DEWA Partners with Chinese Companies to Advance Dubai’s Clean Energy Ambitions
In a strategic move to bolster Dubai’s position as a global leader in renewable energy, the Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) has deepened its partnerships with Chinese companies, focusing on cutting-edge solar and energy storage technologies. Led by HE Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, DEWA’s Managing Director and CEO, a high-level delegation visited China in early September 2025 to strengthen collaborations, particularly for the seventh phase of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park, the world’s largest single-site solar project. This initiative underscores Dubai’s commitment to its Clean Energy Strategy 2050 and signals a new chapter in UAE-China energy cooperation.
Strategic Collaborations in China
The DEWA delegation’s visit to the People’s Republic of China, announced on September 4, 2025, aimed to enhance strategic partnerships with leading Chinese firms, including Huawei, BYD, Tesla, Sungrow, and the CRRC Zhuzhou Institute. These companies are at the forefront of photovoltaic solar panels, battery energy storage systems (BESS), artificial intelligence applications, and Fourth Industrial Revolution technologies. The delegation, which included senior executives like Waleed bin Salman (Executive Vice President of Business Development and Excellence) and Mohammed Jamea (Vice President of Clean Energy and Diversification), explored global best practices to support Dubai’s clean energy goals.
A key focus was the seventh phase of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park, currently in the tendering stage. This phase will feature 2,000 megawatts (MW) of photovoltaic solar panels and a 1,400MW BESS with six hours of storage, making it one of the world’s largest solar-plus-storage projects under the Independent Power Producer (IPP) model. “This visit aligns with the vision of HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum to accelerate Dubai’s energy transition,” Al Tayer said, emphasizing DEWA’s long-standing ties with Chinese firms, many of which already contribute to the solar park.
Key Details of the Partnership
- Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park: The world’s largest single-site solar park, with a planned capacity of 7,260MW by 2030, reducing carbon emissions by over 8 million tonnes annually. Phase 7, with 2,000MW solar and 1,400MW storage, is a cornerstone of this ambition.
- Chinese Involvement: Companies like Huawei (smart grid and AI solutions), BYD (energy storage and electric mobility), Tesla (BESS), Sungrow (solar inverters), and CRRC Zhuzhou Institute (energy and transport research) are key partners.
- Investment and Scale: The seventh phase, implemented under the IPP model, has attracted interest from 47 international companies, with total investments for the solar park exceeding AED 50 billion ($13.6 billion).
- Strategic Goals: The partnerships support Dubai’s Clean Energy Strategy 2050 and Net-Zero Carbon Emissions Strategy 2050, aiming for 100% clean energy by 2050.
Earlier in 2025, DEWA hosted a roadshow in Shanghai, engaging Chinese solar and storage firms to outline the solar park’s roadmap. The event highlighted DEWA’s transparent approach, with 47 companies expressing interest in Phase 7, which could expand to 2,000MW with 6,000 megawatt-hours of storage capacity.
Background: Dubai’s Clean Energy Push
Dubai’s energy transition is driven by the Dubai Clean Energy Strategy 2050, launched to diversify energy sources and achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. The Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park, a flagship project, has already reached a capacity of 3,860MW, accounting for 21% of Dubai’s energy mix. DEWA’s collaborations extend beyond China, with partnerships in Germany, South Korea, and elsewhere, but Chinese firms play a pivotal role due to their technological expertise and involvement in prior phases, such as the fourth phase completed in 2023 with Shanghai Electric as a main contractor.
China’s dominance in renewable energy technology—producing 80% of the world’s solar panels and leading in battery storage—makes it a natural partner for DEWA. Posts on X highlight China’s growing influence in global green energy, with initiatives like electric bus exports to Pakistan reflecting its broader clean energy footprint.
Expert Insights and Industry Context
Dr. Yousef Al Akraf, DEWA’s Executive Vice President of Business Support and Human Resources, noted, “These partnerships enable us to leverage global innovations, ensuring Dubai remains a benchmark for clean energy adoption.” Industry analysts see the collaboration as a win-win, with Chinese firms gaining access to Dubai’s ambitious projects and DEWA benefiting from cost-effective, advanced technologies.
The global renewable energy market is projected to grow from $881 billion in 2024 to $1.3 trillion by 2030, per Statista, and Dubai’s strategic alliances position it to capture a significant share. However, challenges remain, including supply chain dependencies on China and the need to balance cost with local economic benefits.
Potential Impact and Next Steps
The deepened ties with Chinese companies could accelerate the solar park’s expansion, enhancing Dubai’s energy security and global reputation as a clean energy hub. The seventh phase’s tendering process is expected to conclude in 2026, with operations starting in 2027, potentially attracting further foreign investment. DEWA’s focus on AI and smart grid solutions, as seen in its Huawei partnership, could also drive efficiency gains across its grid.
However, reliance on international partners raises questions about local capacity building. DEWA plans to continue knowledge exchange programs, ensuring technology transfer benefits Emirati workers. Environmental groups, while supportive of renewable projects, urge DEWA to prioritize sustainability in supply chains, given China’s coal-heavy energy mix.
Conclusion
DEWA’s partnerships with Chinese companies mark a pivotal step in advancing Dubai’s clean energy vision, with the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park as a global beacon of innovation. By leveraging China’s technological prowess, DEWA is accelerating its path to a net-zero future while strengthening UAE-China ties. As Dubai continues to lead the global energy transition, these collaborations highlight the power of international cooperation in building a sustainable tomorrow.