13 sustainable achievements that place DEWA among the world’s best
Smart technology and renewable projects drive record-breaking operational performance
DUBAI – The Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) has strengthened its reputation as one of the world's leading utilities after ranking first in 13 key performance indicators across its operations.
The achievement reflects Dubai’s continued focus on innovation, operational excellence and sustainable development while reinforcing the emirate's position as a global benchmark for utility services.
From record-low electricity outages to expanding renewable energy capacity, DEWA continues to deliver measurable results through advanced technologies and long-term planning.
Here are 13 standout achievements that underline DEWA’s sustainable success story.
World’s lowest electricity outage time
DEWA recorded the world's lowest customer minutes lost (CML) for electricity, averaging just 0.82 minutes, or 49 seconds, per customer annually. The figure places Dubai among the most reliable electricity providers worldwide and reflects years of investment in resilient infrastructure and smart technologies.
Lowest electricity network losses
The authority also achieved the lowest electricity transmission and distribution losses globally at just 2 percent. Lower losses mean more efficient electricity delivery, reduced waste and improved environmental performance, supporting Dubai's broader sustainability ambitions.
Water losses among the world's lowest
DEWA's water network losses reached 4.4 percent, making them among the lowest worldwide. Efficient water distribution remains a critical priority for a region where water resources are limited, and the achievement demonstrates the effectiveness of continuous infrastructure upgrades and digital monitoring systems.
More than 99.99% power reliability
Dubai's electricity system maintained more than 99.99 percent reliability and availability, ensuring uninterrupted services for residents, businesses and industries. Such consistency supports economic growth while strengthening confidence in the emirate's infrastructure.
Smart Grid restores power automatically
One of the technologies supporting DEWA's operational excellence is the Automatic Smart Grid Restoration System. The system automatically isolates affected electricity feeders and restores service without human intervention, significantly reducing restoration times and helping maintain continuous power around the clock.
Dubai-It philosophy in action
DEWA says its achievements reflect the Dubai-It approach launched by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.
The initiative promotes rapid execution, high-quality performance and measurable results, encouraging government entities to transform ambitious plans into practical achievements. DEWA describes its infrastructure projects and operational model as examples of this philosophy in practice.
Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD and CEO of DEWA, said the Dubai-It initiative demonstrates that development is an ongoing journey where every achievement creates opportunities for even greater progress.
He added that DEWA combines strategic planning, careful execution and strong partnerships to meet current demand while preparing for Dubai's future economic and population growth, further strengthening the emirate's position as a global sustainability hub.
World's largest single-site solar park
The Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park has become one of DEWA's flagship projects. Developed under the independent power producer (IPP) model, it is recognised as the world's largest single-site solar park operating under this framework.
The park's installed capacity has reached 3,860MW and is expected to exceed 8,000MW by 2030, well above the original target of 5,000MW. The expansion reflects Dubai's strategy of continually raising its clean energy ambitions.
Solar innovation earns global recognition
The fourth phase of the solar park combines photovoltaic (PV) and concentrated solar power (CSP) technologies in one integrated project. The phase has earned four Guinness World Records, highlighting Dubai's growing reputation for innovation in renewable energy.
Meanwhile, the seventh phase will further strengthen the emirate's clean energy ecosystem by adding more renewable generation capacity alongside advanced energy storage technologies.
Public-private partnerships attract global investment
DEWA's use of the IPP model has transformed public-private partnerships into a major driver of renewable energy development.
The model has attracted significant investment from international developers and financial institutions while creating strong competition that has helped reduce renewable energy costs worldwide. According to DEWA, Dubai's approach has established new global benchmarks for solar energy pricing and contributed to accelerating the international transition towards sustainable energy.
Clean energy continues to grow
Clean energy now contributes more than 21.5 percent of Dubai's overall energy mix.
That share is projected to increase to 36 percent by 2030, supporting Dubai's long-term ambition of achieving 100 percent clean energy production capacity by 2050 through continued expansion of renewable energy projects.
GCC's first hydroelectric storage project
The Hatta Hydroelectric Power Plant represents another milestone in DEWA's sustainability strategy.
The 250MW project is the first hydroelectric power plant of its kind in the GCC. It offers 1,500 megawatt-hours of energy storage capacity and has an operational lifespan of up to 80 years, providing additional flexibility for integrating renewable energy into Dubai's electricity network.
Dh7bn investment in smart grids and AI
DEWA is investing Dh7 billion in its Smart Grid Strategy through 2035.
The programme includes six key themes and 19 enablers designed to improve electricity transmission and distribution efficiency, minimise losses and optimise load management. Artificial intelligence and advanced digital technologies are also being used to predict operational risks, accelerate response times and maintain uninterrupted services.
Among DEWA's most recognised AI services is Rammas, its virtual employee powered by generative artificial intelligence. Since its launch in 2017 until mid-June 2026, Rammas has handled more than 13 million enquiries across DEWA's communication channels.
Green hydrogen expands Dubai's clean energy ambitions
Alongside solar, hydroelectric power and battery storage, DEWA is diversifying its energy portfolio through green hydrogen projects. The initiative supports Dubai's long-term clean energy strategy by developing alternative low-carbon fuels and strengthening the resilience of the emirate's future energy ecosystem.