The Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (Dewa) has launched an enhanced version of its Smart Living Programme, which now allows consumers to track their electricity and water usage compared to their neighbours. The new Smart Living Programme 1.5, introduced during Gitex Global 2025, uses data and artificial intelligence (AI) to analyse a user’s consumption and provide tailored advice on how to reduce usage to match that of nearby households.
Dr Ali Rashed Bin Ghaith Alsuwaidi, Dewa’s chief innovation officer, explained that the upgraded programme is designed to offer hyper-personalised recommendations based on a user’s specific consumption patterns. The programme aims to help residents lower their utility consumption through tips that encourage sustainable behaviour. “These recommendations are highly personalised, focusing on reducing your consumption of water or electricity,” Alsuwaidi said in an interview during the event at the Dubai World Trade Centre.
The updated version of the Smart Living Programme also allows users to view data on their utility consumption, as well as that of their neighbourhood. Through the Dewa app, consumers can see how their usage compares to the surrounding area, helping them identify opportunities for improvement. Additionally, the app offers educational features, including pop-up messages with tips for reducing consumption. “It will also provide a learning experience for children in a gamified way,” Alsuwaidi added.
A significant new feature in the programme is the ability to track a user’s carbon footprint. This addition aims to provide residents with a clearer picture of their environmental impact, alongside detailed insights into their energy and water consumption patterns. Dewa is also promoting the programme through various channels, including the Dewa app, social media platforms, and other services, in an effort to raise awareness about sustainable living.
Aysha Al Dhuhoori, deputy senior manager for artificial intelligence at Dewa, clarified that while the programme allows users to compare their usage to others in the neighbourhood, it does not reveal specific data about individual households. “The data does not show the very next neighbour’s utility data or same-sized properties in the vicinity,” she said. This ensures privacy while still providing valuable insights.
As part of its ongoing efforts to drive sustainability, Dewa is focusing heavily on AI and data analytics to help customers optimise their resource use. “This strengthens customers’ ability to monitor consumption, improve efficiency, and make informed decisions,” said Al Dhuhoori. The programme’s AI-driven solutions are aimed at residential customers, offering personalised plans that not only promote efficiency but also encourage a more sustainable lifestyle. Dewa’s initiative positions it as the first utility in the Middle East to implement such advanced AI-based solutions for consumer benefit.
In addition to these updates, Dewa is showcasing cutting-edge technologies at Gitex Global 2025, where AI’s potential to transform various industries, including utilities, is being explored. For those looking to learn more about the latest innovations in Dubai, Gitex 2025 offers a visual tour of the event.
