across all fields and sectors. We are therefore committed to harnessing their technological skillsets and scientific knowledge to excel in the field of sustainability.”

H.E. also praised the unwavering commitment of Her Highness Sheikha Manal bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, President of the UAE Gender Balance Council, President of Dubai Women Establishment, and wife of His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs, to further establish women as integral contributors to the growth and sustainable development of the UAE.  He also commended H.H. Sheikha Manal’s efforts to advance the overall socio-economic participation of women through a variety of pioneering and unique programmes, initiatives, and events, such as the highly anticipated GWFD 2020.

H.E. stated that GWFD’s goals align with DEWA’s efforts to enhance women’s participation in vital sectors, with a particular emphasis on the energy field, as well as areas of innovation and creativity.

Her Excellency Mona Al Marri, Chairperson of the DWE Board of Directors, praised the continued partnership with DEWA, highlighting the entity’s key role in cementing the position of Dubai and the UAE in the field of sustainable energy. H.E. stated that DEWA’s support for GWFD 2020 is a testament to its dedication to actively increase women’s contribution in this field and the economy at large.

H.E. added: “The partnership between the Establishment and DEWA is a manifestation of the vital cooperation and knowledge exchange among government organisations, leading to new heights of innovation. This is in line with the directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and the Dubai Plan 2021, which emphasise the importance of the systematic development of different sectors to further establish Dubai as a smart and sustainable city.”

H.E. also highlighted DEWA’s role in elevating the national economy and increasing women’s representation in fields of energy by implementing initiatives that encourage Emirati women’s effective contribution to the comprehensive development in the UAE. She also praised DEWA’s efforts to increase public awareness of renewable energy, and the importance of striking a balance between environmental consciousness and developmental goals, ensuring that future generations live in a clean and healthy environment.

She added: “DEWA’s collaboration as Strategic Sustainability Partner reinforces the Forum as an exemplary platform that mobilises joint efforts to advance women’s positive impact for a better future. The Forum presents an ideal opportunity to show the UAE and Dubai’s efforts in consolidating sustainable energy and its local and global impact.”

At Global Women’s Forum Dubai 2016, DEWA hosted the “Sustainable Hub” in GWFD’s Discovery area. DEWA showcased several innovative and creative ideas in sustainable energy and discussed topics related to women’s role in energy and relevant best international practices.