Dubai's electricity transmission investments exceed AED 7.6 billion, reflecting the city's growth in energy infrastructure.
In the first half of 2025, the Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) commissioned four new 132 kV substations, extending 228 kilometres of transmission cables across the emirate. This expansion adds 450 MVA in capacity, bringing the total number of transmission substations in Dubai to 391.
The new cable extensions will be built in various areas across Dubai, including Al Barsha South 2, Business Bay, and Dubai Silicon Oasis. These developments are part of DEWA's ongoing efforts to meet the emirate's growing electricity demand, aligning with Dubai's economic and social agendas as stated by HE Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD & CEO of DEWA.
DEWA has invested over AED 7.6 billion in electricity transmission projects, with additional cable extensions worth AED 288 million planned for the near future. The authority is currently constructing 49 new 132 kV substations and two 400 kV substations, and has awarded new contracts worth AED 1.1 billion to build 10 additional 132 kV substations.
These projects have been implemented using advanced digital technologies, ensuring efficient and reliable energy distribution. The commissioning of these substations is a significant step towards enhancing DEWA's smart grid capabilities, as the authority continues to increase AI integration in energy distribution.
Additional tenders for 57 more 132 kV substations and 160 km of underground cable extensions over the next three years have been planned, but specific details about these upcoming projects are yet to be announced. For comprehensive information on DEWA's future transmission projects and expansions, consulting DEWA's official announcements, strategic plans, or infrastructure investment reports directly would be necessary.
Over 4.5 million working hours have been used in these projects, reflecting DEWA's commitment to providing a reliable and sustainable energy supply for the growing city of Dubai. The authority's recent projects include the completion of substations in Al Yalayis 5, Hatta, and Warsan 4.
DEWA's focus on accelerating AI adoption in energy distribution, as well as its interest in advanced communication technologies to support utility operations, are indicative of the authority's forward-thinking approach to energy management. However, direct mentions of transmission infrastructure projects within the next three years have yet to be found in current search results.
[1] Source: Dubai Media Office (2021). DEWA to accelerate AI adoption in energy distribution as part of its smart grid initiative. [Online]. Available: https://dubaimediaoffice.com/news/dewa-to-accelerate-ai-adoption-in-energy-distribution-as-part-of-its-smart-grid-initiative [4] Source: Gulf News (2021). DEWA to focus on advanced communication technologies to support utility operations. [Online]. Available: https://gulfnews.com/business/sectors/utilities/dewa-to-focus-on-advanced-communication-technologies-to-support-utility-operations-1.76210692
[1] With the additional 49 new 132 kV substations and two 400 kV substations under construction, DEWA's ongoing investment in electricity transmission projects amounts to AED 7.6 billion, fostering growth in the energy and finance industries.
[2] In the near future, DEWA plans to invest AED 288 million in cable extensions, showcasing the authority's commitment to meeting Dubai's increasing energy demands and supporting the emirate's economic and social development.
