43 female employees from DEWA explore local heritage

The women’s panel at the civic body held an educational trip to Al Shindagha Museum

The Women’s Committee at Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) organised an educational trip to Al Shindagha Museum, one of Dubai’s prominent heritage and cultural landmarks, one of the largest open-air museums in the Middle East.

A total of 43 female employees from various DEWA divisions participated in the visit, which is part of the committee’s efforts to strengthen national identity and foster positive social interaction among female employees.

Fatima Mohammed Al Jokar, Chairperson of the DEWA Women’s Committee, highlighted the committee’s keenness to enrich its annual programme with social activities and cultural visits. These initiatives aim to foster a sense of camaraderie and harmony among DEWA’s female employees, while also broadening their cultural knowledge.

“Organising these social activities aligns with DEWA’s strategy to create a happy, positive and motivating work environment, as well as empower female employees and support them at all levels. These activities also promote cohesion among female employees, positively impacting their overall happiness. Our visit to Al Shindagha Museum provided an excellent opportunity for female employees from diverse nationalities to deepen their understanding of the UAE’s cultural heritage and explore the richness of local traditions,” added Al Jokar.

The visit began at the Perfume House, the first of its kind in the Middle East, inspired by the late Sheikha Sheikha Bint Saeed Bin Maktoum Al Maktoum’s passion for perfumes, her extensive knowledge of various blends, and her skill in creating them.

The female employees learned about the traditional heritage and historical roots of Emirati perfumes, as well as the methods of making them using oud oil blends, saffron oil, rose oil and other ingredients and accessories for which Emirati women were renowned.

The group then toured Dar Al Maktoum, the former headquarters of Dubai’s ruling family. This historic house played a fundamental role in Dubai’s development during the first half of the 20th century, as it was home to four generations of Rulers who led Dubai’s transformation into the global and modern city it is today.

The tour concluded with an innovative cinematographic presentation showcasing Dubai’s evolution from its past to modernity. They also viewed old maps and sketches highlighting the development of Dubai Creek, the city’s vital commercial artery.

DEWA’s female employees expressed their appreciation for the opportunity to visit this iconic cultural site that celebrates the UAE’s cultural heritage and is one of Dubai’s key cultural landmarks with its collectibles, exhibits and old photographs that document the history of Dubai and the UAE. They also commended the Women’s Committee for organising such activities, which enhance social interaction and strengthen connections among female colleagues across DEWA’s divisions and departments.

A report in December last year says Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) constantly empowers its female employees. This strengthens national efforts to engage all members of society in climate action and the energy transition. DEWA spares no effort to enhance the effective presence of female employees in the energy sector, especially in renewable and clean energy and sustainability.

This contributes to preserving the UAE’s leadership in supporting the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 2030, and achieving the goals of COP28, that the UAE hosted at Expo City Dubai. These goals seek to include everyone, especially women and youth, in combating the effects of climate change, finding innovative solutions, and developing and implementing climate plans and policies that are suitable for all.

A MODEL FOR UAE ENTITIES “We are committed to the wise leadership’s vision to expand the horizon of women’s contribution in creating a positive and sustainable impact and accelerating the green economy. This supports the Dubai Clean Energy Strategy 2050 and the Dubai Net Zero Carbon Emissions Strategy 2050 to provide 100% of the energy production capacity from clean energy sources by 2050.