Mohammed bin Rashid launches DEWA’s space programme Space-D

His Highness also launches DEWA’s tourism-related projects in Hatta, ‘Dubai Summit’ and ‘Hatta Sustainable Waterfalls’

- Space-D initiative aims to use space technologies to enhance electricity and water networks

- Project features the launch of a main satellite equipped with the latest imaging and satellite communication technologies; main satellite will be supported by a satellite constellation


His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, said the vision of the UAE’s leadership and the committed efforts of its citizens have enabled the country to achieve ambitious goals, create new opportunities, and overcome diverse challenges.

Stressing that using advanced technologies and adopting innovative solutions to develop sustainable projects are vital to accomplishing the country’s strategic objectives, His Highness said: “We are working steadily to establish global leadership in every sector. Development projects will not stop in our country. We continue to execute innovative initiatives that promote the happiness and wellbeing of the people. Investing in and nurturing our human capital continues to be one of our biggest priorities so that our people can innovate and accomplish great things.”

“The real value of our projects lies in their ability to achieve our strategic objectives, maximise the use of available resources and adopt the latest innovations. Furthermore, the success of these projects is determined by their positive impact and the enhanced quality of life they help achieve,” His Highness added.

Sheikh Mohammed’s comments came during his visit to the Innovation Tent at Dubai Electricity and Water Authority’s (DEWA’s) head office, accompanied by HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai; HH Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai; and HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Knowledge Foundation.

During the visit, His Highness launched DEWA’s space programme, Space-D, an initiative that aims to build DEWA’s capabilities and train Emirati professionals to use space technologies to enhance its electricity and water networks. The programme will take advantage of Fourth Industrial Revolution technologies such as Internet of Things (IoT), Artificial Intelligence (AI), and blockchain to exchange information with the help of satellite communications and earth observation technologies. The project features the launch of a main satellite equipped with the latest imaging and satellite communication technologies, which will take place in conjunction with Expo 2020 Dubai to be held from 1 October 2021 to 31 March 2022.

The project supports the National Space Strategy 2030, which aims to realise the leadership’s vision by using space sciences, technologies, applications and services to enhance development.
His Highness was briefed by HE Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, Managing Director and CEO of DEWA, about the various phases of DEWA’s space programme, which seeks to enhance operational efficiency and effectiveness and promote preventive maintenance of electricity and water networks including planning, production, transmission and distribution.

The programme will also contribute to enhancing flexibility and agility in monitoring and managing electricity and water networks, as well as the accurate and rapid assessment of the impact of weather and climate change on energy supplies and energy infrastructure. It will also provide a backup support system for the network through satellite communications.

“We are guided by the ambitious vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, who said: "The UAE’s ambitious goals in the space sector are aimed at exploring, planning and shaping the future. Our youth, engineers and pioneers are opening new horizons for science, technology and innovation in this vital sector."

“DEWA's space programme will contribute to enhancing the UAE’s global competitiveness and strategic partnerships in the national space sector as well as paving the way for a new phase of Emirati capabilities in space exploration, technology and related industries that will be used to strengthen electricity and water networks in Dubai,” Al Tayer added.

“DEWA’s Space Programme will provide world-class services in cooperation with leading global satellite technology companies. We are committed to ensuring 100% availability of DEWA’s services and maintaining the highest levels of availability, reliability, and efficiency with the help of our state-of-the-art infrastructure and advanced technologies. Through innovation and sound scientific planning, we seek to contribute to making the UAE the world’s leading nation by its centennial in 2071,” added Al Tayer.

"The programme supports the Dubai Clean Energy Strategy’s target of obtaining 75% of Dubai's total power capacity from clean energy sources by 2050. The performance and efficiency of the photovoltaic solar panels at the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park will be monitored using special cameras on the main satellite, which will also help study the impact of weather and climate change on energy infrastructure and supply,” explained Al Tayer.

DEWA’s Space-D project includes the launch of a satellite constellation to support its main satellite. These will be manufactured by Emiratis at the Research and Development (R&D) Centre of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park. The system features a ground station at the solar park as well as IoT and AI technologies to support ground communication transmission stations in electricity and water networks. By deploying this infrastructure, DEWA seeks to increase the efficiency and effectiveness of its planning and operations, and enhance preventive maintenance at its production, transmission, distribution divisions as well as its smart grids, and electric vehicle charging stations. Multi-spectrum, high-resolution thermal imaging devices such as those used on board spacecraft, specifically designed for use in electricity and water networks, will be deployed to detect thermal fingerprints in high voltage transmission lines, substations, buildings and solar power stations.

DEWA’s tourism-related projects in Hatta: ‘Dubai Summit’ and ‘Hatta Sustainable Waterfalls’
As part of enhancing Hatta's position as one of the most prominent tourist attractions in Dubai, HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum launched two projects to be executed by DEWA: ‘Dubai Summit’ and ‘Hatta Sustainable Waterfalls.’

The ‘Dubai Summit’ project includes the construction of a 5.4 kilometre cable car to transport tourists from the Hatta Dam area to the top of Um Al-Nesoor summit in Hatta. At 1,300 metres above sea level, it is the highest natural summit in Dubai. The project is expected to be a major tourist attraction in the UAE. The cable car route passes over the Hatta Dam Lake and the Upper Dam Lake for the hydroelectric power station, as well as through mountains, ending at the summit of Um Al Nesoor mountain.

The project includes three main stops. The departure station will be built on an upper platform above the Hatta Dam and will be linked to the car parking area using advanced means of transportation. The intermediate stop will have a viewing platform and facilities to serve tourists. The summit station will have a medium-sized hotel, a panoramic viewing platform, and facilities for tourists.

The project also includes hiking tracks and recreational facilities in addition to other world-class tourism services. The project will be built according to the highest standards of security and safety.
The ‘Hatta Sustainable Waterfalls’ project will use the slope of the upper dam to create a natural waterfall. A waterway will be built along the parking area below the dam. The area will be developed to create recreational spaces, cafes and restaurants. The water used in the waterfall will be collected at the end of the stream, recycled and pumped back to the top of the dam. Fishes bred in the stream will provide an additional attraction for family tourists.

HE Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer said: “We work according to the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum to achieve comprehensive and sustainable development throughout the Emirate of Dubai. These projects are part of DEWA’s initiatives to provide unique job opportunities for citizens in Hatta through pioneering tourism facilities. Our new projects will contribute to strengthening Hatta's position as one of the most prominent tourist attractions in Dubai.”