Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of the Dubai Supreme Council of Energy, announced, in the presence of HE Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, Managing Director and CEO of Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA), at an official ceremony hosted by the Sail Tower — DEWA's new headquarters — the establishment of DEWA International as a fully owned independent subsidiary of the authority, aimed at developing conventional and clean energy projects around the world and transferring Dubai's successful energy and water infrastructure model to global markets.
Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum was received by Majed Hamad Rahma Al Shamsi, Chairman of DEWA's Board of Directors, and HE Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, Managing Director and CEO of the authority. The launch ceremony was attended by HE Suhail Al Mazrouei, Minister of Energy and Infrastructure; HE Omar Sultan Al Olama, Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy and Remote Work Applications; and HE Marwan bin Ghalita, Director General of Dubai Municipality.
Also in attendance were members of DEWA's Board of Directors; Ahmed Buti Al Muhairbi, Secretary General of the Dubai Supreme Council of Energy; Abdullah bin Kalban, Managing Director of Emirates Global Aluminium; Hussein Sultan Al Lootah, CEO of Enoc Group; Abdul Karim Al Mazmi, CEO of Dragon Oil; Engineer Yousef Ahmed Al Ali, CEO of Emirates Water and Electricity Company; along with a number of senior DEWA officials, investor representatives, and the authority's strategic partners.
Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum said: "Thanks to the vision and guidance of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, may God protect him, Dubai has become a global model in achievement and in accelerating the pace of development, consolidating its position through advanced infrastructure — particularly in the energy and water sectors — that ranks among the best in the world.
"The launch of DEWA International is a strategic step to transfer this successful model to global markets and reinforce Dubai's presence as a source of knowledge and expertise in the fields of energy, water, sustainability, and digital transformation."
He added: "I congratulate Dubai Electricity and Water Authority on this qualitative step, and we look forward to its continued successes in cementing Dubai's standing on the international stage and enhancing its role in building a more sustainable future for generations to come."
His Highness wrote on his X account yesterday: "We announced the establishment of DEWA International as a fully owned independent subsidiary of Dubai Electricity and Water Authority, with the aim of developing conventional and clean energy projects around the world and transferring Dubai's successful energy and water infrastructure model to global markets."
He added: "Thanks to the vision and guidance of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, may God protect him, Dubai has become a global model in achievement and in accelerating the pace of development, consolidating its position through advanced infrastructure — particularly in the energy and water sectors — which ranks among the best in the world."
He also said: "The launch of DEWA International is a strategic step to transfer this successful model to global markets and reinforce Dubai's presence as a source of knowledge and expertise in the fields of energy, water, sustainability, and digital transformation."
Speaking at the ceremony, HE Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer said: "We are delighted to have you with us at a time when the world increasingly needs the vision and capabilities that Dubai Electricity and Water Authority has established. Today, we are taking these distinctive capabilities to broader global horizons, to share them with pioneers, partners, and investors who believe, as we do, that the future is built through clear vision and integrated, systematic effort.
He added: "The authority embodies, at its very core, Dubai's inspiring success story. Thanks to the vision and guidance of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, may God protect him, Dubai has transformed into a global capital of economy, trade, and innovation, and has become a pioneering model in sustainable development and attracting investments."
He continued: "Over decades, the authority has contributed to supporting Dubai's exceptional journey — not through ambition alone, but through outstanding performance.
"Today, DEWA ranks first globally in 13 key performance indicators for utilities companies, in addition to 2 regional indicators, across the areas of production, transmission, distribution, customer service, and network efficiency and reliability.
"Our financial strength gives us genuine strategic freedom — reflected in sustained revenue growth, strong profit margins, and high investment capacity.
"In 2025, the authority achieved record revenues of 32.8 billion dirhams (AED) and a record net profit after tax of 9.06 billion dirhams (AED)."
HE Al Tayer noted that the authority has skilfully managed the entire value chain, from production through transmission and distribution, operations and maintenance, expansion planning, development, financing, and project management. It also has distinctive experience as both a shareholder and user of the most prominent projects it has built.
The authority also leads in company formation, with an investment portfolio comprising more than 10 successful companies that continue to grow.
Its operational model is based on a flexible and proactive strategy, exemplified by its transition to solar energy through its flagship Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park — the world's largest single-site solar complex, which has earned 4 Guinness World Records and is a global benchmark for large-scale clean energy projects.
Operational and financial capabilities have been further strengthened through the adoption of the independent water and power producer model. As a result, the authority has become a global reference in structuring bankable projects, achieving the lowest tariff rates, and attracting international investor participation — and today this model is being exported to the world.
HE Al Tayer said: "Over the past years, we have accumulated extensive expertise in production, transmission and distribution, customer services, and in clean energy and its technologies — including photovoltaic solar panels, concentrated solar power, hydropower, and data centres — in addition to integrating Fourth Industrial Revolution technologies, including artificial intelligence, across the authority's value chain.
"We draw on the exceptional environment that Dubai provides, which serves as a global hub for attracting capital, distinguished talent, and strategic partnerships — and the authority occupies a pivotal position in this integrated economic ecosystem.
"By 2035, global demand for energy and water infrastructure is expected to exceed 20 trillion US dollars.
"Amid rapidly accelerating geopolitical shifts, energy security and sustainability have risen to the top of global priorities, which reinforces the urgency of accelerating the energy transition and opens vast opportunities for strategic partnerships capable of delivering large-scale energy and water projects efficiently and effectively.
"Global expansion is not merely an ambition — it is a natural extension of the authority's journey and a strategic imperative that enhances its standing at every level.
"It opens global horizons for major and profitable investment opportunities, supports our long-term growth and financial returns, and reinforces a network of distinguished global partnerships that strengthen the authority. It also boosts our investment returns and broadens the scope of our technical expertise in the energy and water fields."
He continued: "We will continue to pursue opportunities at the global level, guided by value, partnerships, and strategic fit. Our approach is one of gradualism and commitment. We begin in regions where we have strong relationships, deep knowledge, and distinctive geographic proximity, and we will gradually expand into other markets to build a comprehensive global portfolio encompassing both conventional and renewable energy technologies in the energy and water sectors.
"We will bring to market the full capabilities of Dubai Electricity and Water Authority — development expertise, technological innovation, digital systems, planning, project management, and operations and maintenance. We are not merely exporting projects; we are sharing our capabilities and lessons learned, including project structuring, governance, risk allocation, and execution excellence.
"We will work closely with governments, developers, and financial institutions that share our standards and long-term vision. We invite partners not only to be part of the journey, but to participate in the co-development and co-investment in our projects around the world."
HE Al Tayer said: "I am proud to announce the establishment of DEWA International as a fully owned independent subsidiary of the authority. Its scope of work will cover the energy and water sectors, and it will develop conventional and clean energy projects using the latest and best technologies, and collaborate with leading entities to implement joint projects around the world.
"The authority has already begun doing this by identifying investment opportunities, building a project portfolio, and establishing a network of strategic partnerships that will enhance its global presence. It has been affirmed that global expansion is not merely an ambition, but a natural extension of the authority's journey and a strategic imperative."
He concluded: "Dubai was founded on an ambitious vision and an indomitable will, and on a belief that innovation and hard work shape the future. DEWA International represents the next chapter of this journey, and we invite you to be part of writing it with us."