DEWA holds video conference before SDME competition

/ News & Interviews / Wednesday, 01 July 2020 10:33

Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) held an online gathering via video conference to all the participating universities for the second Solar Decathlon Middle East (SDME).

This is to make sure they are ready to participate in the largest competition for international universities, and listen to their requirements and challenges; providing all the necessities to organize a successful competition.

DEWA is organizing the competition under the patronage of HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of Dubai Executive Council. This is part of an agreement between DEWA and the Dubai Supreme Council of Energy with the US Department of Energy.

100 of DEWA’s employees and representatives of Expo 2020 Dubai, and delegates from United Arab Emirates University; Khalifa University; University of Dubai; University of Sharjah; Ajman University; Al Ghurair University; Amity University; Manipal Academy of Higher Education; the American University of Ras Al Khaimah; the British University in Dubai; Higher Colleges of Technology; University of Bahrain, from Bahrain; Effat University from Saudi Arabia; Heriot-Watt University from the UK; South China University of Technology; University of Ontario Institute of Technology in Canada; and Moulay Ismail University from Morocco; and Roma Tre University from Italy attended the gathering.

HE Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD & CEO of DEWA, highlighted DEWA’s commitment to turn challenges into opportunities and provide an incubator for innovation to organize the best SDME, which is the largest, most competitive and challenging competition among international universities. This enhances the first SDME’s success in November 2018 and consolidates Dubai’s position as a global capital for green economy.

“DEWA’s vision is inspired by the words of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, who said ‘Every challenge is an opportunity for learning, a chance to test our capabilities and knowledge.’ The youth are the driving force to build a brighter future.

We aim to involve them in the sustainable development process, encourage them to innovate, and give them the opportunity to unleash their creativity by developing innovative solutions that support global efforts to address the impact of climate change.

This involves designing, building, and operating smart and sustainable solar-powered homes that are cost- and energy-efficient, while focusing on environmental conservation and the region’s climate. In line with our vision to become a globally leading sustainable innovative corporation, we pledge to provide all requirements to make the second SDME an opportunity for connecting thoughts, exchanging ideas, and developing knowledge.

This highlights that the UAE has become a platform for creativity and a destination for innovators from around the world,” said Al Tayer.

“DEWA builds on the first SDME’s major success, which DEWA organized for the first time in the Middle East and Africa. It attracted over 600 students and academics from 54 nationalities; 15 teams from 28 universities in 11 countries around the world took part in the competition.

DEWA allocated 60,000 square meters at the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park to host this event because it is the largest single-site solar park in the world. DEWA is increasing its efforts to support all the participating teams to explore more advanced models in the 2nd SDME.

The competition will be held in conjunction with Expo 2020 Dubai, whose main theme ‘Connecting Minds, Creating the Future,’ and sub themes of Opportunity, Mobility, and Sustainability fit well with this leading global competition,” said Waleed Salman, Executive Vice President of Business Support and Excellence at DEWA.

Participating teams compete in 10 contests: architecture: engineering and building; energy management; energy efficiency; comfort conditions; house functioning; sustainable transport; sustainability; communications, and innovation.

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