DEWA Accelerates Dubai's Power Network Expansion with Over AED 10 Billion Investment

Dubai Electricity & Water Authority (DEWA) is proactively expanding its electricity transmission infrastructure, with recent investments in transmission projects surpassing AED 10 billion ($2.7 billion). This strategic push is aimed at addressing Dubai's escalating electricity demand, driven by rapid population growth and new developments.

The utility is currently engaged in constructing a substantial number of new facilities, including 65 new 132kV substations and one 400kV substation. Looking ahead, DEWA has ambitious plans for further expansion, intending to issue tenders for more than 30 additional 132kV substations over the next three years. These plans also encompass extending 340 kilometres of underground transmission cables and building two additional 400kV substations.

Recent Contracts and Commissions

In a recent tender, DEWA received bids from eight companies for a contract to supply, install, test, and commission 132kV cable works across various substations in Dubai. This follows significant activity in the first half of 2026:

• DEWA awarded 21 contracts for 132kV transmission substations.
• Contracts were also awarded for 64km of 132kV cables connecting these substations to the main network, valued at AED 3 billion ($817 million).
• The authority commissioned eight 132kV substations with a combined conversion capacity of 1,200MVA, representing an investment of AED 970 million ($264 million). These projects included 20km of transmission cables.

By the end of June, DEWA reported operating 402 transmission substations, with 374 of these at the 132kV level and the remainder being 400kV substations. This sustained investment highlights Dubai's commitment to robust and reliable utility services.