The Abu Dhabi Department of Energy (DoE) has signed an agreement with American multinational computer technology company Dell to enhance cooperation on information technology and information security at the DoE, supporting the Department’s efforts to drive development across the entire energy sector in the emirate.
Signed during GITEX Technology Week 2020, which is taking place at the Dubai World Trade Centre on December 6-10, 2020, the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) adds to the existing strategic cooperation between the DoE and Dell, which allows the Department to benefit from the company’s technical and information-security expertise, and to explore potential areas of collaboration.
DoE Undersecretary His Excellency Eng. Mohammed bin Jarsh Al Falasi and Fady Richmany, Senior Director and General Manager, UAE – Dell Technologies, signed the agreement, with several officials and members of both companies in attendance.
The agreement outlines several areas of cooperation, including training, research and development (R&D) in information security. The two parties also agreed to exchange information and expertise in an effort to set up an integrated system for cooperation in technology and energy in the period ahead.
“The Abu Dhabi Department of Energy is working to strengthen its strategic partnerships in order to support its efforts to develop the energy sector,” said H.E. Eng. Mohammed bin Jarsh Al Falasi. “Furthermore, the DoE is also looking to boost its own capacities through advanced technology and enhanced information security, in addition to supporting its human resources by means of continuous training.”
“This new partnership with Dell is a major step forward towards achieving our goals and keeping up with developments across all technological disciplines taking place around the world. It also serves to enhance our ability to lead the digital transformation in the Abu Dhabi energy sector,” H.E. Al Falasi added. “Dell has extensive expertise in this critical sector and we look forward to achieving tangible success as we collaborate with the company and exchange expertise and best practices.”
For his part, Dell’s Fady Richmany noted: “Digital transformation is a key pillar of socio-economic growth as envisioned by the UAE government. As an entity responsible for driving the development of the energy sector, the Abu Dhabi Department of Energy (DoE) is harnessing the power of technology to modernise, automate and transform its infrastructure. Now more than ever, technology is driving significant disruption in the energy and utilities industry and our collaboration with DoE, reflects our joint commitment to drive innovation and deliver smart, scalable, and secure solutions that can meet today’s energy demands. We thank DoE for their collaboration and are honoured to be their technology partner of choice as they move forward with their digital transformation agenda.”
Areas of Cooperation
The three-year MoU covers several areas of collaboration between the two parties, most notably undertaking research and development in the agreed-upon areas of cooperation; developing technical solutions and initiatives; capability-building; and, where applicable, implementation of pilot projects.
The areas of cooperation also include secondment of DoE personnel to DELL when in line with the areas of cooperation outlined in the agreement. The seconded staff will be trained to use advanced technological systems and other applications to be agreed upon later on.
Moreover, the two parties agreed to study and develop measures to increase the efficiency of information technology and information security in the Abu Dhabi energy sector, among other industries, and ensure compliance with global best practices.