Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) has been translating the Dubai-It approach into world-leading energy, water and sustainability projects, reinforcing Dubai’s position as a global hub for innovation, clean energy and future readiness.
The Dubai-It initiative, launched by HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, provides a practical framework that emphasizes execution as the true measure of success, with ambition delivering value only when transformed into tangible results.
Across Dubai’s institutions, the Dubai-It approach is reflected in projects and initiatives that convert vision into measurable achievements, with excellence defined by speed of execution and quality of performance.
DEWA exemplifies this philosophy by transforming vision into world-class infrastructure, ideas into pioneering projects and results into globally recognized achievements and performance indicators.
DEWA leads global utility performance indicators
DEWA ranks first globally in 13 key performance indicators across its operations while leading several regional benchmarks. The utility recorded the world’s lowest customer minutes lost for electricity at an average of 0.82 minutes (49 seconds) per customer annually and the lowest electricity transmission and distribution network losses at 2 percent.
Water network losses stood at 4.4 percent, among the lowest globally, while the reliability and availability of Dubai’s power system exceeded 99.99 percent.
Image credits: DEWA | Cropped by GBN
The performance is supported by advanced smart technologies, including the Automatic Smart Grid Restoration System, which isolates affected feeders and restores power automatically without human intervention, ensuring uninterrupted service.
Solar park drives Dubai’s clean energy ambitions
The Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park is one of the strongest examples of the Dubai-It approach in the energy sector. Developed under the independent power producer (IPP) model, it has become the world’s largest single-site solar park of its kind. Its installed capacity has reached 3,860MW and is expected to exceed 8,000MW by 2030, surpassing the original target of 5,000MW.
The solar park’s fourth phase combines photovoltaic (PV) and concentrated solar power (CSP) technologies and has secured four Guinness World Records. The seventh phase further strengthens Dubai’s clean energy ecosystem through additional renewable energy capacity and advanced energy storage solutions.
Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer MD and CEO – DEWA
“The Dubai-It initiative is a renewed testament to Dubai’s limitless ambition. At DEWA, we adopt an integrated operational framework that combines clear vision, proactive planning, meticulous execution and strategic partnerships to ensure measurable outcomes in the energy and water sectors. We continue to implement projects that go beyond meeting Dubai’s current demands to anticipating the needs of rapid economic and population growth, enhancing the emirate’s future readiness and consolidating its position as a global hub for sustainability.”
DEWA said its IPP model has become one of the most successful examples of public-private partnerships, accelerating project delivery, improving economic efficiency and attracting international investment.
The model has strengthened investor confidence and helped reduce renewable energy costs globally while accelerating clean energy deployment. Dubai’s experience has established new global benchmarks for solar energy costs and supported the global transition to sustainable energy.
Clean energy now accounts for more than 21.5 percent of Dubai’s energy mix and is projected to increase to 36 percent by 2030, supporting the emirate’s long-term target of achieving 100 percent clean energy production capacity by 2050.
Dubai-It approach in Hatta plant project
The Dubai-It approach is also reflected in the Hatta Hydroelectric Power Plant, the first project of its kind in the GCC. The 250MW facility has an energy storage capacity of 1,500 megawatt-hours and an operational lifespan of up to 80 years. DEWA continues to diversify its energy portfolio through solar power, CSP, battery energy storage and green hydrogen technologies to build a more resilient and sustainable energy ecosystem.
Rep.Image | Courtesy: DEWA
DEWA is investing $1.91 billion (AED 7 billion) in its Smart Grid Strategy through 2035. The strategy includes six key themes and 19 enablers to improve electricity transmission and distribution efficiency, reduce losses and optimise load management. DEWA also uses AI and advanced digital technologies to predict and manage risks, accelerate response times and maintain service continuity. Its AI-powered virtual employee, Rammas, has handled more than 13 million inquiries across DEWA’s communication channels since its launch in 2017 through mid-June 2026.
DEWA advances digital transformation and future readiness
DEWA said its integrated operational framework extends beyond infrastructure development to creating innovative operational, investment and technology models that serve as global benchmarks.
Through renewable energy, water security, digital transformation and strategic partnerships, the utility continues to demonstrate the Dubai-It approach by turning vision into action and strengthening Dubai’s sustainable future.
