Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) continues to fortify its strategic partnerships, solidifying its position as a prime destination for investment. Through these collaborations, DEWA attracts innovative talents across various fields within a robust business environment supported by advanced legislative and legal frameworks, ambitious development plans, major projects, and top-tier infrastructure that meet the highest international standards.
Currently, DEWA is executing multiple projects based on the Independent Water and Power Producer (IWPP) model, with total investments exceeding AED 43 billion. The organisation has established strategic partnerships with numerous local and international entities from both the government and private sectors. In recognition of its excellence in managing effective strategic relationships, DEWA received the ISO 44001 certificate in joint business relationship management from the British Standards Institute in 2019. DEWA is the first entity in the Middle East and Africa to achieve this certification.
Stakeholder happiness remains a core objective in DEWA’s strategy, evidenced by a partner happiness rate exceeding 94% in 2023. The shift from the conventional Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) model to the IWPP model has proven highly beneficial for DEWA, attracting investments valued at over AED 43 billion since 2014.
DEWA has pioneered the IWPP project management and implementation model, completing several sustainable projects, including the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park, the world’s largest single-site solar park with a planned production capacity of 5,000MW by 2030. DEWA has also implemented the IWP model in the water desalination project in Hassyan, which uses Sea Water Reverse Osmosis (SWRO) technology powered by solar energy.
The IWPP model offers significant social and economic advantages. DEWA has set new benchmarks for solar energy prices per kilowatt hour, attracting substantial investments from the private sector and foreign banks, thereby boosting the economy of Dubai and the UAE. The success of this model hinges on effective governance, ensuring transparency, accountability, and rule of law to enhance investor confidence and foster an attractive regulatory environment.
DEWA’s operational framework includes a dedicated department for clean energy and implementing the IPWP model, overseeing the transition from traditional project management methods. This transition aligns DEWA with the principles of public-private partnerships, focusing on employment and knowledge transfer to Emirati employees, thereby benefiting the local community.
The cooperation between the government and private sectors is crucial for achieving Dubai’s aspirations and reinforcing its position as a leading model of investment, promoting economic growth and sustainable development. These efforts are pivotal in Dubai’s journey towards becoming one of the top three global economies, as outlined in the Dubai Economic Agenda (D33), contributing to making the UAE the world’s leading nation by its Centennial in 2071.
DEWA’s initiatives provide numerous opportunities for investors within a supportive business environment, backed by advanced legislative and legal systems, ambitious development plans, and high-quality infrastructure. This strategic approach has bolstered Dubai’s reputation as a major investment hub that fosters entrepreneurship and attracts innovative talents across all fields.
In addition to its major projects, DEWA organizes global events that bring together key decision-makers, officials, and investors to explore investment opportunities and the latest scientific research. DEWA’s R&D Centre at the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park exemplifies successful cooperation between the government and academic sectors, collaborating with institutions like Stanford University, UAE University, Khalifa University for Science, Technology and Research, and the University of Sharjah to advance research in clean and renewable energy.
DEWA’s collaborative efforts aim to create an investment-friendly environment based on integrity and transparency, driving Dubai and the UAE’s continued development and global competitiveness under visionary leadership.
Comments