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With a bold vision for net-zero emissions and a $1.9bn smart grid transformation underway, Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) is at the heart of the UAE’s clean energy transition.
Under the leadership of His Excellency Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD & CEO, the authority is deploying cutting-edge technologies — from AI and hydrogen to solar and hydroelectric power — to drive Dubai’s ambitious sustainability goals.
In an exclusive interview, Al Tayer outlines how DEWA is not only keeping the lights on for a fast-growing city, but also setting global benchmarks in energy efficiency, water supply, innovation and carbon reduction.
“We work in line with the vision and directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, and His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai,” Al Tayer tells Gulf Business.
“Our efforts are focused on supporting sustainable development and addressing current and future challenges in the energy sector. This includes accelerating the transition to clean and renewable energy sources to reduce carbon emissions, preserve our natural resources and protect the environment for generations to come.
“In Dubai, we have adopted a clear strategy to transform the emirate into a global hub for clean energy and a green economy. This is being achieved through pioneering projects that support both the Dubai Clean Energy Strategy 2050 and the Dubai Net Zero Carbon Emissions Strategy 2050, which aim to ensure 100 per cent of the emirate’s energy production capacity comes from clean sources by 2050.”
Added to this, Al Tayer says DEWA has developed its Independent Power and Water Producer (IPWP) model by utilising the best international experiences and practices. DEWA has succeeded in attracting investments worth more than Dhs43bn to implement IPWP projects.
Leading solar evolution
Nowhere is DEWA’s clean energy ambition more visible than at the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park, the largest single-site solar park in the world. With a current capacity of 3,860MW, the park will reach 7,260MW by 2030: enough to power nearly two million homes and reduce carbon emissions by over eight million tonnes annually. This surpasses its original target of supplying 5,000MW. Its carbon emissions reduction is also set to reach 8 million tonnes (Mt) of CO₂ annually, surpassing the original target of 6.5Mt.Moreover, Dhs50bn is set to be invested in the project in the coming years.
“This project is at the forefront of technological advancement in renewable energy,” Al Tayer explains. “It reflects the UAE’s commitment to clean energy and positions Dubai as a global leader in solar innovation.”
Built using the independent power producer (IPP) model, the solar park has driven down energy tariffs to record lows. In 2023, the sixth phase attracted the lowest bid received at the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park for solar PV, at just 1.62 US cents per kilowatt-hour.
“Our IPP model has significantly lowered solar costs and attracted major global investment,” he says. “It shows that clean energy can also be cost-competitive.”
The park has already notched up four Guinness World Records: including the tallest CSP tower at 263.12 metres, the longest continuous operation of a concentrated solar power plant, the world’s first 3D-printed laboratory as well as the world’s largest solar-powered data centre. In 2024, DEWA won the Energy Infrastructure Award at the S&P Global Platts Energy Awards for the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park, and its fourth phase won the SolarPACES Technology Innovation Award for pioneering advancements in solar energy.
“This recognition validates a decade-long journey of innovation,” says Al Tayer, noting that the park was also the first renewable energy project in MENA to be named Best Sustainable Project at the MEED Quality Awards back in 2014.
Smart grid, smart future
At the core of DEWA’s digital transformation is also its $1.9bn investment in smart grid technology: a major step towards automating and optimising Dubai’s energy and water networks.
“Our smart grid enables real-time monitoring, enhances efficiency, and supports automated decision-making using artificial intelligence and the Internet of Things,” says Al Tayer. “It is a critical pillar in our strategy to deliver seamless, sustainable utility services across Dubai.”
The grid modernisation programme spans generation, transmission and distribution networks and plays a key role in supporting renewable energy integration, especially as clean sources become the dominant part of Dubai’s energy mix. DEWA is also implementing AI accross this whole value chain of electricity and water.
A diverse mix: hydro and storage
Beyond solar, DEWA is diversifying into other clean energy sources. It is finalising the region’s first pumped storage hydroelectric station in Hatta, which will have capacity for 250MW using water stored in the Hatta Dam and an upper reservoir built in the mountains. The plant will have 1,500MWh of storage capacity and an 80-year lifespan.
“This project is a milestone for the UAE’s energy sector,” Al Tayer says. “It uses gravity and stored water to deliver reliable power with minimal environmental impact.”
Another standout is DEWA’s Green Hydrogen project: the first in MENA to produce hydrogen using solar power. Located at the solar park, the pilot plant produces 20kg of hydrogen per hour and acts as a testbed for future hydrogen applications in transport and energy.
“The plant showcases our focus on emerging technologies like green hydrogen, which will be vital in long-term decarbonisation,” he adds.
Future phases of the solar park will also integrate advanced battery storage. The seventh phase, now under development, will feature 1,600MW of solar PV paired with 1,000MW of battery storage, making it one of the world’s largest solar-plus-storage projects.
“This will enhance grid resilience and reliability,” Al Tayer notes. “Our goal is to ensure clean energy supply around the clock.”
Innovation at the core
Central to DEWA’s strategy is the R&D Centre located within the solar park. Equipped with cutting-edge labs and facilities, the centre is testing next-gen solutions: from satellite-based grid monitoring to solar-powered water desalination.
“Our R&D Centre drives innovation across solar technologies, smart grids, energy storage and green hydrogen,” says Al Tayer. “It supports our transformation into a fully digital, AI-driven utility.”
The centre includes an ISO certified indoor and outdoor testing facilities for solar technologies, advance real-time grid simulators of the DEWA grid, robotics labs, Internet of Things development, 3D printing capabilities, and even a satellite ground station as part of DEWA’s Space-D programme. Research areas include solar and load forecasting using AI, smart grid digitalisation, and robotic maintenance for overhead lines.
“We collaborate with world-class institutions like Stanford and Khalifa University through our ‘Al Baheth’ programme,” he says. “These partnerships are essential to building local and global knowledge.”
As a result, DEWA has filed 129 intellectual property rights and produced more than 400 publications for all of DEWA. “We foster a culture of innovation by recognising our employees’ contributions and protecting their IP,” Al Tayer says.
Empowering national talent
Alongside technology, DEWA is investing in people. Through its Sustainability & Innovation Centre, more than 285 Emiratis have been trained in solar energy disciplines, with a focus on leadership and technical skills.
“Our Cleantech Youth Program has graduated 120 young Emiratis,” Al Tayer says. “We are equipping them with the tools to lead the UAE’s clean energy transformation.”
In 2019, DEWA also partnered with the University of California, Berkeley to launch a master’s Programme in Future Energy Systems for Emirati professionals.
These investments are paying off. “Thanks to these initiatives, we’ve improved PV system efficiency from 11 per cent in 2013 to 23 per cent in 2025, cutting land use by half for the same power capacity,” he adds.
DEWA’s operational excellence is reflected in its global rankings. Electricity transmission and distribution losses are just 2 per cent, compared to 6-7 per cent in the US and Europe. Water network losses are 4.5 per cent, versus 15 per cent in North America. And electricity customer minutes lost per year are just 0.94 minutes: far below the EU average of 15 minutes.
From IPO to impact
In financial terms, DEWA continues to deliver strong results. The utility reported revenues of over Dhs30bn in 2024, driven by rising demand and robust operational performance. Since its record-breaking IPO in 2022, DEWA has also delivered consistent dividends, reinforcing investor confidence.
“Our listing has helped us further support Dubai’s economy while staying focused on sustainable growth,” says Al Tayer.
“It reflects our financial strength and long-term commitment.”
“We work in line with the vision of our wise leadership,” Al Tayer concludes. “Our goal is to create a better tomorrow by building a green, smart, and sustainable future.”
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