launched by HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, to transform Dubai into the smartest city in the world. This is also part of DEWA’s strategy to use the latest technologies and solutions in information technology. DEWA commenced its transformation into smart services in 2009, led by a clear focus on keeping pace with the latest technology and developments in smart transformation.
“DEWA is the first organisation in the Middle East to apply the SAP system for risk management. We have achieved a 100% smart transformation within a year of the Smart Dubai initiative being launched. Our aim is to support the leadership’s vision to transform Dubai into the smartest city in the world, and achieve the happiness of society by providing smart and real-time services anywhere, on a 24-7 basis. This also contributes to the goals of the UAE Vision 2021, which aims to place the UAE among the best countries in the world by 2021, and Dubai Plan 2021 which aims to make Dubai a smart, integrated, connected city that is sustainable with its resources,” said HE Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD & CEO of DEWA.
“The new SAP system enables further integration, providing specification flexibility, and integrated reporting and monitoring of the operational business risks. It also provides the best information system that supports decision-making through hazard identification, analysis, evaluation and processing. Corporate governance is part of SAP global resource planning, which measures, integrates and automates all processes within DEWA, to help provide better services to its customers, employees and partners,” added Al Tayer.
“DEWA adopts global best practices that are ISO31000-certified and the most integrated management systems in enterprise risk management, which is closely linked with the planning and strategic direction of DEWA. We enhance risk monitoring and compliance in line with our vision to become a sustainable innovative world-class utility. This shift will benefit DEWA as a whole, helping to integrate risk management and in adhering to our strategy, planning and practical implementation while strengthening internal controls,” said Al Tayer.
“Risk management development activities relate closely to our strategic planning, which reduces risks to ensure continuity and success in achieving our strategic goals and long-term operational plans. This takes into account precautionary and preventative measures to avoid risks before they become obstacles that affect the achievement of short-term and long-term organisational goals,” concluded Al Tayer.
DEWA won the Commitment to Learning and Development Award 2015, from Global Risk Awards 2015, administered by the Institute of Risk Management in the UK, in recognition of the achievements of DEWA in the application of the management mechanisms and best practices in risk identification and adoption. DEWA is the first organisation in the Middle East and Africa to receive this award.
DEWA has developed its processes and functions through several programmes, most notably SAP. Its first phase was launched in October 2009, with services such as invoicing, and customer relationship management. The second phase was launched in 2012 and applied to four major projects including: Barq to deal with new connections and handle complaints, Mawad for procurement and stores Darahim for finance and accounts, and Kawader for human resources functions.
