Dubai: Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) has attracted more than AED47.4 billion cumulatively in total project investments over the past 12 years through its independent water and power producer (IWPP) model, a key strategic enabler for delivering energy and water projects in partnership with the private sector. Developed and continuously enhanced by DEWA, the model was awarded a seven-star rating at the International Best Practice Competition in recognition of its excellence as a global standard for implementing energy and water projects through public-private partnerships.
According to Emirates News Agency, Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD and CEO of DEWA, stated that Dubai continues to solidify its position as a global investment destination, ranking first worldwide for attracting greenfield foreign direct investment (FDI) projects for the fifth consecutive year in 2025, as per Financial Times FDI Markets data. The IWPP model is one of the key pillars enabling DEWA to implement strategic projects in partnership with the private sector. It has achieved record-low energy purchase tariffs for solar projects at the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park and attracted substantial investments from private sector entities and international financial institutions.
Al Tayer highlighted that the success of the IWPP model is built on an integrated framework combining good governance, transparency, and a supportive legislative and regulatory environment, alongside specialized technical, economic, and financial feasibility studies. The model operates on the principle of fair value creation for all stakeholders, alongside risk management practices that enhance investor confidence and ensure the long-term sustainability of projects.
Waleed bin Salman, Executive Vice President of Business Development and Excellence at DEWA, noted that DEWA adopted the independent power producer (IPP) model in 2014 as an alternative to the traditional engineering, procurement, and construction model. DEWA has continuously refined and enhanced the model to meet its strategic project requirements, successfully attracting leading international developers and investors while improving project delivery efficiency.
Among DEWA's flagship projects implemented under the IPP model is the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park, the world's largest single-site solar park, with a planned production capacity that will exceed 8,000 MW by 2030. DEWA has also expanded the model's application to the water sector through the Hassyan Seawater Reverse Osmosis project, the first IWP project for DEWA, with a production capacity of 180 million imperial gallons (MIGD) of desalinated water per day.