Latest news with #CleanEnergyStrategy2050
Time of India
a day ago
- Business
- Time of India
Dubai's switch to cubic meters for water bills: Why it matters more this summer
DEWA updates its billing units to cubic meters, aligning Dubai with global water measurement standards/Representative Image TL;DR: DEWA replaced gallons with cubic meters for water billing in March 2025. The change aligns with global standards and simplifies consumption tracking for residents. Summer months typically cause about 18% surge in water usage in the UAE, making this metric shift especially timely. No change in water tariffs, only the measurement unit is different. Dubai's ongoing efforts to improve sustainability and transparency took a notable step in March 2025, when the Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) transitioned its water billing units from gallons to cubic meters. While initially seen as a technical tweak, the change is proving particularly useful now, as residents face the UAE's hottest months when water consumption spikes. According to the Dubai Supreme Council of Energy's 2025 Mid-Year Review, water usage in the emirate typically increases during summer (June to September) due to higher demand for cooling, irrigation, and personal use. This makes the cubic meter-based billing system a timely tool for both locals and expats trying to better manage costs and consumption. Why Did DEWA Make the Switch? The switch to cubic meters was officially announced by DEWA in March 2025, aligning Dubai's utility billing with global norms where cubic meters are the standard metric unit for water measurement. The earlier system based on imperial gallons often confused residents unfamiliar with non-metric measurements. One cubic meter equals 1,000 liters, roughly 220 imperial gallons, providing a clearer and more relatable unit for residents who wish to monitor and adjust their consumption patterns. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Is it legal? How to get Internet without paying a subscription? Techno Mag Learn More Undo DEWA emphasized that the change aims to enhance transparency, simplify billing, and support sustainability goals set under Dubai's Clean Energy Strategy 2050. Has Pricing Changed? Despite the unit shift, DEWA has confirmed that tariff rates remain unchanged. Consumers are paying the same per cubic meter as they previously did per the equivalent gallon-based metric. This was clearly outlined in DEWA's official statement on the change. The update is administrative, aimed at measurement clarity rather than cost increase. The tiered pricing system based on slab consumption continues as before, with higher usage resulting in higher per-unit charges. Summer Water Consumption in Dubai Summer in the UAE sees a considerable uptick in resource consumption, particularly water. The Dubai Statistics Center's 2024 Annual Report noted that water consumption typically rises by 18-20% during summer months, driven by air conditioning cooling systems, gardening, and increased household use. This trend has already been observed in June and July 2025, where DEWA's smart meters have recorded above-average usage compared to earlier in the year, as per DEWA's internal consumption bulletins shared in June 2025. How Residents Can Track Their Usage To help residents stay informed, DEWA offers the Smart Living Program via its smart app, where users can: View daily, weekly, and monthly water usage. Receive alerts on unusual consumption spikes. Compare usage against similar households. Since the shift to cubic meters, these tools have become more intuitive for residents who were previously unfamiliar with gallon-based measurements. A Regional Comparison Dubai is not alone in adopting cubic meters. In the wider GCC region: Abu Dhabi's ADDC (Abu Dhabi Distribution Company) uses cubic meters for water billing. Saudi Arabia's National Water Company also uses cubic meters. Qatar's Kahramaa follows the metric system. Bahrain, however, continues to use gallons, though a news report from June 2025 indicates that a switch to cubic meters is under consideration for 2026 to standardize measurements across the region. Why Measurement Matters Switching to cubic meters is not merely a bureaucratic update, it helps residents make international comparisons, better understand their environmental footprint, and align with Dubai's 30% water use reduction target by 2030, part of the Dubai Clean Energy Strategy 2050. As sustainability and climate resilience become priorities, particularly in water-scarce regions like the Gulf, empowering residents with transparent metrics can help curb overconsumption. While DEWA's switch from gallons to cubic meters may have seemed like a quiet policy update back in March, its practical benefits are clearer today as Dubai faces peak summer demand. With clearer units and smart monitoring tools, residents are now better equipped to track and control water use, aligning personal utility savings with broader environmental goals.
Hi Dubai
04-06-2025
- Business
- Hi Dubai
Dubai Airports Launches Final Phase of Major Lighting Retrofit to Boost Sustainability
Dubai Airports has signed an agreement with Etihad Energy Services Company (Etihad ESCO) to launch the final phase of its airport-wide lighting retrofit project, marking a major step toward energy-efficient operations across Dubai International (DXB) and Dubai World Central (DWC). The initiative will see over 180,000 conventional lighting fixtures replaced with energy-saving alternatives, with Concourse A at DXB as the largest area covered. Combined with a previous phase that retrofitted 150,000 units, the project will upgrade more than 330,000 fixtures in total—making it one of the region's largest airport lighting retrofits. Once complete, the project is expected to reduce annual energy consumption by 47 million kilowatt-hours, enough to power over 4,300 homes for a year. It will also deliver more than AED 20 million in annual cost savings, while significantly lowering the airports' carbon footprint. Paul Griffiths, CEO of Dubai Airports, said the project demonstrates how operational changes can drive real sustainability outcomes. 'Every kilowatt-hour saved moves us closer to reducing our environmental impact,' he said. Dr Waleed Alnuaimi, CEO of Etihad ESCO, called the project a benchmark in public-sector energy efficiency, while DEWA MD & CEO HE Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer highlighted its alignment with Dubai's Clean Energy Strategy 2050 and Net-Zero Carbon Emissions Strategy 2050. Installation is set to begin later this year and conclude by the second half of 2027. The initiative underscores Dubai Airports' push to embed sustainability into core operations and support Dubai's broader green ambitions. News Source: Dubai Media Office
Time Business News
05-05-2025
- Business
- Time Business News
How ISO 14001 Drives Sustainability in UAE Businesses
The UAE is all about tall buildings and busy trade. But it's also trying to be kinder to the planet. Businesses here want to save the environment and still do well. One way they're doing that is with ISO 14001. It's a set of rules that helps companies go green. So what's it all about and why's it important for UAE businesses? Let's look at how it helps them care for the earth and grow stronger. ISO 14001 comes from a group called the International Organization for Standardization. It's like a handbook for businesses to treat the environment right. It helps them use less stuff and make less mess. The rules aren't about what you sell but about how you do your work. It gives you a plan to keep track of your green efforts. Whether you're putting up buildings in Dubai or making apps in Abu Dhabi it works for you. In the UAE where saving the planet is a big deal getting ISO 14001 Certification in UAE shows you're serious about helping out. The UAE wants to lead the world in going green. Plans like UAE Vision 2021 and Dubai's Clean Energy Strategy 2050 aim to cut down pollution and use clean power. Businesses have to step up to make that happen. But why's it such a big thing for them? People now pick businesses that try to save the earth. They want companies that do good. If you've got ISO 14001 it tells folks you're working to keep the planet healthy which makes them trust you. The UAE government is tough on environmental rules. They're making things stricter for building and hotels. ISO 14001 keeps you ready for those rules and shows you're on board with the country's dreams. The UAE is a place where the world does business. Partners from other countries want companies that care about the earth. ISO 14001 is known everywhere so it helps you work with those folks. ISO 14001 isn't just a paper to show off. It changes how you do things. Here's how it helps UAE companies help the planet. ISO 14001 makes you check how you use things like water or supplies. You figure out how to waste less. A factory in Sharjah might recycle stuff or use less wrapping. That helps the earth and keeps more money in your pocket. This plan pushes you to use less electricity. You might try solar power or lights that don't need much energy. A hotel in Dubai could do this and pay less for bills while being nicer to the planet. ISO 14001 keeps you trying to improve. You make goals and check how you're doing with reviews. That helps UAE businesses stay ready for new rules or what customers want. Helping the planet with ISO 14001 does more than just save trees. It gives businesses some great stuff too. In a busy market you gotta stand out. ISO 14001 shows you care about the earth which makes customers and workers like you. It makes your name look good. Places like construction and tourism have lots of competition. ISO 14001 gives you a boost especially when you want big jobs. Government and world clients like companies with this certification. Young people in the UAE want jobs with companies that do right. ISO 14001 shows you care about the planet which brings in smart workers and keeps them around. ISO 14001 has lots of good points but it's not easy. Here's what UAE businesses might find hard. Getting set up costs cash. You might need to pay experts or teach your team. Small businesses might think it's a lot but the money you save and new jobs you get make it worth it. You might have to fix how you handle trash or teach workers new ways. That's work but it makes your business better and greener. After you get the certification you gotta keep doing the right things with regular checks. It's a long promise but it makes you stronger. ISO 14001 helps all kinds of businesses in the UAE. Here are some that really shine. Big projects like Masdar City use a lot of stuff. ISO 14001 helps companies pick greener materials and waste less which matches UAE's green plans. Tourism is super big here. Hotels with ISO 14001 save water and power which people who love the planet like. It also helps UAE's goal for green tourism. Factories get pushed to make less mess. ISO 14001 helps them use less and follow rules which makes them stand out. Even oil businesses are trying to go green. ISO 14001 helps them handle waste and save energy mixing profit with caring for the earth. Want ISO 14001 for your UAE business? Here's an easy way to start. See Your Impact: Check how your business affects the planet like with power or trash. That shows you where to begin. Make Goals: Pick what you want like using less electricity or recycling more. Goals keep you focused. Get Help: Find people who know ISO 14001. They'll show you the way without making it hard. Teach Your Team: Show your workers why this matters and what to do. A good team makes it happen. Keep Getting Better: Use reviews to see how you're doing and find new ways to help the planet. That's what ISO 14001 is about. ISO 14001 is a great way for UAE businesses to help the earth and stay strong. It saves resources and makes people trust you. By following these rules companies help the UAE's green dreams and build a better future for themselves. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
Zawya
04-03-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Dubai solar park's 6th phase reaches 53% completion, 600MW operational
The sixth phase of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park, the world's largest single-site solar park, has reached 53 percent completion, with 600 megawatts (MW) out of its total 1,800MW capacity already operational, according to an update from Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA). The project is being developed by Shuaa Energy 4, a joint venture between DEWA (60 percent) and Masdar (40 percent), under the Independent Power Producer (IPP) model. The 5.5 billion UAE dirhams ($1.5 billion) IPP project spans 20 square kilometres and utilises bifacial solar photovoltaic (PV) technology with single-axis tracking to enhance energy output, DEWA said in a press statement. Once fully operational, this phase will supply clean energy to approximately 540,000 residences and cut 2.36 million tonnes of carbon emissions annually. The sixth phase achieved Levelised Cost of Energy (LCOE) of US$1.6215 cents per kilowatt hour (kWh), which is the lowest price for the solar park's phases. The financial close was achieved in February 2024. DEWA said in August 2023 that the project would be operationised in stages starting from the fourth quarter of 2024. Currently, the solar park's total production capacity stands at 3,460MW, with an additional 1,200MW under construction. By 2030, its total capacity will reach 7,260MW, contributing 34 percent of Dubai's total energy mix and advancing Dubai's Clean Energy Strategy 2050 and Net Zero Carbon Emissions Strategy 2050. (Writing by Deva Palanisamy; Editing by Anoop Menon) (
Zawya
03-03-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Dubai's energy demand rises 5.4% to 59,594 GWh in 2024
Dubai's energy demand increased by 5.4 percent in 2024, reaching 59,594 Gigawatt-hours (GWh), compared to 56,516 GWh in 2023, according to figures released by the Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA). The DFM-listed utility said its installed generation capacity has reached 17.179 GW, with clean energy sources accounting for 20 percent of the total capacity. This supports Dubai's Clean Energy Strategy 2050 and Net Zero Carbon Emissions Strategy 2050, which aim to achieve 100 percent clean energy production by 2050. Meanwhile, peak electricity demand in 2024 rose by 3.4 percent, reaching 10.76 GW. Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD & CEO of Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA), said the utility continues to increase the capacity of transmission and distribution networks as it develops world-class electricity and water infrastructure to keep pace with Dubai's population growth and steady expansion of economic activities. (Writing by Deva Palanisamy; Editing by Anoop Menon) (
