Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) has presented a proposal to the Executive Council of Dubai for its Caring for the Bereaved initiative to simplify procedures and getting services for families of deceased UAE Nationals. The initiative underlines the values of solidarity and compassion, which is instilled in Dubai and the UAE society and supports DEWA’s role as a socially-responsible government organisations. The initiative was based on suggestions that were received from citizens. DEWA formed a joint committee comprising the relevant government organisations in Dubai, to identify all the procedures required in case of death such as the issuance of death certificate, forensic report, and burial permit, setting up signs that guide people to the condolence tent, and supplying the tents with electricity and water. The committee developed a future vision for the initiative, based on experiences of the bereaved. Eight government departments in Dubai expressed their interest to join the initiative. In March, DEWA issued a resolution exempting Emirati condolence tents from electricity-connection fees and will provide a water tank free of charge for each day for the three-day mourning period.
“We seek to consolidate the concepts of giving, compassion, and cohesion within UAE society in support of the Year of Giving initiative, which was launched by His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, and to carry out the directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, to implement initiatives for the benefit of UAE society. This pioneering social initiative aims to unify the efforts of relevant governmental departments to support families of deceased Emiratis, and facilitate the procedures to receive the services,” said HE Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD & CEO of DEWA.
“DEWA works according to a clear strategy for corporate social responsibility, which incorporates various humanitarian and philanthropic initiatives, and is based on best international practices. Our strategy is to consolidate social responsibility by continuously focusing on the concepts of giving and solidarity. DEWA’s CSR effort contributed to raising society’s happiness from 82% in 2013, to 89% in 2016, and receiving international awards and certificates such as the MVO 8000 Certification. DEWA was the first government organisation in Dubai to receive this global recognition.
Al Tayer recommended establishing a joint committee from the Executive Council of Dubai, DEWA, the Community Development Authority, and Dubai’s The Model Centre, to determine the mechanism of the initiative, and submit recommendations to the Executive Council to be considered and adopted.
Government departments in Dubai welcomed the initiative and announced willingness to provide the necessary support for its success. The initiative was also welcomed by the Executive Council of Dubai.
HE Abdullah Al Shaibani, Secretary General of the Executive Council of Dubai, commended the initiative and its role in facilitating procedures and streamlining processes, which relieves the burdens of the families of the deceased in Dubai.
“The initiative is another reflection of the culture of doing good deeds that is deeply rooted in the Emirati society. We are always keen to provide the best to serve individuals and society as a whole. Losing a friend or a family member makes families feel loneliness and pain. Such initiatives, which reflect the approach of the wise leadership to adopt and promote social solidarity, relieve their pain and support them psychologically and financially, while offering condolences to families,” said Al Shaibani.
DEWA takes its social responsibility seriously, especially in cases of death, which is one of the worst tragedies that may affect members of society, where families need all the support from relevant authorities to streamline procedures through and provide them on smart platforms. The idea of this pioneering initiative is aimed at coordination among relevant organisations to simplify procedures and reduce time and effort on the bereaved.