Dubai invests US$2bn on expanding electricity transmission network

Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) is advancing its electricity transmission infrastructure with projects now valued at over US$2bn (AED7.6bn), according to HE Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD & CEO of DEWA.

In the first half of 2025, DEWA commissioned four new 132 kV substations, adding a conversion capacity of 450 megavolt-amperes and extending 228 km of transmission cables at a total cost of US$197mn.

Currently, DEWA is constructing 49 new 132 kV substations and two 400 kV substations, while also inviting bids from contractors for 11 additional 132 kV transmission substations.

Over the next three years, the utility plans to launch tenders for more than 57 new substations and lay 160 km of underground transmission cables.

Hussain Lootah, executive vice president of transmission power at DEWA, stated that the newly commissioned substations support areas such as Al Yalayis 5 as well as Hatta and Warsan 4.

Efficient services

By the end of H1 2025, DEWA’s network included 391 transmission substations: 27 at 400 kV and 364 at 132 kV.

The projects, completed with more than 4.5 million working hours, utilise advanced digital technologies aligned with DEWA’s digital transformation strategy and its focus on delivering reliable, efficient and safe services.

Additionally, DEWA has awarded contracts worth US$299mn to build 10 new 132 kV substations in locations including Al Barsha South 2, Business Bay, Dubai Silicon Oasis, Airport City, Nad Al Sheba 1 and Wadi Al Safa 5.

It has also awarded projects to lay 60.6 km of transmission cables to connect these substations to the grid, valued at US$78mn. 

“In line with the vision and directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, we continue to develop an integrated and advanced energy infrastructure that enhances the efficiency and reliability of the electricity transmission and distribution network in Dubai to meet the increasing demand for energy in the emirate and keep pace with population and economic growth. This supports the goals of the Dubai Economic Agenda D33 and the Dubai Social Agenda 33 to develop a truly optimal city with an exceptional quality of life. In our projects, we adopt the latest technologies of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, which have contributed to achieving 100% reliability and availability in the power transmission system and a ‘best-in-class’ rating among global utilities since 2018,” said Al Tayer.

Also read: Transforming utilities: DEWA’s digital roadmap with Microsoft