Dubai sets new world record with 0.82 minutes annual power disruption
AI integration enhances operational efficiency
DUBAI – Dubai’s electricity network has reached a new milestone in reliability, with the Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) reporting the lowest-ever customer minutes lost (CML) globally.
The utility recorded just 0.82 minutes of power disruption per customer annually, equivalent to roughly 49 seconds. The achievement marks a significant improvement on its previous record of 0.94 minutes set in 2024.
The announcement was made by Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of DEWA, who highlighted the role of advanced technologies in achieving the milestone. The latest figures position Dubai well ahead of major global benchmarks, reinforcing its standing as a leading city for infrastructure efficiency and service reliability.
Smart grid
DEWA’s progress has been driven largely by its ongoing investment in smart grid technologies, a central component of its long-term strategy. The authority is implementing a comprehensive Smart Grid programme with investments totalling Dh7 billion through to 2035. This system is designed to enhance the efficiency of electricity transmission and distribution while significantly reducing outages and operational losses.
According to Al Tayer, the integration of Fourth Industrial Revolution technologies, particularly artificial intelligence, has transformed DEWA’s operational capabilities. These technologies enable predictive maintenance, faster response times and improved load management across the network. The smart grid also aligns with broader strategic frameworks such as the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan and the Dubai Economic Agenda (D33), both of which aim to position Dubai among the world’s top three cities.
Advanced systems
A key component of this transformation is the Automatic Smart Grid Restoration System, described as the first initiative of its kind in the Middle East and North Africa. The system operates around the clock, allowing for remote monitoring, control and management without human intervention. Through centralised and automated processes, it can detect faults, isolate affected areas and restore electricity supply within seconds.
This level of automation has contributed significantly to reducing outage durations and improving overall service reliability. The results are evident in the steady decline of CML figures over the past decade. In 2012, Dubai recorded 6.88 minutes of power disruption per customer annually. By 2025, this figure had dropped sharply to 0.82 minutes.
The performance places Dubai far ahead of international counterparts. Leading utility companies across the European Union report an average of approximately 15 minutes of annual customer minutes lost, highlighting the scale of DEWA’s achievement.