DEWA investments in transmission network exceed US $2.7bn
The projects are said to have required more than 9m working hours and were delivered in line with the highest standards of efficiency, reliability and safety
The Dubai Electricity and Water Authority’s (DEWA) strategic investments in electricity transmission network projects now exceed US $2.7bn according to His Excellency Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD & CEO of DEWA.
Al Tayer explained that DEWA’s sustained investment in strategic projects to the wise directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, whose vision has positioned Dubai as a global benchmark for continuous growth and infrastructure quality.
According to Al Tayer, DEWA commissioned 8 132kV substations in the first half of 2026, with a total conversion capacity of 1,200 megavolt-amperes (MVA) at a cost of $264mn. This included the extension of 20km of transmission cables. He added that DEWA also commissioned a 400/132kV transmission substation in Saih Al Dahal within the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park, with a total conversion capacity of 2,000MVA at a cost of $171mn. The project included the construction of 117km of 400kV overhead transmission lines.
The projects are said to have required more than 9m working hours and were delivered in line with the highest standards of efficiency, reliability and safety, and supported by the latest digital technologies.
“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 in pace with growing electricity demand and expanding our infrastructure as a key driver of economic and social development,” explained Al Tayer.
Al Tayer further stated that DEWA is currently building 65 new 132kV substations and one 400kV substation, in collaboration with its main contractors and suppliers. Over the next 3-years, DEWA plans to issue new tenders for more than 30 additional 132kV substations. It also plans to extend 340km of underground transmission cables and construct two 400kV substation.
Hussain Lootah, Executive Vice President of Transmission Power at DEWA, highlighted that the newly commissioned substations cover several vital areas, including a 132kV substation in Madinat Hind 4 to meet the power needs of national housing projects. Additionally, 7 132kV substations were commissioned in 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. He noted DEWA had 402 transmission substations by the end of the first half of 2026, with 28 at the 400kV level and 374 at the 132kV level.
In addition, 21 contracts were awarded for the construction of 132kV transmission substations across several districts in Dubai in the first half of 2026, including Al Barsha South Fourth and Fifth, Al Jaddaf, Al Yalayis First, Al Yufrah First, Bu Kadra, Jebel Ali First, Airport City, Me’aisem First and Second, Saih Al-Dahal, Umm Suqeim First, Wadi Al Safa Third, Warsan Second and Fourth and Zabeel Second.
DEWA is also said to have awarded contracts to extend 132kV cables to connect these substations to the main network, covering a total of 64km at an overall cost of $816mn.
