Energy

Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) has channelled more than AED 10 billion—equivalent to US$2.72bn—into comprehensive electricity transmission network projects.

Dubai’s skyline is synonymous with boundless ambition and rapid urban evolution.

Behind the gleaming architecture and the sprawling metropolitan landscape lies a complex, unseen heartbeat: an electrical grid that must continuously adapt to power one of the world’s most dynamic cities. As Dubai steadily marches toward a more sustainable future while maintaining its rapid pace of economic expansion, the absolute necessity for a resilient and robust power infrastructure has never been more paramount.

Rising to this formidable challenge, the Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) has channelled more than AED 10 billion—equivalent to US$2.72bn—into comprehensive electricity transmission network projects. This capital injection reinforces the emirate's energy grid, ensuring it remains capable of accommodating surging power consumption driven by industrial growth, residential communities, and the clean energy transition.

The scale of this investment underscores a proactive approach to urban management. The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of DEWA, Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, recently shed light on the authority’s extensive infrastructural accomplishments achieved during the initial six months of 2026. The utility successfully commissioned eight new 132-kilovolt (kV) transmission substations within this timeframe. Together, these state-of-the-art facilities provide a substantial combined conversion capacity of 1,200 megavolt-amperes (MVA). This meticulous undertaking also encompassed the successful laying of 20 kilometres of crucial transmission cables, carrying an estimated cost of AED 970 million.

The strategic vision propelling these massive engineering feats is firmly rooted in the broader economic and social frameworks established by Dubai’s visionary leadership. Articulating this foundational philosophy, Al Tayer stated: "In line with the objectives of the Dubai Economic Agenda D33 and the Dubai Social Agenda 33, we are committed to meeting current and future requirements, keeping pace with growing electricity demand and expanding our infrastructure,"

Beyond the standard municipal substations, DEWA has also made significant strides in its renewable energy integration. The utility commissioned a 400/132kV transmission substation at Saih Al Dahal, located within the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park. This particular project represents an investment of AED 630 million and boasts a staggering total conversion capacity of 2,000 MVA. To seamlessly connect this solar powerhouse to the main grid, engineers constructed 117 kilometres of 400kV overhead transmission lines. Such endeavours are not achieved lightly; these collective infrastructural projects demanded more than nine million intensive working hours, executed under the highest international standards of reliability and safety.

Looking ahead, DEWA’s developmental blueprint for the immediate future reveals an unyielding momentum. Currently, the authority is actively overseeing the construction of an additional 65 fresh 132kV substations, alongside one major 400kV substation. Over the coming three years, this pipeline of development is poised to expand even further. The utility intends to formally solicit bids for more than 30 supplementary 132kV substations. Furthermore, engineers will lay down an astonishing 340 kilometres of underground transmission cables and erect two further 400kV substations, creating a dense web of power resilience across the entire emirate.

Hussain Lootah, DEWA’s Executive Vice President of Transmission Power, highlighted the immediate community benefits of these recently activated substations. The newly integrated facilities are strategically positioned to serve multiple rapidly developing zones throughout Dubai. Key districts benefiting from this enhanced power stability include Madinat Hind 4, Al Khairan First, Al Layan First, Nad Al Sheba First, the Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Gardens, Al Barsha South Fourth, Me’aisem Second, and Al Manara.

This deliberate placement ensures that residential and commercial consumers alike experience absolute grid stability without sudden disruption. By the close of the first half of 2026, DEWA officially operated a staggering 402 transmission substations across the grid. This impressive portfolio now comprises 28 major facilities operating at the high-capacity 400kV level, and 374 substations functioning at the 132kV tier.

The volume of ongoing developmental work is further evidenced by the contracts granted in the first six months of the year alone. DEWA officially awarded 21 distinct contracts for new 132kV substations distributed across vital districts, including Al Jaddaf, Jebel Ali, Airport City, and Umm Suqeim. Additionally, contracts were finalised to install 64 kilometres of transmission cables to link these new substations. These newly awarded contracts carry an aggregate value of roughly AED 3 billion.

Globalpharma has successfully reduced its carbon footprint by approximately 11,400 tonnes of CO₂.

Globalpharma has successfully reduced its overall carbon footprint by approximately 11,400 tonnes of CO₂.

This substantial reduction in greenhouse gas emissions was achieved through the strategic installation of a 612 kWp (kilowatt-peak) rooftop solar photovoltaic (PV) system. Located at the company’s primary manufacturing facility within the Dubai Investments Park (DIP), the extensive solar array represents a definitive step towards fostering a highly sustainable industrial landscape in the region.

The newly integrated system is expected to generate approximately 25.3 GWh (Gigawatt-hour) of clean, renewable energy. This substantial electrical output actively supports improved energy efficiency across the entire manufacturing plant while drastically reducing the company's historical reliance on grid-supplied electricity. The advanced rooftop installation was meticulously developed in close collaboration with 386 Sky Solar Energy Systems LLC. This partnership effectively brings together Globalpharma's dedicated focus on operational optimisation with the specialised expertise required for industrial-scale renewable energy deployment.

Strategic export through the Shams Dubai Programme

The expansive solar installation has been officially implemented under the regulatory framework of Dubai's Shams Dubai programme. This progressive governmental initiative enables both direct on-site energy consumption and the continuous export of surplus power to the municipal grid through a highly efficient bi-directional metering system. Ultimately, the project represents a significant step in integrating clean energy within Globalpharma's daily manufacturing operations while simultaneously enhancing operational performance.

The leadership at Globalpharma views this milestone as a core component of their long-term corporate strategy. Commenting on the initiative, Dr. Basem Albarahmeh, Chief Executive Officer of Globalpharma, said: “This initiative builds on a broader set of measures we have been implementing to strengthen efficiency and sustainability across our manufacturing operations. The integration of solar energy is a natural extension of our efforts to optimise resource utilisation, enhance energy efficiency and progressively reduce the environmental footprint of pharmaceutical production. As we continue to scale our capabilities, our focus remains on embedding sustainable practices within core operations, supporting a more resilient and future-ready manufacturing platform that aligns with evolving industry and regulatory expectations.”

Aligning with the UAE’s Net Zero 2050 Vision

The collaborative nature of the project also highlights the vital role of dedicated partnerships in achieving climate objectives. Commenting on the partnership, Ahmad Al Khayyat, Chairman of Three Eight Six, said: "Partnership is a statement of intent. Global Pharma has chosen to embed clean energy" into their manufacturing operations, and that is exactly the kind of leadership that moves an entire industry forward. UAE's Net Zero ambition will be built on decisions like this one."

This healthcare initiative aligns seamlessly with broader national priorities, including the UAE's ongoing clean energy transition and the comprehensive Net Zero 2050 strategy. It provides crucial support for the progressive decarbonisation of industrial operations within the healthcare manufacturing sector.

A legacy of growth and infrastructure

The successful implementation of this solar project reflects the enduring growth of Globalpharma. Established in 1998, the company is currently a market leader in key generic pharma segments with a strong regional footprint. The organisation officially started its operations in the UAE in 2003 and subsequently expanded its growth in 2008 with vital product line extensions and new product launches across fourteen countries in the GCC and select African markets.

Globalpharma actively operates two distinct manufacturing plants. The first is a state-of-the-art Beta-Lactam Penicillin manufacturing plant providing the Amoxicillin and AmoxiClav brands in the larger MENA region. Additionally, catering specifically to the lifestyle disease segments, the company runs a separate General Medicine manufacturing plant equipped with a variety of Liquid and Oral Solid Dose capabilities.

Facilitating this transition, 386 Sky Solar Energy Systems LLC is a prominent UAE-based Commercial and Industrial solar energy company. The firm delivers customised rooftop, ground-mount, and carport solar solutions across the GCC, directly helping businesses transition to clean energy in strict line with the UAE's Net Zero 2050 vision.

Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company PJSC, widely known as Masdar, has officially announced the successful financial close for the world’s first gigascale 24/7 renewable energy project.

Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company PJSC, widely known as Masdar, has officially announced the successful financial close for the world’s first gigascale 24/7 renewable energy project.

This landmark achievement marks a defining milestone in the commercialisation of the next generation of clean energy infrastructure. The announcement reinforces that large-scale renewable energy projects capable of delivering round-the-clock power have successfully evolved from a technical ambition into completely bankable infrastructure.

Representing a total capital investment of US$6.1 billion, the Round-the-Clock (RTC) project is being developed in Abu Dhabi through a close collaboration between Masdar and the Emirates Water and Electricity Company (EWEC). As part of the funding structure, Masdar is providing US$1 billion of direct equity, while the remaining balance is covered by a massive US$5.1 billion financing package. Backed by a prominent consortium of 13 leading international and local banks, this significant financing package demonstrates strong market confidence in both the commercial viability of the project and Masdar’s operational ability to deliver complex energy infrastructure at scale.

A historic financing package

The extensive financing package was provided by a diverse consortium comprising Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank, Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank, BNP Paribas, Bank of China, and Crédit Agricole Corporate and Investment Bank. The group of lenders also includes Dubai Islamic Bank, First Abu Dhabi Bank, the Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation (HSBC), KfW IPEX-Bank, Natixis, Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation, Standard Chartered Bank, and Societe Generale.

From a technological perspective, the pioneering RTC project stands as the largest and most advanced system of its kind anywhere in the world. It beautifully integrates a massive 5.2GW solar photovoltaic (PV) plant with a monumental 19 gigawatt-hour (GWh) battery energy storage system (BESS). By combining utility-scale solar generation with unprecedented battery capacity, the project directly addresses the historic challenge of intermittency that has long affected renewable power.

Technological innovation and scale

As global electricity demand accelerates rapidly, driven by the expansion of artificial intelligence (AI), data centres, and advanced manufacturing—the project establishes an important new benchmark for financing reliable, utility-scale clean energy systems. For the organisation, this financial milestone demonstrates its continued capability to attract and mobilise global institutional capital. It also highlights its expertise in delivering increasingly complex renewable infrastructure projects in close partnership with governments, utilities, and financial institutions.

Mazin Khan, Chief Financial Officer at Masdar, expressed his pleasure regarding the funding milestone, stating: “We are pleased to have secured funding from such a broad and highly respected group of local and international banks in support of this pioneering project.”

He added: “This significant financing commitment demonstrates the confidence of the international banking community not only in a landmark project but also in Masdar's financial strength, disciplined execution and long-term growth strategy. This milestone further demonstrates our ability to mobilize global capital at scale while delivering innovative renewable infrastructure that supports long-term economic growth and energy security. We now look forward to advancing the project to deliver reliable, affordable, clean energy around the clock.”

Securing the global energy supply

Masdar originally broke ground on this clean energy project in October 2025, and the entire system is fully expected to be operational in 2027. The 24/7 renewable energy project remains a core cornerstone of the UAE’s overarching clean energy strategy, contributing significantly to national energy security and broader economic diversification goals.

Masdar currently possesses a highly diversified portfolio of more than 65GW, spanning both established and high-growth renewable energy markets worldwide. Its operations cover the full spectrum of clean technologies, including solar, onshore wind, offshore wind, battery energy storage, and hybrid solutions. With a clear strategic pathway to reach 100GW of renewable energy capacity by 2030, Masdar continues to expand its global platform through disciplined growth across priority markets, delivering reliable, affordable clean power to meet the world's growing demand.

Siemens will provide comprehensive long-term service agreements for both the Misfah and Duqm Independent Power Producer (IPP) projects.

The Sultanate of Oman is poised to take a significant leap forward in its electricity generation capabilities.

In a major development announced on June 30, 2026, Siemens Energy secured a pivotal role in supplying vital power generation technology for two new facilities. The company will provide comprehensive long-term service agreements for both the Misfah and Duqm Independent Power Producer (IPP) projects.

With a planned capacity reaching nearly 2.6 gigawatts, these combined-cycle power plants are projected to increase Oman’s total electricity capacity by almost 20 percent. Once operational, this infrastructural expansion will deliver a reliable power supply to more than two million people. The core of Siemens Energy’s technological scope incorporates the delivery of six advanced F-class gas turbines alongside six accompanying generators. To ensure ongoing reliability, the agreement also includes corresponding long-term service contracts spanning twenty years.

The manufacturing of these critical components will take place within Siemens Energy’s dedicated production sites in Germany. The SGT5-4000F gas turbines will be manufactured at the facility in Berlin, whereas the SGen5-2000P generators will be produced in Muelheim.

These plants have been strategically sited to support rapidly escalating capacity needs in two important locations. The Misfah plant is situated within the Muscat Governorate, which represents one of the Sultanate’s largest centres for electricity demand. The Duqm facility is positioned inside the Special Economic Zone at Duqm in the Al Wusta Governorate. This zone serves as a key industrial and logistics hub situated directly on the Arabian Sea coast.

The development of these projects is spearheaded by a multinational consortium. The group comprises the Etihad Water and Electricity Company PJSC, Nebras Power Investment Management B.V., Bahwan Infrastructure Services LLC, and Korea Western Power Co.,Ltd. Doosan Enerbility, acting in a consortium with SEPCO-3, has been tasked with the engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) responsibilities. Nama Power and Water Procurement Company will serve as the official offtaker for the electricity generated.

The strategic importance of this initiative was underscored during a visit to Siemens Energy’s Berlin factory by H.E. Salim Al Aufi, Oman’s Minister of Energy and Minerals. He stated: "The Misfah and Duqm projects reflect Oman's commitment to building a resilient and future-ready energy system. By working with leading technology providers such as Siemens Energy, and deploying advanced gas turbines with hydrogen co-firing capabilities, we are strengthening the reliability of electricity supply while supporting our long-term strategy to diversify the Sultanate's energy mix. This will help create the flexibility to increase the use of hydrogen over time as our energy transition progresses. This collaboration will further set the foundation for a lower-carbon power system, enhance energy security, and support the goals of Oman Vision 2040."

Karim Amin, Member of the Executive Board of Siemens Energy, stated: “As the Sultanate continues to expand its industrial base and electricity infrastructure, flexible and reliable power will be critical in this next chapter, supporting grid stability and enabling greater integration of renewables in the system. We are proud to support this journey, and build on a strong legacy in Oman, by providing our cutting-edge gas turbines, expertise, and service capabilities to the flagship Misfah and Duqm power plants to deliver highly efficient energy and add a significant 2.6 GW to Oman’s power system, helping meet evolving demand and ambitious energy targets.”

Siemens Energy, employing roughly 105,000 individuals across more than 90 countries, reported revenue of €39.1 billion during the 2025 fiscal year. An estimated one-sixth of all globally generated electricity relies upon technologies provided by Siemens Energy, whose extensive international expertise will now play a foundational role in driving Oman’s future energy transition.