DEWA expands Dubai’s electricity network with $2.7 billion investment

Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) has invested more than AED10 billion ($2.7 billion) to expand its electricity transmission network as the emirate prepares for rising energy demand driven by urban growth, industrial development, and the clean energy transition.

The utility commissioned eight new 132-kilovolt (kV) transmission substations in the first half of 2026, adding a combined conversion capacity of 1,200 megavolt-amperes (MVA). The AED970 million projects also included 20 kilometers of transmission cables, strengthening the resilience and reliability of Dubai’s power grid.

DEWA also commissioned a new 400/132kV transmission substation at Saih Al Dahal within the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park, further reinforcing the infrastructure supporting one of the world’s largest single-site solar developments.

“Our commitment is to meet current and future electricity demand while keeping pace with Dubai’s rapid development,” said Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, Managing Director and CEO of DEWA. He added that the utility’s transmission investments support the objectives of the Dubai Economic Agenda D33 and the Dubai Social Agenda 33.

The expansion is set to continue. DEWA is currently building 65 new 132kV substations and one 400kV substation. Over the next three years, it plans to tender more than 30 additional 132kV substations, install 340 kilometers of underground transmission cables, and construct two more 400kV substations.

According to Hussain Lootah, Executive Vice President of Transmission Power, the newly commissioned substations will support rapidly growing communities across Dubai, including Madinat Hind 4, Al Khairan First, Al Layan First, Nad Al Sheba First, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Gardens, Al Barsha South Fourth, Me’aisem Second, and Al Manara.

By the end of the first half of 2026, DEWA’s transmission network comprised 402 substations, including 28 operating at the 400kV level and 374 at 132kV.

The utility also awarded 21 contracts for new 132kV substations across key development areas, including Al Barsha South, Al Jaddaf, Al Yalayis, Al Yufrah, Bu Kadra, Jebel Ali, Airport City, Me’aisem, Saih Al Dahal, Umm Suqeim, Wadi Al Safa, Warsan, and Zabeel.

In addition, DEWA awarded contracts worth approximately AED3 billion to install 64 kilometers of new 132kV transmission cables, further expanding the grid as Dubai scales its energy infrastructure to meet future demand.