Large-scale development of capacity to generate renewable energy from the sun and wind, is a major part of the shift towards sustainability for the Emirates and its peers in the gulf. The countries are also developing green hydrogen and blue ammonia from fossil fuels, while natural gas reservoirs are being tapped to create food for aquaculture.

Dubai boasts of the largest solar park in the world, and is even using power from the unit to support industrial production of aluminium for exports. But as more households and businesses are lined up to benefit from clean electricity, Dubai's water and power authority has created a mechanism to keep track of demand and supply.

The local body has joined hands with the prestigious Stanford University, to create a system that uses smart tech for predicting the production of solar energy more accurately. Backed by AI and deep learning, this solution can cut down the margin of error in gauging the output from photovoltaic cells to 10%.

It relies on high density cameras on satellites, paired with a network of meteorological stations, to measure movement of dust and clouds. These factors along with the amount of light falling on each cell, determine the performance of a photovoltaic plant.

Stanford, which has provided the knowhow for this solution, is also aiming to find answers to global energy issues through the partnership.

The solar park near Dubai has also collaborated with other firms, including a European company that has built a metallic cube for storing the desert heat, to be used later. Power from the sun has also enabled the city to send eco-friendly material for use in BMW's vehicles.

Speaking intelligent solutions to track flow of energy, DEWA has also installed smart meters in Dubai, so that residents can monitor their usage. The move is among other initiatives aimed at promoting responsible consumption of electricity and water.