50 DEWA employees begin Masters course from UC Berkeley

Gulf Today, Staff Reporter

Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD&CEO of Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA), inaugurated the third batch of the Masters Programme in Future Energy Systems & Technology, which DEWA implements in collaboration with the University of California, Berkeley (UC Berkeley).

This was attended by UC Berkeley College of Engineering Dean Tsu Jae King Liu; programme director Professor Tarek Zohdi; Professor Khalid Mosallam from UC Berkeley and DEWA officials. The third batch has 50 DEWA employees, while 95 employees have already benefited from the first two batches.

In his speech at the virtual launch, Al Tayer congratulated DEWA staff for joining the 3rd batch and expressed his pleasure at the programme’s progress. He also commended UC Berkeley and its professors for working with DEWA to build a prosperous future for engineers at DEWA and in UAE. "This programme is part of our efforts to achieve the vision and directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, to make Dubai a global and futuristic city.

We strive to develop the next generation of leaders and young innovators in clean and renewable energy technologies. We have a clear strategy and roadmap to turn Dubai into a hub for excellence and innovation in new and essential technologies to meet the Dubai Clean Energy Strategy 2050 and the Dubai Net Zero Emissions Strategy 2050, to provide 100% of energy from clean energy sources by 2050,” said Al Tayer.

Al Tayer said that DEWA designed the programme, in collaboration with UC Berkeley, for Emirati employees to obtain a unique and futuristic Masters programme that supports its ongoing efforts to consolidate the position of the UAE and Dubai as a leading hub for shaping the future.

Participants learn cutting edge subjects, such as Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Renewable Generation Systems, and Cybersecurity, among others, at the hands of the best and brightest in-class faculty from UC Berkeley. "I am proud of you all and urge you to abide by the highest scientific and professional standards to be the best ambassadors for your country and for DEWA, and to always have the spirit of initiative, perseverance and positivity to turn challenges into opportunities.

We trust that you will benefit from this programme as we need technically competent and future leaders who can drive current and future initiatives for DEWA and Dubai,” said Al Tayer while addressing DEWA staff. Dr Yousef Al Akraf, Executive Vice President of Business Support and Human Resources at DEWA, explained that the study programmes cover future energy disciplines that blend research and practice.

These include Advanced Power Systems Analysis, Power Electronics, System Controls and Protection, Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning, Cybersecurity, Renewable Generation Systems and Integration, Integrated Resource Planning, Grid Automation, and Water Desalination and Distribution Technology.

DEWA launched the Masters in Future Energy Systems & Technology in cooperation with UC Berkeley in 2019. This supports the national strategy to empower young Emiratis and prepare them to assume leadership positions in various areas.