Dewa aims to use its expertise in energy and utilities to grow in international markets.
New Subsidiary to Take Dubai’s Utility Expertise Global
Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) has announced the launch of DEWA International, a wholly owned independent subsidiary that will focus on developing conventional and renewable energy projects worldwide.
The move marks a major milestone in DEWA’s evolution from a regional utility provider into a global infrastructure player, with ambitions to export Dubai’s proven energy and water model to international markets.
The announcement was made by His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai Supreme Council of Energy, during a ceremony attended by Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD and CEO of DEWA.
Building on Dubai’s Global Success Story
According to Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, the creation of DEWA International reflects Dubai’s growing influence as a global benchmark for infrastructure excellence.
Over the past few decades, Dubai has transformed itself into one of the world’s most advanced urban economies, supported by reliable energy systems, world-class water infrastructure, and a strong focus on sustainability and innovation.
Sheikh Ahmed noted that DEWA International will help transfer this expertise to international markets while strengthening Dubai’s position as a global center for knowledge, sustainability, and digital transformation.
The new entity is expected to support countries seeking reliable, scalable, and efficient solutions for power generation, water management, and energy transition initiatives.
Global Infrastructure Demand Creates Massive Opportunity
The timing of the launch aligns with a rapidly expanding global infrastructure market.
According to Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, worldwide demand for energy and water infrastructure is expected to exceed $20 trillion by 2035, driven by population growth, urbanization, climate goals, and rising energy demand.
Countries across Asia, Africa, Latin America, and the Middle East are investing heavily in both conventional and renewable energy projects while modernizing aging infrastructure systems.
At the same time, energy security and sustainability have become top priorities for governments worldwide, creating opportunities for experienced operators capable of delivering large-scale projects efficiently.
“International expansion is not merely an ambition; it is a strategic imperative,” Al Tayer said.
DEWA’s Strong Financial Foundation
One of the key factors supporting DEWA’s international ambitions is its financial strength.
In 2025, DEWA reported record financial results, generating:
- Dh32.8 billion in revenue
- Dh9.06 billion in net profit after tax
These figures represent some of the strongest results in the utility sector globally and provide DEWA with significant investment capacity for international growth.
The company has also established itself as one of the world’s most efficient utility providers.
According to DEWA, it currently ranks first globally in 13 major utility performance indicators and leads two regional benchmarks across generation, transmission, distribution, and customer service operations.
These achievements have helped position the organization as a model for operational excellence and utility management.
A Global Portfolio Across Energy and Water
DEWA International plans to pursue opportunities across multiple markets, beginning with regions where existing relationships, market familiarity, and geographic proximity provide a competitive advantage.
The company intends to build a diversified international portfolio covering:
Conventional Power Projects
The subsidiary will develop and operate traditional power generation assets where demand remains strong and energy security remains a priority.
Renewable Energy Projects
Solar, wind, and other clean energy technologies will form a major part of the company’s growth strategy as countries accelerate decarbonization efforts.
Water Infrastructure
The business will also target water generation, desalination, transmission, and distribution projects, leveraging DEWA’s extensive expertise in managing water resources in arid environments.
Digital Utility Solutions
Beyond physical infrastructure, DEWA plans to export advanced digital systems, smart grid technologies, planning tools, and operational expertise developed in Dubai.
Exporting More Than Infrastructure
DEWA’s international strategy extends beyond building power plants and water facilities.
The organization plans to offer expertise across the entire project lifecycle, including:
- Project development and structuring
- Risk management frameworks
- Governance systems
- Operations and maintenance
- Expansion planning
- Digital transformation capabilities
This approach allows DEWA to compete not only as an infrastructure developer but also as a knowledge and technology partner for governments and utilities worldwide.
According to Al Tayer, the company intends to export “the full set of learnings and capabilities” developed during Dubai’s transformation into a global city.
Strengthening Dubai’s Global Influence
The launch of DEWA International reflects a broader trend among UAE institutions seeking to expand globally by leveraging expertise developed domestically.
Just as Dubai has become an international hub for aviation, logistics, tourism, and finance, DEWA aims to establish itself as a globally recognized infrastructure partner.
As countries invest trillions of dollars into energy transition projects, renewable power generation, water security, and smart infrastructure, DEWA International could play an increasingly important role in shaping future energy systems beyond the UAE.
For Dubai, the initiative strengthens its position not only as a consumer of world-class infrastructure but also as an exporter of knowledge, innovation, and operational excellence.
With global infrastructure spending expected to surge over the next decade, DEWA International enters the market at a time when demand for reliable energy and water solutions has never been greater.
Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum and Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer at the launch. Photo: Dubai Media Office
Source: Khaleej Times
