Dubai launches DEWA International to take energy expertise global
Dubai has launched DEWA International, a new company created to develop major energy and water projects around the world and export the emirate’s infrastructure expertise to international markets.
The wholly owned subsidiary of Dubai Electricity and Water Authority was announced by Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai Supreme Council of Energy, during an event at DEWA’s new Al Shera’a headquarters.
The company will focus on both conventional and clean energy, as well as water infrastructure, and will work with governments, developers, investors and financial institutions on large-scale international projects.
Taking Dubai’s utility model worldwide
DEWA International is designed to build on Dubai’s experience in developing one of the world’s most advanced electricity and water systems.
The new company will bring DEWA’s expertise in project development, financing, planning, operations, maintenance and digital technologies to overseas markets. Its portfolio is expected to include renewable energy, conventional power generation and water projects.
Sheikh Ahmed said the launch represents an important step in expanding Dubai’s influence in the global energy sector and sharing the city’s experience in sustainability, infrastructure and digital transformation.
The move also reflects Dubai’s ambition to become not only a destination for international investment, but a global exporter of technical knowledge and large-scale infrastructure solutions.
DEWA builds on strong financial performance
DEWA enters its international expansion from a position of considerable financial strength.
In 2025, the utility recorded AED 32.8 billion in revenue and a record AED 9.06 billion in net profit after tax. DEWA also ranks first globally across 13 key utility performance indicators, according to the company.
Its experience covers the full energy and water value chain, including generation, transmission, distribution, customer services, project financing and long-term infrastructure planning.
DEWA has also built an investment portfolio of more than 10 companies and has increasingly incorporated artificial intelligence and other advanced technologies into its operations.
Clean energy at the centre of expansion
Renewable energy will be a major part of DEWA International’s strategy.
One of DEWA’s flagship projects is the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park, which has become a global reference point for large-scale solar development. The utility has also developed experience in photovoltaic solar, concentrated solar power and hydropower.
DEWA has additionally used the Independent Water and Power Producer model to attract international investors and finance major infrastructure projects.
The same approach is expected to form part of DEWA International’s expansion, with the company planning to co-develop and co-invest in projects alongside international partners.
Global energy investment creates major opportunity
The launch comes as global demand for energy and water infrastructure continues to rise.
Investment requirements in the sector are expected to exceed $20 trillion by 2035, driven by population growth, energy security concerns, sustainability targets and the accelerating transition towards cleaner power generation.
DEWA International plans to expand gradually, initially focusing on markets where Dubai already has strong relationships and strategic advantages before building a broader global portfolio.
The company has already begun identifying potential projects and establishing partnerships.
For Dubai, the launch marks another stage in the city’s transition from a fast-growing infrastructure market into an international developer of energy, water and sustainability projects — taking expertise developed inside the emirate to markets around the world.
