Dubai’s energy demand rose by 5.4 per cent in 2024 compared to the previous year, according to Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD and CEO of Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA).

The total energy consumption in 2024 reached 59,594 gigawatt hours (GWh), up from 56,516 GWh in 2023, Al Tayer announced.

He noted that DEWA is expanding the capacity of its transmission and distribution networks to meet the emirate’s population growth and economic expansion.

Growing demand for power and water

“Thanks to the wise directives of HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, Dubai has become a global city and a preferred destination to live and work in, as well as a hub for business and tourism. Dubai’s urban, economic, and demographic prosperity promotes DEWA’s sustainable growth, driven by growing demand for power and water,” Al Tayer said.

He added that in line with the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, which aims to double the emirate’s economy over the next decade and strengthen its global standing, DEWA’s installed power generation capacity has reached 17.179 gigawatts (GW).

Dubai a ‘global model for energy use’, says Al Tayer

Clean power now accounts for 20 per cent of this total installed capacity, supporting the Dubai Clean Energy Strategy 2050 and the Dubai Net Zero Carbon Emissions Strategy 2050, which aim for 100 per cent clean energy generation by mid-century.

“DEWA has become a global model for energy and water efficiency and reliability, providing its services according to the highest standards of availability, sustainability, efficiency, and quality,” Al Tayer stated.

DEWA also recorded a 3.4 per cent rise in peak demand in 2024 compared to the previous year, reaching 10.76 GW.

The utility provider remains committed to sustainability and operational excellence in its service offerings, Al Tayer affirmed.

Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) and Dubai Holding have signed a Dhs6bn ($1.63bn) agreement to enhance the emirate’s road and transport network.

Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, chairman of Dubai Holding, witnessed the signing, which aims to improve infrastructure across key development areas, including Dubai Islands, Jumeirah Village Triangle, Palm Gateway, Al Furjan, Jumeirah Park, Arjan, Majan, Liwan (Phase 1), Nad Al Hamar, Villanova, and Serena.

The agreement also covers new bridges and roads to improve access to five major Dubai Holding developments: Jumeirah Village Circle, Dubai Production City, Business Bay, Palm Jumeirah, and International City (Phase 3).

Mohamed bin Hadi Al Hussaini, Minister of State for Financial Affairs, attended the signing, which was officiated by Mattar Al Tayer, director general, chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of RTA, and Amit Kaushal, group CEO of Dubai Holding, in the presence of senior officials from both entities.

Infrastructure expansion

The agreement will see four new access points developed for Jumeirah Village Circle, featuring grade-separated interchanges designed to double entry and exit capacity.

These enhancements are expected to reduce travel time on internal roads and access points by 70 per cent, while also improving traffic safety and ensuring seamless traffic flow at intersections. Additionally, new bridges will improve access to Dubai Production City from Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road, cutting travel time and enhancing internal traffic flow by 50 per cent.

For Business Bay, the agreement provides for surface improvements at intersections leading from Sheikh Zayed Road, as well as a pedestrian bridge at the Business Bay intersection with First Al Khail Road to enhance safety and optimize traffic flow. Upgrades to internal roads in the Towers Area are expected to reduce travel time by 30 per cent.

The Palm Jumeirah segment includes additional acceleration and deceleration lanes across six locations, optimising traffic movement. Two pedestrian bridges will also be constructed, replacing at-grade crossings to improve mobility and safety, with an expected reduction in travel time within the area by 40 per cent.

Strategic partnership

The agreement also covers the expansion of access to International City (Phase 3) from Manama Street, including additional lanes, widened internal roads, and upgraded intersections with traffic signals. These enhancements are projected to cut travel time from 15 minutes to five minutes.

Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum said, “This strategic partnership with RTA reflects our shared vision of a city that is not only innovative but also seamlessly accessible. Dubai Holding reaffirms its commitment to shaping the future of the emirate by developing world-class communities and infrastructure that enhance connectivity, mobility, and quality of life for all who call Dubai home.”

RTA: Enhancing connectivity

Mattar Al Tayer highlighted the importance of the agreement, stating: “This agreement will enhance the capacity of internal roads and access points, leading to reduced travel times, improved connectivity for residents and visitors, and greater road safety for all users.

“RTA remains dedicated to fostering strategic partnerships with real estate developers to ensure road infrastructure can effectively accommodate traffic demand, enhancing seamless mobility.”

Amit Kaushal, group CEO of Dubai Holding, emphasised the company’s commitment to supporting RTA’s efforts, saying, “These road enhancements will not only reduce travel times and improve road capacity but also elevate the overall experience of our communities, reinforcing Dubai Holding’s commitment to shaping a more connected and sustainable Dubai.”

The agreement is part of a broader effort to advance Dubai’s infrastructure and mobility solutions, in line with its long-term urban development strategy.

The Department of Human Resources at the Ajman Government has announced a remote work policy for all local government employees on Fridays, during the month of Ramadan.

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According to a circular issued by the department, the official working hours during Ramadan, from Monday to Thursday, will be from 9:00am to 2:30pm, and from 9:00am to 12:00pm on Fridays.

Ajman Government entities have been granted the flexibility to implement the remote work policy in line with its regulations, provided they ensure business continuity and uninterrupted service delivery, a WAM report said.

The working hours of departments operating on a shift basis will be determined based on operational needs, with staff required to serve a maximum shift duration of five and a half hours per day.

This initiative, directed by Sheikh Ammar bin Humaid Al Nuaimi, Crown Prince of Ajman and Chairman of the Ajman Executive Council, aligns with the UAE’s “Year of Community” efforts.

This flexible work system ensures that employees complete the work hours required of them while maintaining adequate staffing in customer-facing units.

In the heart of Sharjah, the pioneering Hayyan villa community is reshaping the emirate’s real estate landscape, offering a perfect balance of sustainability, modernity, and nature.

Developed by Alef Group, Sharjah’s leading real estate developer, Hayyan is designed to bring the emirate’s vision for a greener, healthier future to life, with features including the largest swimmable lagoon in Sharjah, expansive green spaces, and a strong commitment to environmental preservation.

“At Alef Group, our mission is to create eco-friendly communities that reflect Sharjah’s forward-looking focus on sustainability,” says Issa Ataya, CEO of Alef Group. “Hayyan exemplifies our belief that modern living and environmental consciousness can coexist harmoniously.”

Green initiatives and allotments

Central to the design of Hayyan is the goal of preserving and enhancing the natural environment. Over 22,000 trees are being planted throughout the community, contributing to Sharjah’s ecological balance and providing a rich, green atmosphere for residents. An additional 20,000 square feet are dedicated to organic, edible crops, further promoting a sense of community engagement. Residents will have the opportunity to actively participate in organic farming, cultivating fresh produce right in their neighbourhood.

“Investing in large-scale green initiatives is at the heart of our long-term vision,” adds Ataya. “By integrating organic farming and widespread tree-planting, we aim to enrich the lives of our residents and support Sharjah’s aspiration for a truly green environment.”

Largest swimmable lagoon in Sharjah

A standout feature of Hayyan is the 55,000-square-foot lagoon, which will be the largest swimmable body of water in Sharjah. Designed to create a resort-like ambience, the lagoon offers residents a serene oasis for relaxation, swimming, and social activities along its pristine shores.

Sustainability remains a priority with advanced water-treatment systems and biophilic design principles employed to maintain clear water and reduce the environmental footprint.

Integrated lifestyle destination

Beyond the lagoon, Hayyan is packed with a diverse array of recreational and wellness-focused amenities. A sprawling 1,000,000-square-foot community park is home to sports facilities, including football, basketball, volleyball, and tennis courts.

Additionally, running and cycling tracks wind through the lush landscape, offering opportunities for an active lifestyle. A modern clubhouse serves as the social hub of the community, complete with a gym, cafés, and restaurants offering stunning views of the lagoon.

The combination of these features provides a holistic environment where residents can nurture physical health, engage socially, and enjoy diverse entertainment — all within a single cohesive neighbourhood.

“Our vision is to create a space where families can thrive physically, socially, and emotionally,” explained Ataya. “By offering sports facilities, green parks, and community gathering spots, Hayyan delivers an all-encompassing lifestyle reflective of Sharjah’s values.”

Smart villas and energy efficiency

The residential portfolio of Hayyan consists of 1,882 villa units across four zones — Arim, Alma, Samr, and the soon-to-be-announced Deem. All villas are designed with sustainability and energy efficiency at the forefront.

Featuring modern smart technologies, optimised insulation, abundant natural lighting, and efficient cooling systems, the villas cater to the growing demand for eco-friendly homes. Integrating these sustainable innovations ensures Hayyan’s homes meet the needs of the environmentally conscious consumer while providing contemporary comfort.

Delivering on Sharjah’s vision

The first phases of the Hayyan development are scheduled for delivery by the end of 2026. This Dhs3.5bn project aligns with the environmental vision of Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah. By focusing on biodiversity, responsible water management, and community-driven design, Hayyan embodies Sharjah’s ambitions for sustainable urban growth.

“Hayyan is more than just a real estate venture — it’s a reflection of our dedication to preserving Sharjah’s natural heritage while meeting modern lifestyle needs,” concluded Ataya. “We take pride in contributing to a future where sustainability and innovation go hand in hand.”

RTA has come up with two fabulous offerings for people using public transport in Dubai.

Individuals can now use RTA’s QR code payment system to pay for their taxi fare smoothly and securely with just one scan, simplifying the process and ensuring service efficiency.

Additionally, the authority has also rolled out free Wi-Fi at 17 public bus stations and 12 marine transport stations as part of an initiative to enhance the commuter experience. This service enables public transport users to stay connected via their smartphones, tablets, and laptops while commuting to their respective destinations.

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The initiative of providing free Wi-Fi to commuters on public transport is part of RTA’s ongoing efforts to accelerate digital transformation across all its services, catering to diverse segments of society in line with the UAE’s vision.

It also reflects RTA’s commitment to enhancing the daily commuting experience—making journeys on buses and marine transport more enjoyable and rewarding—while contributing to Dubai’s ambition to become the world’s smartest and happiest city.

“We have installed Wi-Fi devices across 29 bus and marine transport stations so far, and efforts are progressing swiftly to extend the service to all 43 RTA stations—comprising 21 bus stations and 22 marine transport stations. The remaining installations are expected to be completed by the second quarter of 2025,” Khaled AbdulRahman Al Awadhi, Director of Transportation Systems at RTA’s Public Transport Agency, said.

“The Wi-Fi service will undergo continuous evaluation to facilitate its expansion and enhancement in collaboration with e&, ensuring the highest quality connectivity for passengers using buses and marine transport across the emirate,” Al Awadhi further added.