DEWA new headquarters to establish a global benchmark for smart buildings

Dubai Electricity and Water Authority’s (DEWA) has appointed a consortium led by Moro Hub, Ghantoot Group, Johnson Controls and Microsoft to implement the latest digital twin technologies, the Internet of Things, cybersecurity, Artificial Intelligence, and smart building management solutions in DEWA’s new headquarters, called Al Shera’a (Arabic for sail).

Al Shera’a will be the tallest, largest, and smartest government Net Zero Energy Building with net zero carbon emissions in the world. The total energy used in the building during a year will be equal to or less than the energy produced on-site.

HE Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD & CEO of DEWA, said that this partnership supports DEWA’s work to establish a global benchmark for buildings that achieve a balance between development and the environment. This is done by monitoring the energy efficiency and space performance using central artificial intelligence. This helps with remote diagnostics, predictive maintenance, compliance monitoring, and advanced risk assessments.

Commenting on the announcement, Johnson Controls’ Vice President & General Manager Middle East & Africa, Rolando Furlong, said, “As a leader and pioneer in sustainability, Johnson Controls is proud to partner with DEWA on this iconic project. The UAE has proven itself as a leader in promoting smart and green development. Our cutting edge OpenBlue digital platform will play a pivotal role in achieving the sustainability goals of the Al Shera’a building, in partnership with Moro Hub and Microsoft”.

While Ghantoot Group are in charge of the construction work of the building, Moro Hub will support DEWA to implement the latest in IoT, cybersecurity, digital twin technologies, AI, and smart building management solutions from Johnson Controls and Microsoft. Through these innovative technologies, Al-Shera’a is expected to utilise up to 50% less water than comparable buildings.

Al-Shera’a is expected to be ready by 2023 and it will feature an array of artificial intelligence solutions across systems and spaces, including a digital concierge for every employee and visitor. Comprising 15 floors, a basement, and a four-story car park, the building will offer capabilities to accommodate an onsite presence of over 5,000 people.

Sayed Hashish, General Manager at Microsoft UAE, explained “Our newest partnership with Johnson Controls and DEWA reflects the UAE’s drive to bring together public and private entities to further its ambitious sustainability agenda. We are thrilled to be part of this monumental project and look forward to providing the necessary expertise and cloud capacity  through our latest AI solutions and local data centres that will support the UAE’s drive to achieve 50 % of its energy capacity needs through clean energy sources by 2050.”

DEWA’s new headquarters are designed for a platinum rating by LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) and a silver rating from the WELL Building Standard. DEWA is also expected to announce two more phases to implement work on the Internet of Things and Artificial Intelligence and the photovoltaic solar systems for the building.