This partnership aims to improve the world's tallest, largest and smartest government building with zero net carbon emissions

Dubai Government chooses Johnson Controls and Microsoft to implement the latest technologies at its new headquarters in Al-Shera'a

photo_camera AFP/ ARWAN NAAMANI - Said Mohamed al-Tayer, CEO and Managing Director, Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA)

The Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) has appointed a consortium led by Moro Hub (Data Hub Integrated Solutions LLC), the digital arm of DEWA, Johnson Controls (NYSE: JCI), the global leader for smart, healthy and sustainable buildings and Microsoft, to implement the latest digital twin technologies, 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 net-zero energy government building in the world. The total energy used in the building over a year will be equal to or less than the energy produced on site.

Saeed Mohamed al-Tayer, CEO of DEWA, said that this partnership supports the entity's work to set a global benchmark for buildings that strike a balance between development and the environment. This is achieved by monitoring energy efficiency and space performance using central artificial intelligence. This helps with remote diagnostics, predictive maintenance, compliance monitoring and advanced risk assessments.

DEWA embraces the "We work in alignment with the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Rashid al-Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, to make Dubai a global hub for clean energy and green economy latest disruptive solutions and applications of the Fourth Industrial Revolution in Al-Shera'a. We work in alignment with the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Rashid al-Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, to make Dubai a global hub for clean energy and green economy. This supports our vision to become a world-leading sustainable and innovative corporation. This also protects the right of future generations to live in a clean, healthy and safe environment, in addition to supporting the UAE Centenary 2071 to make the UAE the leading nation in the world," added Saeed Mohamed al-Tayer.

This project is Johnson Controls' latest breakthrough in reimagining building performance to serve people, places and the planet. Johnson Controls will leverage its unmatched expertise in areas such as environmental footprint minimisation and OpenBlue healthy building solutions to meet DEWA's bold green goals for its new headquarters.

Sayed Hashish, director general de Microsoft en Emiratos, explicó: "Nuestra nueva asociación con Johnson Controls y DEWA refleja el trabajo de los EAU por reunir a las entidades públicas y privadas con el fin de impulsar su ambicioso programa de sostenibilidad. PHOTO/AP

Commenting on the announcement, Johnson Controls Chairman and CEO George Oliver said: "As a leader and pioneer in sustainability, Johnson Controls is proud to partner with DEWA and Microsoft in the implementation of the world's smartest net-zero energy government building. This project clearly demonstrates how our OpenBlue platform is accelerating the path to net-zero energy, driving green goals and reducing our customers' carbon footprint as well as our own."

While Ghantoot Group will handle the construction work on the building, Moro Hub will support DEWA in implementing the latest IoT, cybersecurity, digital twin technologies, AI and smart building management solutions from Johnson Controls and Microsoft. Thanks to these innovative technologies, Al-Shera'a is expected to use up to 50% less water than other similar buildings.

Sayed Hashish, CEO of Microsoft in the UAE, explained: "Our new partnership with Johnson Controls and DEWA reflects the UAE's work to bring together public and private entities to drive its ambitious sustainability agenda. We are delighted to be part of this monumental project and look forward to providing the necessary expertise and cloud capability through our latest artificial intelligence 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."

Al-Shera'a is expected to be ready in 2023 and will feature a range of artificial intelligence solutions across all systems and spaces, including a digital concierge for all employees and visitors. With 15 floors, a basement and a four-storey car park, the building will be able to accommodate more than 5,000 people.

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

Submitted by José Antonio Sierra. 

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