Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) has maintained strong momentum in its 2025 transmission expansion programme, bringing eight new substations online and adding 250km of underground cables and overhead transmission lines. The works represent an investment exceeding AED1.35 billion.
Implemented across locations including Al Warsan 4, Al Yalayis 5, Hatta, Saih Shuaib 3, Al Habiyah 5 and Jebel Ali First, the projects form part of DEWA’s broader efforts to build a modern electricity infrastructure capable of supporting Dubai’s accelerating development.
In parallel, DEWA has initiated construction of five additional 132kV main transmission substations to serve emerging Emirati residential communities such as Latifa City, Al Awir I and Al Khawaneej II, alongside established areas including Al Satwa and Zabeel II. Valued at AED560 million, these projects raise the total number of 132kV substations launched in 2025 to 22. Over the next three years, DEWA plans to develop at least 78 substations of comparable scale under its approved expansion roadmap.
The latest developments are closely aligned with DEWA’s long-term strategy to strengthen transmission capacity while enhancing network efficiency and reliability, in line with Dubai’s sustained urban and economic growth.
Once operational, the new substations will significantly expand DEWA’s electricity transmission footprint, which stood at 394 substations by the end of the third quarter of 2025, comprising 27 at 400kV and 367 at 132kV.
Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD and CEO of DEWA, said the projects reflect the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum to deliver a fully integrated and advanced infrastructure for Dubai. He noted that DEWA remains focused on providing electricity and water services at the highest levels of availability, reliability and efficiency to meet rising demand and support sustainable development. Al Tayer added that electricity transmission projects currently under construction are valued at more than AED8.5 billion, with transmission line reliability and availability approaching 100%. He highlighted that the new initiatives involve building substations and installing underground cables connected to the main grid, using advanced digital technologies and smart systems to ensure optimal safety and operational performance.
Al Tayer further explained that these initiatives complement broader transmission infrastructure projects scheduled for completion by 2028, including 53 additional 132kV substations, 226km of 132kV underground cables, two 400kV substations, and 130km of 400kV overhead transmission lines.
