Al Baheth Programme Recruits UAE Nationals For DEWA’s R&D Centre

Dubai Electricity and Water Authority’s (DEWA’s) R&D Centre at the Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park, has implemented the Al Baheth programme to recruit and develop UAE Nationals. It encourages them to engage in research, competitions, events and training programmes organised by the centre in cooperation with major international companies and a select group of researchers, academics and international speakers, in addition to giving them the opportunity to participate in the development of projects undertaken by DEWA and its R&D Centre, and to visit schools and universities.

“Through the R&D Centre, DEWA anticipates the future and develops proactive, long-term plans to keep pace with the Fourth Industrial Revolution. It also develops disruptive technologies that provide world-class services that enhance the quality of life in Dubai. The centre aligns with the national plans and strategies, and the Dubai 10X initiative launched by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, which mandates the Government of Dubai to become a global leader that is 10 years ahead of all other cities. The centre contributes to Dubai, the UAE, and the global scientific community by disseminating knowledge and developing Emirati research talents and abilities. It promotes research and development culture, develops capabilities and attracts Emirati graduates to work at the R&D Centre,” said HE Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD & CEO of DEWA.

Dr Saif Almheiri, Vice President of Research & Development at DEWA, said the Al Baheth programme is designed to engage local and international universities in research and development by sending their best technical candidates to work with researchers at DEWA in various areas of research. The programme consists of four categories: internships, the capstone projects fund, visiting researchers, and seminars and workshops, to get DEWA’s employees, engineers, academics, and various stakeholders to participate. To date, Al Baheth programme has hosted 40 student interns to develop their knowledge and experience and qualify them and give them an edge in the job market. It also funded 17 research projects presented by local universities. Since its inception in 2019, Al Baheth programme has organised several events, such as the R&D Centre’s annual conference with Siemens, the Al Baheth Program annual symposium in cooperation with Sharjah University, as well as a series of seminars on the latest 4IR and robotics technologies with the participation of major international universities.

“I joined the Al Baheth programme as a visiting researcher specialising in 3D printing technologies. The programme resurrected my passion for such technologies, and offered me the opportunity to take part in several research papers, seminars and technical workshops, under the supervision of senior experts and researchers of the R&D Centre, which helped me promote my experiences and knowledge. Moreover, the centre’s positive and motivating environment encouraged me to innovate and apply solutions after I started working as a permanent researcher at its facilities. Now, I am supervising the visiting researchers participating in the 3D printing research team at the centre to advance our efforts to shape the future.” explained Mozah Saeed Alyammahi, R&D technologist.

“Through the Al Baheth programme, I took part in innovating a number of solutions that contribute to the development of DEWA’s work and serve the energy and water sector in general, especially applying drone, thermal imaging and artificial intelligence technologies in photovoltaic solar panels projects. I have also participated in drone technologies development projects with the aim of raising their technical efficiency and increase their contribution to the sector,” said Saif Al Hammadi, former trainee in the Al Baheth programme.