Latest news with #ElectricityandWaterAuthority
Daily Tribune
a day ago
- Daily Tribune
Expat Employed for 13 Years at EWA with Fake Engineering Degree.
A 45-year-old Asian man managed to secure a government job and rise through the ranks at Bahrain's Electricity and Water Authority using a fake university degree from a non-existent American institution, it has been revealed. The man was employed for 13 years—from 2010 to 2023—as an electrical engineer at the authority. His starting salary of BD 1,300 eventually increased to BD 2,208 following a promotion to head of the electrical switches group in 2022. The deception came to light after the Ministry of Education received a request to verify the man's academic credentials. Upon investigation, it was found that the so-called university that issued his electrical engineering degree did not appear in the U.S. list of accredited universities for 2023—and, in fact, does not exist at all. According to court records, the man knowingly used the forged degree to apply for the engineering position and later had the certificate stamped 'certified true copy' by an unsuspecting government employee. This stamp gave the document official status, which allowed it to be accepted for hiring and contract renewal purposes over the years. The case has now reached the First High Criminal Court, which has scheduled August 26 to issue a verdict. An official at the Electricity and Water Authority explained during the investigation that the degree was accepted in good faith, as it appeared legitimate and carried the official stamp. The contract was renewed multiple times without suspicion. Meanwhile, a senior education specialist at the Ministry of Education confirmed that the fake degree came under review after a formal request for verification was submitted. The Ministry then contacted the cultural attaché in Washington through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Their response confirmed the alarming truth: the institution in question simply doesn't exist. The Public Prosecution has charged the man with using a forged document, falsifying academic records, and deceiving a public institution for personal gain. This case has raised fresh concerns about vetting procedures for academic qualifications in government jobs and could prompt a review of hiring practices in sensitive sectors like utilities.
Daily Tribune
09-07-2025
- Business
- Daily Tribune
Seef Properties in deal with EWA to join KAFA'A programme
Seef Properties signed an agreement with the Electricity and Water Authority (EWA) to participate in the national KAFA'A Programme, which aims to improve energy efficiency in high-consumption facilities. Under the agreement, Seef Mall – Seef District and Seef Mall – Muharraq will join the initiative, implementing a range of technical and operational measures to reduce electricity consumption and enhance energy efficiency in line with national standards. Part of Bahrain's broader strategy to promote energy sustainability and reduce carbon emissions, the KAFA'A Program is in line with regional efforts across the GCC to achieve clean and sustainable energy goals. It is considered one of the Kingdom's key national projects supporting its commitment to reaching carbon neutrality by 2060, contributing to the region's drive to address climate change and diversify energy sources. Seef Properties Chief Executive Officer, Ahmed Yusuf said: 'Our participation in the KAFA'A Program underscores our commitment to improving energy efficiency across our destinations. We are dedicated to adopting best practices in environmental sustainability, advanced technologies, and digital systems to optimize the management and operation of our properties. This step highlights the value of collaboration with government entities in achieving sustainable development goals and reinforces Seef Properties' role in supporting Bahrain's efforts to promote environmental sustainability and responsible resource use, in line with Bahrain Economic Vision 2030.'
The Sun
20-06-2025
- Automotive
- The Sun
VinFast joins global push into UAE's expanding EV market
HANOI, VIETNAM - Media OutReach Newswire - 20 June 2025 - As the UAE moves steadily toward an electric future, Vietnam's VinFast is establishing its presence, aligning with government ambitions and shifting consumer preferences. Something electric this way comes to the streets of the UAE, as global EV brands are racing to capture the attention of local drivers. These include some from faraway places like Vietnam, as in the case of VinFast, which has been opening showrooms and hosting brand launches in the GCC nations. It's easy to see why this is the case. Market projections show the UAE's electric vehicle market revenue will reach $1.95 billion by 2025[1]. The people also seem ready for a change: A 2024 survey found that 73% of UAE residents want to buy electric cars, with 50% of participants drawn by the promise of advanced technology, improved fuel efficiency (35%), and enhanced safety features[2]. Almost half view electric vehicles as the future of transportation, with 38% planning to purchase one soon. And for some early adopters, that future is already here, with a 23.6% increase in EV charging usage in Dubai by early 2025, according to Dubai's Electricity and Water Authority[3]. The UAE government recognizes this momentum and acts accordingly. Dubai offers free parking for EV owners, provides complimentary Salik tags, and has been expanding charging infrastructure. One expert even suggested creating an EV-only lane on Sheikh Zayed Road if the government wants to achieve its goal of having half of the cars on its roads be electric by 2050[4]. In that context, emerging brands are all vying for a piece of the UAE market, challenging traditional automakers with fresh design languages, high-tech features, and competitive pricing. The upstart VinFast exemplifies this new wave of car manufacturers. In its home market of Vietnam, a country not historically associated with high-tech car manufacturing, VinFast has managed to build an EV supply chain with a 60% localization rate, aiming for 80% by 2026. The brand has recently become Vietnam's best-selling car brand in 2024, thanks to its comprehensive EV ecosystem that includes widespread charging infrastructure and strong after-sales policies. That local appeal has become the launchpad for expansion across the U.S., Europe, and the Middle East. VinFast's VF 8 model represents the brand's international debut, featuring premium design elements and advanced smart technology that align with UAE preferences for both sustainability and luxury. The VF 8 offers competitive performance metrics alongside industry-leading warranty coverage of 10-year/200,000 km vehicle coverage, 10-year/unlimited mileage battery coverage, and comprehensive after-sales support. The vehicle's refined design language and cutting-edge technology package, including a full set of ADAS and 11 airbags, appeal to drivers who view their cars as extensions of their lifestyle choices. More global players will likely enter the UAE market, drawn by government support, consumer enthusiasm, and infrastructure development. The combination creates ideal conditions for brands willing to invest in long-term success. In that context, new EV brands like VinFast, by diving in early, are actively shaping the future of driving in the UAE, proving that electric mobility can deliver both environmental benefits and exceptional experiences.
Biz Bahrain
03-06-2025
- Business
- Biz Bahrain
EWA sign "Kafa'a" initiative implementation agreements
The Electricity and Water Authority (EWA) signed implementation agreements for the first phase of the national programme 'Kafa'a', aimed at improving energy efficiency in government buildings. The agreements were signed with Saudi-based Quantum Energy Solutions and ESTA Middle East, both specialised in energy efficiency services. Kamal bin Ahmed Mohammed, President of EWA, emphasised that the initiative represents a strategic step in national efforts to enhance energy efficiency and reduce carbon emissions. He noted that the first phase targets energy efficiency upgrades in 12 government buildings, as part of a wider plan to cover 20 buildings during the current year. He added that the initiative is expected to save approximately 308 gigawatt-hours of electricity and reduce carbon emissions by nearly 154,000 tonnes by 2040, making it one of the Kingdom's flagship projects supporting the goal of carbon neutrality. The current phase includes buildings belonging to several ministries, including the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Justice and Islamic Affairs, and the Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities (BACA). EWA will oversee all stages of project implementation and monitor the outcomes to ensure the intended targets are met. This will be carried out in collaboration with specialised companies delivering the programme, to enhance energy efficiency in both public and private sector facilities, while achieving sustainable operational savings and reducing carbon emissions. Launched in December 2023, the 'Kafa'a' programme is a national initiative designed to reduce electricity consumption in both public and private sector buildings and consequently lower carbon emissions. The initial implementation phase targets 20 government buildings. BNA(R)
Daily Tribune
13-05-2025
- Business
- Daily Tribune
EWA launches energy efficiency programme
His Excellency Kamal bin Ahmed Mohammed, President of the Electricity and Water Authority (EWA) in the Kingdom of Bahrain, announced the commencement of the 'Kafa'a' programme across 12 government buildings, as part of a broader plan targeting 20 government buildings and 14 private buildings in 2025. This initiative supports the Kingdom's ongoing efforts to optimise energy efficiency, reduce operational costs, and lower carbon emissions.
