Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) will launch the world’s first AI virtual engineer in June 2026 to monitor its power network. This AI system will predict failures, analyze issues, and optimize operations 24/7 for better reliability.
The virtual engineer acts like a human expert, using machine learning to scan operational data continuously. It provides predictive alerts, root cause analysis, efficiency calculations, plant optimization tips, and real-time simulations.
DEWA’s power supply already boasts high reliability, but this tool will handle peak summer demand better while cutting costs. Globally, AI in utilities is set to automate 40% of control rooms by 2027. DEWA started AI adoption in 2017 with Rammas, its virtual employee handling over 12 million customer queries. Last year, it launched the world’s first AI gas turbine controller at Jebel Ali Power Complex using digital twins.
The authority runs the largest green data center powered by solar at Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park. AI also boosts grid resilience, smart meters, and water loss reduction across networks. Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, DEWA MD & CEO, announced this at World Governments Summit 2026, stressing AI’s role in sustainable energy. The global AI market is projected to hit $4.8 trillion by 2033.
FAQs [Frequently Asked Questions]
1. When will Dubai’s AI virtual engineer launch?
June 2026, deployed by DEWA to monitor power networks, predict failures, and optimize efficiency 24/7.
2. What does the AI virtual engineer do?
Predicts issues, analyzes root causes, suggests optimizations, and runs simulations for reliable power supply.
3. What are DEWA’s past AI achievements?
Rammas handled 12M queries since 2017; first AI gas turbine controller launched at Jebel Ali last year.
4. Why is this significant for Dubai?
Enhances grid reliability, cuts costs, supports sustainability; AI market to reach $4.8T by 2033.