DEWA Shortlists First Group Of Emiratis To Study Solar Energy

The Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA), and First Solar, Inc. (Nasdaq: FSLR), announced the selection of the first group of Emirati engineers, through a solar energy study, launched by Arizona State University (ASU). DEWA nominated 15 engineers to attend a two-day training programme focusing on the latest technological trends in renewable energy, in addition to participating in a 15-day programme at the ASU campus, aimed at enhancing their skills in the best technologies of solar energy.

DEWA will work with ASU to shortlist three engineers who will attend an intensive six-month academic programme, as part of DEWA’s knowledge-based initiative launched earlier this year, to serve as an important component of the utility provider’s plans to support Dubai’s Integrated Energy Strategy 2030 goal to generate electricity through diverse sources including solar energy, by 2030.

"In line with the vision of HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, DEWA is working to strengthen Emiratisation in the public sector, enabling Emiratis to handle specialised jobs in different fields. We are committed to attracting and recruiting qualified Emiratis, to further optimise the efficiency of the public sector. Through this programme, we aim to build the existing skills of Emiratis in the solar energy sector, further to Dubai’s Emiratisation goal, being a competitive initiative at national, regional and global levels," said HE Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD & CEO of DEWA.

HE Al Tayer added that the young workforce that participates in the many training programmes launched by DEWA, in cooperation with some of the world’s foremost academic institutions, is an integral part of DEWA’s strategy to empower human capital and develop their technical capabilities.

"DEWA has paved the path in developing programmes for Emirati students interested in pursuing their academic goals, whether in the UAE or outside, by placing immense emphasis on the need to strengthen their practical and theoretical, skills, enabling them to work alongside their international counterparts.

"These programmes aim towards reaching out to as many young Emiratis as possible, enabling them to meet the demand of the various technical fields in DEWA, while supporting Emiratisation, as outlined by the Government of Dubai."

Eight engineers participated in the earlier training programme, all of whom will join DEWA upon completion, embodying DEWA’s commitment to Emiratisation and to empowerment of its people. The engineers chosen were responsible for the development and management of solar energy initiatives in the Emirate of Dubai.

The new programme grew out of a joint educational venture between DEWA, ASU, and Connection to help professionals in the solar energy industry broaden their skills and to prepare others to enter the industry.

DEWA will host a ceremony commemorating the efforts of the graduates, where the top three will receive distinguished performance certificates, while the remaining participants will also be recognised for their efforts.

Emirate:  Dubai

Date: Feb 10, 2014

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