In a significant move to bolster the digital competencies of its young workforce, the Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) recently organized an interactive workshop in collaboration with Microsoft. This initiative, held in observance of World Youth Skills Day 2025, aimed to enhance the proficiency of DEWA's young employees in utilizing Microsoft 365 Copilot, a cutting-edge generative AI tool.
The workshop, themed 'Youth Empowerment through AI and Digital Skills,' provided 30 DEWA employees with hands-on experience in crafting effective prompts for Microsoft 365 Copilot. Participants delved into the tool's advanced capabilities, including intelligent summarization, automatic content creation, and modification. This training is part of DEWA's broader strategy to integrate generative AI across its operations, a journey that began with the adoption of Microsoft Copilot in January 2024, making DEWA one of the first utilities worldwide to implement this technology. (dewa.gov.ae)
Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD & CEO of DEWA, emphasized the organization's commitment to aligning with the UAE's National Youth Agenda 2031. He stated, "We are committed to building a generation capable of shaping the future... empowering them to move from being mere users of advanced technology to becoming active partners by investing in it and developing innovative solutions that enhance government work."
Aysha Mohammad Alremeithi, President of DEWA’s Youth Council, highlighted the importance of such collaborations, noting that they aim to "develop youth technological skills and provide them with the tools to keep pace with the latest technologies and adapt to rapidly evolving global trends."
DEWA's proactive approach to AI integration is evident in its comprehensive roadmap to embed Microsoft Copilot across all its operations. This strategic framework is designed to enhance operational efficiency, improve customer experience, and solidify DEWA's position as a leader in government technological innovation. (dewa.gov.ae)
The organization's collaboration with Microsoft extends beyond workshops. In April 2025, DEWA and Microsoft co-organized an event focusing on utilizing advanced AI capabilities to enhance productivity and stimulate creativity within the work environment. This event included panel discussions and workshops on generative AI solutions aimed at streamlining daily tasks and strengthening team collaboration. (dewa.gov.ae)
DEWA's commitment to AI is further demonstrated by its early adoption of Microsoft 365 Copilot and Microsoft Security Copilot, making it the first government entity in the UAE to embrace these advanced technologies. This move aligns with DEWA's vision to become a globally leading sustainable innovative corporation committed to achieving Net-Zero by 2050. (dewa.gov.ae)
The integration of AI tools like Microsoft 365 Copilot has shown promising results in various sectors. A study analyzing a large-scale randomized experiment involving over 6,000 workers across 56 firms found substantial time savings on common tasks. Workers using the technology spent half an hour less reading emails each week and completed documents 12% faster. Despite the novelty of the technology, nearly 40% of workers given access to the tool used it regularly throughout the six-month study. (arxiv.org)
However, the adoption of AI tools is not without challenges. A qualitative study of user perception of M365 AI Copilot revealed mixed experiences. While some users found the tool beneficial for tasks like email coaching and meeting summaries, others reported unmet expectations in areas requiring deeper contextual understanding and integration with existing workflows. Ethical concerns, including data privacy and AI bias, were also highlighted. (arxiv.org)
DEWA's initiative to equip its youth with AI skills is a commendable step towards fostering a generation capable of leveraging advanced technologies to drive innovation and efficiency. By providing hands-on training and fostering collaborations with tech giants like Microsoft, DEWA is not only enhancing the skill set of its employees but also contributing to the broader goal of digital transformation within the UAE.
As AI continues to reshape industries, initiatives like DEWA's serve as a model for other organizations aiming to empower their workforce with the necessary skills to navigate and thrive in an increasingly digital world.
Source: Gulf Today https://www.gulftoday.ae/news/2025/07/15/dewa-promotes-youths-skills-in-ai-innovations/