Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum inaugurated Al Shera’a, the new Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) headquarters in Al Jaddaf, on May 16, 2026, unveiling a structure that officials call the world’s tallest, largest and smartest net-positive government building. The landmark, which produces more clean energy than it consumes, signals a major step in Dubai’s push to embed sustainability into everyday life and government operations.
Speaking at the ceremony, Sheikh Mohammed described Dubai as a unique model where sustainability has shifted from strategic goal to daily practice. “Every achievement should be viewed as a launchpad for new phases of excellence and innovation,” he said, praising the project team for delivering what he called an inspiring model in energy efficiency and technology serving humanity.
A cognitive building that thinks and adapts
What sets Al Shera’a apart isn’t just its size or energy output—it’s the underlying intelligence. DEVA’s Managing Director and CEO Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer explained that the building operates through an integrated cognitive system that “thinks, senses and responds,” powered by Internet of Things technologies, big data analytics and artificial intelligence.
More than 110,000 smart sensors monitor environmental and operational data in real time, while over 1,500 wireless access points and 3,200 network devices generate roughly 1.9 million automated control commands daily. All systems—from HVAC and lighting to elevator movement and parking—are unified through the Al Shera’a smart app, a single interface managing about 100 independent systems with 167 operating functions.
Al Tayer said the goal is to “establish a new global benchmark for net positive buildings” while placing people at the core of the work experience. The app emphasizes user experience, employee wellbeing, resource management and proactive maintenance, automatically adjusting resources based on actual usage.
Clean energy at scale
Al Shera’a’s total electricity generation capacity reaches 5 MW, supplied by two photovoltaic systems. Building Integrated Photovoltaic (BIPV) panels cover the facade—251 panels across roughly 9,000 square feet, providing 187 kWp. A larger array of about 8,400 panels installed on the roof, podium fins, ground level and shading structures spans over 200,000 square feet, delivering approximately 4.821 MW. Specialized robotics clean the solar panels to maintain efficiency.
The building also encourages green mobility: a dedicated pedestrian bridge connects directly to Al Jaddaf Metro Station, promoting public transport use and reducing congestion and carbon emissions.
Strategic context
Al Shera’a supports the Dubai Clean Energy Strategy 2050 and the Dubai Net Zero Carbon Emissions Strategy 2050. Sheikh Mohammed framed the project as part of a broader journey: “Our journey continues, to deliver the best government experience in the world and to build a city that is the best place to live and work.”
Senior officials attending the inauguration included Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of Dubai Civil Aviation Authority and Chairman of Emirates Airline and Group, alongside Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, President of the UAE Olympic Committee.
What comes next
While Al Shera’a sets a new standard for sustainable government architecture, its implications extend beyond one building. The integration of AI, IoT and real-time data into daily operations suggests a blueprint for future infrastructure—where buildings not only consume less but actively contribute energy back to the grid. For Dubai, already positioning itself as a hub for innovation, this landmark may accelerate similar projects across the region. The challenge now lies in scaling these technologies to existing stock and ensuring that such “net-positive” thinking becomes standard, not exceptional.