Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) is enhancing its strategic partnerships to solidify Dubai's status as a top investment destination for renewable energy. These collaborations attract innovative talent across various fields within a robust business environment, supported by advanced legislative frameworks, ambitious development plans, major projects, and world-class infrastructure.
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| Dubai renewable energy |
DEWA is currently executing several projects under the Independent Water and Power Producer (IWPP) model, with investments surpassing AED 43 billion. It has established strategic partnerships with numerous local and international entities from both government and private sectors. DEWA was awarded the ISO 44001 certificate in joint business relationship management by the British Standards Institute in 2019, making it the first entity in the Middle East and Africa to achieve this recognition.
Stakeholder satisfaction is central to DEWA’s strategy, with a partner happiness rate exceeding 94% in 2023. Transitioning from the traditional Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) model to the IWPP model has attracted over AED 43 billion in investments since 2014.
DEWA has led the way in IWPP project management and implementation, completing several sustainable projects such as the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park, the world's largest single-site solar park with a planned production capacity of 5,000MW by 2030. Additionally, DEWA has implemented the IWP model in the Hassyan water desalination project, utilizing Sea Water Reverse Osmosis (SWRO) technology powered by solar energy.
The IWPP model offers significant social and economic benefits. DEWA has set new benchmarks for solar energy prices per kilowatt-hour, attracting substantial private sector investments and boosting Dubai and the UAE’s economy. The model's success relies on effective governance, ensuring transparency, accountability, and the rule of law to enhance investor confidence and foster a favorable regulatory environment.
DEWA’s operational framework includes a dedicated department for clean energy and IWPP model implementation, overseeing the transition from traditional project management methods. This approach aligns with the principles of public-private partnerships, focusing on employment and knowledge transfer to Emirati employees, thus benefiting the local community.
Government-private sector cooperation is crucial for achieving Dubai’s goals and strengthening its position as a leading investment model, promoting economic growth and sustainable development. These efforts are key to Dubai’s aim of becoming one of the top three global economies, as outlined in the Dubai Economic Agenda (D33), contributing to the UAE’s goal of being the world’s leading nation by 2071.
DEWA’s initiatives provide numerous investment opportunities within a supportive business environment, backed by advanced legislative and legal systems, ambitious development plans, and high-quality infrastructure. This strategic approach has enhanced Dubai’s reputation as a major investment hub, fostering entrepreneurship and attracting innovative talent across all fields.
In addition to major projects, DEWA organizes global events that bring together key decision-makers, officials, and investors to explore investment opportunities and the latest scientific research. DEWA’s R&D Centre at the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park exemplifies successful government-academic collaboration, working with institutions like Stanford University, UAE University, Khalifa University for Science, Technology and Research, and the University of Sharjah to advance clean and renewable energy research.
DEWA’s collaborative efforts aim to create an investment-friendly environment based on integrity and transparency, driving continued development and global competitiveness for Dubai and the UAE under visionary leadership.
Published on Dubaitowa.