DEWA has set a new world record for the lowest electricity customer minutes lost (CML), at just 0.82 minutes (about 49 seconds) per year.

With this significant milestone, DEWA has surpassed its own previous world record of 0.94 minutes in 2024, representing an improvement of around 13 per cent.

HE Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD and CEO of Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA), commented on the milestone, saying: “We work in line with the vision and directives of HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, to provide the best electricity and water infrastructure in the world.”

He added, “We utilise the latest technologies of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, particularly artificial intelligence, which we are fully integrating into DEWA’s strategies and operations. The smart grid is a fundamental pillar of DEWA’s strategy to deliver services according to the highest standards of availability, reliability and efficiency. This supports the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan and the Dubai Economic Agenda (D33), which seek to consolidate Dubai’s position among the top three global cities.”

DEWA’s Smart Grid to enhance the efficiency of energy transmission and distribution

Al Tayer explained that the Smart Grid, which DEWA is implementing with total investments of Dhs7bn up to 2035, provides advanced features that enhance the efficiency of energy transmission and distribution, reduce outages, minimise losses, improve electrical load management and enhance the happiness of customers and all stakeholders.

One of the key programmes is the ‘Automatic Smart Grid Restoration System’, the first of its kind in the Middle East and North Africa.

The system enables remote, round-the-clock control, management and monitoring without human intervention, through innovative centralised systems that automatically locate and isolate faults and restore service, accelerating power restoration and increasing reliability.

DEWA reduced CML in Dubai from 6.88 minutes per year in 2012 to just 0.82 minutes in 2025, significantly lower than the average of approximately 15 minutes recorded by leading utility companies in the European Union.

This highlights DEWA’s global leadership in adopting innovation to deliver services according to the highest reliability standards.

Read: DEWA reduces refunds processing time to only 8 minutes

du, the telecom and digital services provider, has partnered with Al Gharbia Pipe Company (AGPC) to deploy Industrial Artificial Intelligence (AI) Vision technology across manufacturing operations in the UAE, as the country accelerates its push towards smart and autonomous industry.

The collaboration, showcased at Make it in the Emirates 2026 where du Tech is a strategic partner of the Intelligence Hub, focuses on a co-developed Industrial AI Vision Platform designed to enhance operational intelligence and automation across manufacturing environments.

The platform enables AI-based quality inspection, improved traceability, and data-driven decision-making. It integrates real-time dashboards, visual analytics, and AI-driven insights to monitor operations across production, logistics, and infrastructure.

An interactive demonstration of the platform, using synthetic and non-confidential data, was presented to senior government officials, international delegations, and industry leaders, highlighting its potential to improve visibility and efficiency across the manufacturing value chain.

Jasim Alawadi, chief information and communication technology officer (CICTO) at du, said: “du’s partnership with AGPC represents our commitment to driving the UAE’s industrial evolution through technology that delivers tangible outcomes. We are reimagining how manufacturing operates in service of the UAE’s vision for economic diversification and technological sovereignty. Combining our expertise in digital infrastructure and AI deployment with Al Gharbia’s deep understanding of manufacturing excellence, we aim to create solutions that will define the future of intelligent industry in our region.”

Noritsugu Mifune, chief executive officer (CEO) of AGPC, said: “Our collaboration with du Tech is an investment in the technologies that will shape tomorrow’s manufacturing landscape. The Industrial AI Vision Platform enables us to achieve new standards in quality inspection and traceability while optimising our operations in ways that were previously difficult to achieve at scale. Together, we are demonstrating that UAE-based partnerships can lead the world in industrial innovation.”

The initiative supports the UAE’s broader industrial transformation agenda by integrating sovereign AI infrastructure and locally developed technologies into core manufacturing processes, positioning the sector for greater efficiency, resilience, and global competitiveness.

Dubai Municipality has launched the ViruGenetics Lab at Dubai Central Laboratory, marking the establishment of the UAE’s first advanced facility dedicated to detecting foodborne viruses using genomic technologies.

The new laboratory is designed to strengthen food safety systems and public health oversight, while supporting Dubai’s broader ambition to lead in advanced laboratory services and quality of life initiatives.

The facility can process around 60 samples per day, with capacity scalable to 100 samples during emergency situations. It delivers rapid turnaround times, enabling faster inspections and more responsive, data-driven decision-making.

The ViruGenetics Lab is equipped with digital polymerase chain reaction (dPCR) technology, one of the most advanced molecular analysis methods globally. The system enables highly precise detection of viral pathogens, including norovirus and hepatitis A and E, across complex food samples such as dairy, seafood, juices, and fresh produce.

All testing is conducted in line with ISO/IEC 17025 standards, ensuring accuracy, reliability, and compliance with international best practices in laboratory testing and calibration.

The initiative forms part of Dubai Municipality’s strategy to expand specialised laboratory capabilities and enhance food control systems across the emirate.

Eng. Hind Mahmoud Ahmed, Director of the Dubai Central Laboratory Department at Dubai Municipality, said: “The opening of the ViruGenetics Lab is part of Dubai Municipality’s broader initiative to establish specialised laboratories equipped with the latest global technologies. This milestone underscores our dedication to consolidating Dubai’s position as a global leader in food safety and health oversight.”

Beyond testing, the lab will also serve as a scientific research platform, supporting collaboration with universities and research centres to develop a national database of foodborne viruses. The initiative aims to strengthen the health safety ecosystem by providing authorities with detailed genetic insights to enable proactive, science-based interventions.

The launch reinforces Dubai’s focus on integrating advanced technologies into public health infrastructure, positioning the emirate as a regional leader in food safety innovation.

Huawei has appointed Corey Deng as chief cybersecurity and privacy officer (CSPO) for its Middle East and Central Asia (MECA) region, reinforcing its focus on strengthening cybersecurity governance and data protection frameworks as digital transformation accelerates.

In his new role, Deng will lead Huawei’s regional cybersecurity and privacy strategy, overseeing areas including cybersecurity, data protection, artificial intelligence (AI) security, and regulatory compliance. He will also work closely with customers, partners, and regulators to enhance Huawei’s end-to-end cybersecurity assurance systems across the region.

Deng brings more than 18 years of experience within Huawei, having joined the company in 2008. His career spans a mix of technical and leadership roles across multiple international markets.

Prior to this appointment, he served as Chief Cybersecurity and Privacy Officer at Huawei’s Digital Power Business Unit Headquarters. His previous roles include Cybersecurity Director and Vice President of Solutions Sales in the United Kingdom (UK), Solutions Sales Director in the Netherlands, and earlier positions in research and development (R&D), including as a marketing manager and integrated circuit (IC) chipset designer.

Phillip Gan, president of Huawei Middle East and Central Asia, said: “Cybersecurity and privacy are foundational to building a trusted digital ecosystem. Corey Deng’s experience and leadership will further strengthen our ability to support clients and partners with secure, resilient solutions aligned to the region’s digital ambitions.”

Deng added: “As digital transformation accelerates across the Middle East and Central Asia, trust must remain central to innovation. I look forward to working with stakeholders across the region to strengthen cybersecurity and privacy frameworks that enable sustainable and secure growth.”

The appointment comes at a time when organisations across the region are navigating an increasingly complex threat landscape, shaped by rapid technology adoption and evolving geopolitical dynamics. Huawei noted that traditional security models must evolve to address emerging challenges, including the rise of sovereign artificial intelligence (AI) infrastructure and quantum-era risks.

Under Deng’s leadership, Huawei aims to further embed cybersecurity and privacy into its product development, solutions, and internal governance, supporting a more secure and resilient digital ecosystem across the Middle East and Central Asia.

The Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah on Tuesday, May 5, announced the approval of 73 companies qualified to provide services for domestic pilgrims.

The decision follows a comprehensive accreditation process aimed at strengthening service delivery standards ahead of the Hajj season.

The ministry said the companies were selected only after meeting all approved conditions and standards, which include strict organisational and operational requirements. Each provider demonstrated full readiness to deliver integrated services covering accommodation, transportation, catering, and a range of on-ground support services for pilgrims within the kingdom.

Read more-Hajj 2026: What pilgrims need to know about permits, fines and entry rules

According to a Saudi Gazette report said, the move forms part of an integrated operational framework designed to enhance service quality and reinforce contractual reliability across the domestic Hajj ecosystem.

Strengthening service quality and regulatory compliance

The ministry emphasised that the approval process is intended to improve the efficiency of the Hajj system and elevate the overall standard of services offered to pilgrims. By regulating the list of authorised service providers, authorities aim to ensure consistency, reliability, and accountability in service delivery.

It also urged all prospective pilgrims to review the official list of accredited companies and to engage exclusively through authorised channels when making arrangements. The ministry stressed that this approach safeguards pilgrims’ rights and guarantees access to verified and dependable services.

At the same time, the ministry warned against dealing with unlicensed operators, highlighting risks such as poor service quality, financial loss, and lack of legal protection.

Digital transformation enhancing pilgrim experience

The ministry highlighted major progress in digital transformation within the Hajj services sector. Dedicated electronic platforms for booking and contracting have been upgraded, allowing pilgrims to view available packages, compare offerings, and select services that best suit their needs.

All transactions are fully documented through digital systems, ensuring transparency and protecting the rights of both pilgrims and service providers. This shift is part of broader efforts to modernise Hajj operations and improve user experience through technology.

For the upcoming Hajj season, service packages have been diversified to cater to different segments based on service level and cost. These integrated packages include accommodation in multiple locations, various transportation options, catering services, and dedicated on-site support.

Officials said these offerings are designed to enhance the pilgrim journey from the initial booking stage through to the completion of rituals, ensuring comfort and ease throughout the pilgrimage experience.

Oversight, monitoring, and pilgrim safety

To ensure quality compliance, the ministry has strengthened its oversight mechanisms by introducing performance indicators that evaluate service providers against approved standards. Continuous monitoring is being carried out to ensure adherence and to identify areas for improvement.

Customer support channels have also been activated around the clock to address inquiries and feedback promptly during the Hajj season.

The ministry further reiterated the importance of compliance with all regulations and instructions governing Hajj procedures, noting that adherence to official processes contributes to a safe, organized, and seamless pilgrimage experience.