Al Tayer and Majid Al Futtaim Chairman Strengthen Renewable Energy and Sustainability Collaboration
His Excellency Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA), met with Fadel Al Ali, Chairman of Majid Al Futtaim (MAF) Group, to explore new avenues of cooperation in renewable energy, sustainability, and smart infrastructure development. The meeting underscored the shared vision of both organizations to advance the UAE’s ambitious sustainable development goals and to contribute actively to the nation’s clean energy transition.
The discussion focused on aligning DEWA’s clean energy capabilities with Majid Al Futtaim’s expansive portfolio of projects and properties, including retail, real estate, leisure, and hospitality. Both leaders emphasized the potential for integrating renewable power generation, artificial intelligence (AI), and data analytics to drive greater operational efficiency and reduce environmental impact across MAF’s operations.
Al Tayer outlined DEWA’s leading role in implementing the UAE’s long-term energy and climate strategies. He highlighted how the Authority’s innovative programs have accelerated Dubai’s progress toward becoming a global hub for clean energy and sustainability. These initiatives include expanding renewable energy capacity, deploying advanced smart grid technologies, and digitizing water and electricity management systems to optimize resource consumption and reduce waste.
DEWA’s work is guided by the Dubai Clean Energy Strategy 2050 and the Dubai Net Zero Carbon Emissions Strategy 2050, both of which aim to generate 100% of the emirate’s power from clean sources by mid-century. Central to these efforts is the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park, the world’s largest single-site solar park built under the Independent Power Producer (IPP) model. When completed by 2030, the solar park is expected to exceed 8,000 megawatts (MW) of capacity, substantially contributing to the UAE’s goal of achieving carbon neutrality.
“DEWA is deeply committed to realizing the vision of our wise leadership to make the UAE a global leader in sustainability,” said Al Tayer. “Our meeting with Majid Al Futtaim Group marks a key step in reinforcing cooperation between the public and private sectors. By leveraging DEWA’s advanced infrastructure, world-class renewable projects, and digital capabilities, we can jointly support national efforts to achieve sustainable growth and climate goals.”
He added that partnerships like this exemplify Dubai’s model for sustainable economic development, where innovation and collaboration form the backbone of progress. “Through strategic alliances with forward-thinking organizations such as Majid Al Futtaim, we can build a resilient, low-carbon future and strengthen the UAE’s position as a global benchmark for the green economy,” he said.
Fadel Al Ali, Chairman of Majid Al Futtaim Group, echoed Al Tayer’s remarks and reaffirmed the company’s steadfast commitment to sustainability as a guiding principle across all business sectors. “Sustainability is not just a commitment for us—it is embedded in our purpose and business model,” Al Ali said. “Our collaboration with DEWA represents a powerful alignment of values and vision. By integrating DEWA’s pioneering clean energy solutions and smart technologies into our portfolio, we can contribute meaningfully to the UAE’s net-zero ambitions and accelerate the transition toward a more energy-efficient economy.”
He noted that Majid Al Futtaim’s operations—spanning shopping malls, hotels, residential developments, and entertainment destinations—provide ample opportunities to implement innovative renewable energy systems such as solar rooftops, smart meters, and energy-efficient cooling solutions. These efforts, Al Ali explained, are already yielding measurable benefits in terms of carbon reduction and operational savings.
The meeting also explored collaborative opportunities in smart infrastructure, particularly through digital innovation, artificial intelligence, and real-time data monitoring to improve energy and water efficiency. DEWA’s Digital DEWA initiative, the digital arm of its operations, was highlighted as a potential enabler of smarter, interconnected, and more sustainable utilities within Majid Al Futtaim’s assets.
Both parties emphasized the importance of aligning private sector initiatives with the UAE’s Year of Sustainability theme and the outcomes of COP28, hosted in Dubai in 2023. These global commitments have strengthened the country’s position as a pioneer in climate action and sustainable urban development.
DEWA’s achievements—such as record-low solar energy costs, advanced desalination technologies powered by clean energy, and innovative energy storage projects—are seen as foundational to the country’s broader decarbonization journey. Similarly, Majid Al Futtaim’s long-term sustainability roadmap, which includes its Net Positive Strategy, aims to have a positive impact on the environment by reducing more carbon and water than the company consumes by 2040.
Al Tayer and Al Ali agreed that sustained collaboration between government entities and private enterprises is essential for achieving national sustainability goals. They discussed the potential for joint research, pilot projects, and investments in clean energy technologies that could further improve the UAE’s energy efficiency and resilience.
The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to continue exploring partnerships that accelerate the implementation of renewable energy solutions across Dubai and the wider UAE. Both leaders expressed optimism that the combined efforts of DEWA and Majid Al Futtaim will help create a sustainable model for urban development that balances economic growth with environmental stewardship.
“Through cooperation, innovation, and a clear vision for the future, we can ensure that Dubai remains at the forefront of global sustainability,” said Al Tayer. “Together, we will continue to pave the way for a cleaner, smarter, and more prosperous future for generations to come.”
Al Ali added, “Our collaboration with DEWA is a testament to how business and government can work hand in hand to create long-term value—not only for the economy but for society and the planet. This partnership will enable us to demonstrate that sustainability is good business and an essential driver of innovation and progress.”
