Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) has announced that its total investments in Dubai’s electricity transmission network have exceeded AED 10 billion, reflecting the utility’s continued efforts to strengthen the emirate’s power infrastructure and support its rapid urban and economic growth. The investment forms part of Dubai’s long-term development strategy under the guidance of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.
As part of its network expansion, DEWA completed and commissioned eight new 132-kilovolt (kV) transmission substations during the first half of 2026. The substations have a combined capacity of 1,200 megavolt-amperes (MVA) and were developed at a total cost of AED 970 million. The projects also included the installation of 20 kilometers of new transmission cables to improve the reliability and efficiency of the electricity network.
DEWA also commissioned a major 400/132 kV transmission substation at Saih Al Dahal, located within the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park. Built at a cost of AED 630 million, the facility has a conversion capacity of 2,000 MVA and is connected through 117 kilometers of overhead transmission lines. The substation is expected to play a key role in integrating renewable energy into Dubai’s electricity grid while strengthening the overall transmission system.
According to DEWA, the newly completed projects required more than nine million working hours and were delivered using advanced digital technologies. These technologies help improve operational efficiency, increase system reliability, and maintain high safety standards across the transmission network.
The utility is continuing to expand its infrastructure to meet future electricity demand. DEWA is currently constructing 65 new 132 kV substations and one 400 kV substation in collaboration with its contractors. Over the next three years, it also plans to issue tenders for more than 30 additional 132 kV substations, construct two more 400 kV substations, and install around 340 kilometers of underground transmission cables.
By the end of June 2026, DEWA’s transmission network included 402 substations, comprising 28 major 400 kV substations and 374 substations operating at the 132 kV level. These facilities provide electricity to key development areas across Dubai, including national housing projects in Madinat Hind 4 as well as rapidly expanding districts such as Nad Al Sheba, Al Barsha South, and Jebel Ali.
During the first six months of 2026, DEWA awarded 21 contracts worth AED 3 billion for the construction of additional 132 kV substations and the installation of 64 kilometers of transmission cables. The authority stated that these investments support the objectives of the Dubai Economic Agenda D33 and the Dubai Social Agenda 33 by ensuring a reliable and future-ready electricity grid capable of meeting increasing demand while supporting sustainable economic and social development across the emirate.
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