DEWA launches smart app on Apple Vision Pro AR/VR headset

Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) has launched its customer smart services app on the Apple Vision Pro headset combining augmented and virtual reality.

Believed to be the first utility to offer the option, DEWA intends to use the capabilities and features of Apple Vision Pro to enhance its customer services.

The move also supports DEWA’s intent to provide its services to customers through the available digital channels.

“The smart government goes to the people and does not wait for them to come to it;” comments HE Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD and CEO of DEWA.

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“We are committed to keeping pace with rapid technological developments to provide innovative, safe and proactive services that are available around the clock through various channels that suit all customers and allow them to conduct their transactions seamlessly and conveniently, anytime, anywhere, to save their time and effort and contribute to enhancing their happiness.”

He adds that DEWA’s advanced digital infrastructure has contributed to increasing the smart adoption of its services to over 99%.

Through Apple Vision Pro, DEWA already provides a range of services, including accessing the app using the UAE Pass digital identity, a username and password, or through eyeprint authentication.

The app identifies the main customer account with the ability to choose the account to enquire about and view visual data using the virtual touch and drag feature.

Additionally, the customer can view bill details and pay using Apple Pay, access their ‘Smart Living’ consumption monitoring dashboard, as well as view their consumption reports compared to similar homes through the ‘My Sustainable Living’ programme.

The smart app also provides each customer with an individual footprint as well as customised tips to enhance consumption efficiency.

Apple Vision Pro, a mixed reality glasses/headset, was launched in February 2024 and allows navigation using eyes, hands or voice.

In 2023, DEWA’s customers conducted around 12.5 million digital transactions – up about 25% on the around 10 million in 2022.

These included over 2.1 million transactions using DEWA’s website and over 3.2 million transactions using DEWA’s smart app, in addition to more than 6.8 million transactions through various digital channels that DEWA provides in collaboration with its partners.