Etihad Water and Electricity (EtihadWE) and Al Ghurair PCS Switchgear Manufacturing have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at WETEX 2026 to pilot ETAP digital twin technology at one of EtihadWE’s substations, the companies said.
In the agreement dated 5 November 2026, the two parties will evaluate the technology’s potential to enhance network visibility, support operational decision-making and improve operational efficiency. The pilot will focus on a 132/11 kV substation selected by EtihadWE.
Under the MoU, Al Ghurair PCS will develop a digital model of the substation and deploy ETAP’s Intelligent Single-Line Diagram (iSLD) module. The trial will also include training and technical support for EtihadWE’s teams throughout the evaluation period.
Company representatives back the trial
EtihadWE’s Chief Operating Officer, Eng. Abdulla AlKhemeiri, said in the statement that digital technologies offer utilities new opportunities to strengthen network visibility and improve planning and management of critical infrastructure. He added that the pilot would allow EtihadWE’s teams to evaluate ETAP’s capabilities using a model of one of its own substations and assess how the tools could contribute to “more effective network planning and management.”
Ammar Hamdan, Senior Vice President at Al Ghurair PCS, said that reliable data underpins decision-making and operational performance. He added that digital twins can improve visibility and grid resilience, and he described the MoU as part of the companies’ efforts to advance sustainable power infrastructure while building local capabilities for the UAE’s energy transition.
Assessing fit for operational needs
The companies said the pilot is intended to give EtihadWE practical experience with the technology and help determine its suitability for EtihadWE’s operational and network requirements.
The MoU was signed by Eng. Abdulla AlKhemeiri and Ammar Hamdan during WETEX 2026.
