UAE- Mansour bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum inaugurates DEWA's 44th National Day celebrations

DUBAI 26th November 2015 (WAM)--H.H. Sheikh Mansour bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum President of the Dubai International Marine Club today inaugurated Dubai Electricity and Water Authority's (DEWA's) 44th National Day celebrations.

He was joined by Lieutenant General Dhahi Khalfan Tamim Deputy Chairman of Police and Public Security in Dubai Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer MD & CEO of DEWA Ahmed Buti Al Muhairbi Secretary General of the Dubai Supreme Council of Energy Dr. Mansoor Al Awar Chancellor of the Hamdan bin Mohammed Smart University and Saif Humaid Al Falasi Chief Executive Officer of Emirates National Oil Company (ENOC).

The celebrations were attended by DEWA's Executive Vice Presidents Vice Presidents Directors and staff. Representatives from government departments and private organisations in Dubai and a large number of customers and visitors also participated in the celebrations.

In his speech at the event Tamim commended the role of DEWA and its management in taking care of talented innovators noting that DEWA's efforts significantly support the National Innovation Strategy and promote the UAE's global position in innovation and creativity. Tamim emphasised that the UAE has many genius inventors innovators and thinkers who contribute to the overall development of the country. He praised the unlimited support of the government to empower innovators in their own fields.

In his address Al Tayer welcomed Sheikh Mansour bin Mohammed Lieutenant General Dhahi Khalfan Tamim and participants.

"As part of our recognition of the magnitude of our responsibilities we are inspired by the Spirit of Union a power that pushes us to work hard and exert increasing efforts to enhance the competiveness of the country in all areas" said Al Tayer.

"I am honoured to congratulate President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Their Highnesses the Members of the Supreme Council Rulers of the Emirates Their Highnesses the Crown Princes and other Sheikhs the UAE people and residents of this good land on the 44th UAE National Day on which we ask Allah to ensure prosperity and prevailing security for the UAE" said Al Tayer.

"Every year on the second of December we celebrate UAE National Day the day that marks the start of the UAE's journey full of achievements and success which places the UAE alongside some of the most developed countries in the world and which affirms the pioneering position of the UAE regionally and internationally. The National Day marks the keeping of principles and the prosperity and security of the country thanks to our wise leadership. It is a day to renew our pledge and continue following the path set by the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan founder of the nation and his brother the late Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum and their brothers the rulers who gathered for this prestigious goal on 2 December 1971 to announce the founding of the UAE Union and the start of a building and development process that impacts all of society which over a short period has enabled the country to attain the high-level position it deserves in the world" added Al Tayer.

"The UAE National Day is an important occasion upon which grateful and happy citizens and residents thank the leadership and renew their commitment. For over four decades we have followed the approach of our founding fathers to support the Union and protect its achievements. We have affirmed our loyalty to the UAE and its values to showcase national identity and the development of government performance and well-structured work based on solid foundations and strategies to continue achieving excellence leadership and innovation in a range of fields. We raise the flag of the UAE high inspired by the legacy of our fathers and grandfathers to support a high standard of living and development and to respect laws as standards of success and progress."

"As part of our recognition of the magnitude of our responsibilities we are inspired by the Spirit of Union a power that pushes us to work hard and exert increasing efforts to enhance the competiveness of the UAE in different fields. DEWA is taking steady steps towards achieving the UAE Vision 2021 and the Dubai Plan 2021 by launching landmark innovative initiatives and projects that effectively contribute to building a Smart Dubai and achieving the sustainable development of the Emirate. They also contribute to protecting our precious natural resources and the environment in line with DEWA's vision to become a sustainable innovative world class utility achieving a balance between development and natural conservation to ensure a clean healthy and safe environment for generations to come" said Al Tayer.

Al Tayer noted that DEWA is concluding the UAE Innovation Week during which it has organised many activities. These included an Innovation Exhibition that showcased innovative products and services by DEWA and its partners innovators universities and entrepreneurs specialising in energy and water. DEWA also organised an Innovation Conference with the participation of international experts in energy sustainability and water innovation. It also hosed Innovation Talks about solar energy.

"At DEWA we adopt innovation as a major pillar and as a core organisational value. We continuously work to improve government performance in all fields and encourage a culture of innovation which we spread as a standard procedure to develop government services tackle challenges and contribute to improving efficiency and administrative government performance. DEWA exerts all of its efforts to support talented UAE nationals according to individual abilities and preferences within various energy sectors and to provide them with scholarships at the best universities in the UAE and abroad to enhance Dubai's position as a home of creative and empowered individuals who are proud of their culture and to support the Dubai Innovation Strategy to make Dubai the most innovative city in the world" said Al Tayer.

"We've made an oath to continue our journey with determination to build the future that the UAE aspires to and to encourage loyalty to our country and its leadership to respect the constitution and laws and to show commitment to the values of our society. In celebration of this occasion we thank Allah for granting us our wise leadership who exert all of their efforts to improve the UAE and achieve happiness and an excellent quality of life for all citizens and residents" concluded Al Tayer.

DEWA's celebrations in its head office began with the National Anthem and the Holy Qur'an. A video about the Union and another about DEWA's corporate social responsibility (CSR) activities were screened. DEWA is the first government organisation in Dubai to receive the MVO8000 certification in CSR. Poets Musabah Ali Al Kaabi Mohammed bin Hamad Al Kaabi Hadi Al Mansoori and Mohammed bin Tarish Al Kaabi conducted poetry readings at the event. A special traditional show was also put on by students from the School of Research Science.

As part of its celebrations of the UAE 44th National Day DEWA hosted a number of activities from 22- 30 November across its different branches. In addition to the activities at its head office DEWA hosted different activates at it offices in Jebel Ali Hudaiba Warsan and Al Quoz. This included cutting cakes Arabic food sweets instant photo booth with Emirati traditional accessories heritage entertainment competitions and activities produced by DEWA's Women Committee and participating families.