DEWA hosts 7th Gala Dinner

Dubai - MENA Herald: Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) organised its 7th annual gala dinner under the theme ‘Be Proud, our homeland is united.’ The move supports DEWA’s strategy to promote National Identity and belonging, and its commitment to enhancing communications with staff and providing a happy and positive work environment for them. The gala dinner, held at Madinat Jumeirah in Dubai, was attended by HE Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD & CEO of DEWA, HE Majed Hamad Al Shamsi, Board Member of DEWA, Executive Vice Presidents, Vice Presidents, and around 1,200 employees.
In his keynote speech, Al Tayer welcomed the staff and guests, noting that the gala dinner’s theme ‘Be proud, our homeland is united’ summarises the success story of the United Arab Emirates that was started by the founding fathers and is being continued by HH Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, and Their Highnesses the Members of the Supreme Council and Rulers of the Emirates, who continue the journey of building, development, and excellence with the help of the UAE people.
“‘Be proud, our homeland is united’ reflect the efforts made by the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the late Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum, and the other founding fathers of the nation, to build a modern country that has become a role model for unity. This unity was not the result of historical elements or geographical boundaries as much as it was imposed by close ties, shared values, and the same destiny in the Spirit of the Union. As His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum’s advice is to, “Unite hearts before uniting efforts, and to feel the spirit before building the place,”” said Al Tayer.
Al Tayer noted that ‘Our homeland is united’ was the meaning conveyed by HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, three years ago during the celebration of the 250th anniversary of building Qasr Al Hosn in Abu Dhabi. “Our country is a unified and strong fort,” said His Highness.
“The union of the UAE has become a remarkable symbol of glory that makes us proud to belong to the United Arab Emirates; this young country that has skipped hundreds of years by developing its systems and organisations. This coincided with developing its people, whom it regards as its most valuable resource, thanks to the wise vision of our leadership that foresees the future and believed in the Emirati people’s ability to achieve the impossible. The UAE has built upon a solid base of the loyalty, devotion, and sacrifice of its citizens and their determination for the prosperity of this country and keeping its unity, which has become stronger year after year. This is accompanied by more prosperity and development,” added Al Tayer.
“‘Be proud, Our Homeland is United’ is a theme that reflects the pillars on which this country was built, supports its overarching goals, enhances the trust of Emiratis in their present and past, established a culture of unity, and highlights their mutual history, their present, and their future. This supports the UAE Vision 2021 which states that “In a strong and safe union, knowledgeable and innovative Emiratis will confidently build a competitive and resilient economy. They will thrive as a cohesive society bonded to its identity.” This comprehensive vision is based on four principles. These are: ‘United in Responsibility,’ ‘United in Destiny,’ ‘United in knowledge,’ and ‘United in Prosperity.’ These are the foundations on which the UAE was built and the principles that we look at while we continue our journey of growth and prosperity. These principles inspire us to continue our efforts to make the UAE one of the best countries in the world when we celebrate the golden jubilee of our blessed union,” said Al Tayer.
“Today, we proudly remember the UAE’s martyrs, who gave their lives on the field of battle to become heroes. They gave up their lives to defend the unity of our country, keep the UAE flag flying high, defend the right, and protect peace and security. We pray to God to bless their souls and bestow patience upon their families and loved ones. We are also proud of our soldiers in the Armed Forces who strive to protect the country, including DEWA staff who joined the National Service. To date, 242 DEWA employees have undertaken National Service. DEWA takes priority in achieving happiness for all stakeholders including customers, partners, employees, and society as a whole. This supports the directives of our wise leadership, and our efforts to achieve the Dubai Plan 2021 to establish a cohesive society that is tolerant and inclusive, embracing common civic values. This also supports DEWA’s vision to become a sustainable innovative world class utility. I am glad that our gathering is during DEWA’s Happiness Week, where we emphasise our commitment towards achieving happiness for all,” he noted.
Al Tayer added that the UAE’s success over the years was not easily accomplished. Challenges were faced and overcome thanks to the UAE’s wise leadership and the strong will of its people. This unity embodies loyalty, strong will, and determination of a country that strives to achieve prosperity and happiness for its citizens, residents, and visitors.
“‘Our homeland is united’ is not a slogan. It is a feeling in the heart of every citizen and resident of the UAE. It is a principle we follow in pursuit of achieving greater accomplishments. ‘Our homeland is united’ carries wonderful meanings we must adopt in all aspects of our lives. Cooperation and team work are the basis for progress and success, and the key to have the strength we need to overcome challenges. As His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum has observed, “It is our team spirit, combined with the love we have for our country that has given spirit to our Union, which in turn gives us strength, motivation and perseverance,”” concluded Al Tayer.
“We organise DEWA’s 7th gala dinner as part of DEWA’s strategy for 2021 to provide a happy working environment, build competent capabilities, and build a happy culture that fosters national identity. These efforts support DEWA’s vision to become a sustainable innovative world-class utility,” said Khawla Al Mehairi, Vice President of Marketing and Corporate Communications at DEWA.
“DEWA’s senior management has approved the theme ‘Be proud, our homeland is united,’ to reflect our pride in the unity of the UAE and our national identity, which grows stronger year after year. The theme also emphasises the unity of DEWA’s work teams, departments, divisions, and sectors, our integration with other local and federal government organisations, and our role in serving society as a whole to be a part of our corporate social responsibility. Over the years, working together as one integrated and unified team has contributed to DEWA becoming one of the best utilities in the world, thanks to the directives of DEWA’s senior management, and the efforts made by its employees. We are really proud of what has been achieved so far, and what is still to be achieved in the future,” added Al Mehairi.
The event included different activities including a video about National Identity featuring interviews with DEWA staff who undertook National Service, an Emirati traditional play, poetry reading, competitions and raffle draws. Outdoor activities included a photography stand, musicians playing oud and violins, and a traditional band.
DEWA staff expressed their happiness to be at the annual gala dinner, noting that they will always remember the slogan which emphasises teamwork. They commended the organisation and activities of the event, adding that it is an important event to promote communications among staff and the management and establish a positive environment at DEWA that makes staff happier.