Dubai has reached a defining moment in its clean energy journey as the Dubai Electricity and Water Authority successfully added 1,000 megawatts of clean energy capacity by the end of 2025. This landmark achievement represents more than just an increase in generation capacity—it signals a decisive step in Dubai’s long-term transformation toward a sustainable, innovation-driven economy.
The milestone forms a core part of the sixth phase of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park, which has a planned capacity of 1,800MW. Through steady progress and strategic execution, DEWA continues to demonstrate how ambitious climate goals can be aligned with economic growth, infrastructure resilience, and global competitiveness.
A Strategic Leap Within the Sixth Phase
The 1,000MW addition marks the most recent achievement within the sixth phase of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park, one of the world’s largest renewable energy projects developed at a single location. This phase alone plays a critical role in scaling up Dubai’s clean energy capacity while maintaining the highest international standards in efficiency, safety, and sustainability.
Rather than relying on rapid, fragmented expansion, DEWA has followed a carefully phased implementation model. This approach ensures that each stage integrates seamlessly into Dubai’s wider energy grid, strengthening system reliability while supporting rising electricity demand driven by population growth, urban development, and economic diversification.
Leadership Driving the Vision Forward
His Excellency Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of DEWA, emphasized that the milestone reflects unwavering commitment to the leadership vision of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. That vision places sustainability, innovation, and future readiness at the heart of Dubai’s development model.
According to Al Tayer, the achievement underscores DEWA’s role as a key enabler of Dubai’s clean energy transition. By accelerating renewable energy deployment, the authority is not only reducing dependence on fossil fuels but also reinforcing Dubai’s global reputation as a forward-looking city capable of translating ambition into measurable outcomes.
Strengthening Energy Resilience and Readiness
The addition of 1,000MW of clean energy significantly enhances the resilience of Dubai’s power system. Long-term planning has enabled DEWA to anticipate future demand while ensuring that renewable sources are integrated without compromising grid stability or operational efficiency.
This resilience is especially important as Dubai continues to expand as a global hub for business, tourism, and innovation. A reliable, sustainable energy supply supports everything from smart city initiatives and digital infrastructure to industrial growth and high-quality living standards. DEWA’s clean energy expansion ensures that progress in these areas remains environmentally responsible and economically viable.
Alignment With National and Emirate-Level Goals
The milestone aligns directly with the UAE Net Zero 2050 Strategy and the Dubai Clean Energy Strategy 2050, both of which set ambitious targets for decarbonizing energy systems. Dubai aims to generate 100 percent of its energy production capacity from clean sources by mid-century, a goal that places the emirate among the most ambitious cities globally in terms of climate action.
By reaching 1,000MW within the sixth phase ahead of full completion, DEWA demonstrates how structured planning and public-sector leadership can accelerate progress toward long-term sustainability objectives. Each megawatt added brings Dubai closer to a future where clean energy is not an alternative, but the default.
Rapid Expansion of a Global Flagship Project
Launched in 2012, the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park has evolved into a cornerstone of Dubai’s green economy strategy. With the latest addition, the park’s total production capacity has reached 3,860MW. Projections indicate that capacity will exceed 8,000MW by 2030, significantly surpassing the originally planned 5,000MW.
This accelerated expansion reflects Dubai’s confidence in renewable technologies and its willingness to scale successful projects beyond initial expectations. The solar park plays a central role in reducing carbon emissions by more than 8.5 million tons annually, contributing directly to climate mitigation while creating long-term environmental and economic value.
Innovation at the Core of Clean Energy Growth
DEWA’s clean energy journey is not solely about capacity numbers. Innovation remains a driving force behind every phase of development. Advanced photovoltaic technologies, smart grid integration, and data-driven operational models ensure that renewable energy generation remains efficient, reliable, and cost-effective.
This innovation-led approach enables DEWA to continuously optimize performance while maintaining affordability for consumers. It also positions Dubai as a testing ground for next-generation energy solutions, attracting global partnerships, investment, and expertise in the renewable energy sector.
Supporting Economic Growth Through Sustainability
The expansion of clean energy capacity directly supports Dubai’s broader economic ambitions. A sustainable energy system enhances investor confidence, reduces long-term operational costs, and aligns the emirate with global environmental standards increasingly valued by international markets.
Clean energy infrastructure also creates new opportunities across research, manufacturing, operations, and maintenance, contributing to job creation and knowledge transfer. By embedding sustainability into its growth model, Dubai ensures that economic progress and environmental responsibility move forward together.
Looking Ahead to the Next Phase
DEWA’s momentum shows no signs of slowing. During 2025, the authority issued tenders for the seventh phase of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park, signaling continued expansion beyond current targets. Meanwhile, the remaining 800MW of the sixth phase is scheduled to become operational by the fourth quarter of 2026.
Once completed, this phase will further strengthen Dubai’s clean energy portfolio and reinforce its leadership position on the global sustainability stage. Each new phase builds on lessons learned, technological advancements, and operational efficiencies achieved in previous stages.
A Global Model for Green Transition
The 1,000MW clean energy milestone stands as a powerful example of how cities can lead the global transition to a green economy. Through vision-driven leadership, strategic planning, and sustained investment, Dubai has transformed renewable energy from an aspiration into a core pillar of its development strategy.
As the world accelerates efforts to combat climate change, Dubai’s experience offers a compelling model—one where sustainability, innovation, and economic growth are not competing priorities, but mutually reinforcing forces shaping a resilient and prosperous future.
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