DEWA's IWPP Model Attracts Over Dhs47.4 Billion, Earns Seven-Star Recognition

Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) has successfully leveraged its Independent Water and Power Producer (IWPP) model to attract more than Dhs47.4 billion in total project investments over the past 12 years. This strategic approach, developed and refined by DEWA, facilitates energy and water projects through partnerships with the private sector.

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Dubai continues to consolidate 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, according to Financial Times FDI Markets data.

The effectiveness of the IWPP model was recently recognized with a seven-star rating at the International Best Practice Competition. This award highlights its excellence as a global standard for implementing energy and water projects via public-private partnerships.

Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD & CEO of DEWA, stated that the IWPP model is a cornerstone in developing strategic projects with private sector involvement. He noted its role in Dubai's consistent ranking as the world's top destination for greenfield foreign direct investment (FDI) projects for five consecutive years, according to Financial Times FDI Markets data. The model has also been instrumental in achieving record-low energy purchase tariffs for solar projects at the Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park.

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The IWPP model is one of the key pillars enabling DEWA to implement strategic projects in partnership with the private sector.

Al Tayer emphasized that the model's success stems from a framework of good governance, transparency, and a supportive regulatory environment, complemented by specialized feasibility studies. It prioritizes fair value creation for all stakeholders and robust risk management to ensure investor confidence and project sustainability. Waleed bin Salman, Executive Vice President of Business Development and Excellence at DEWA, added that the model, adopted in 2014, has been continuously enhanced to meet project needs, attracting leading international developers and improving efficiency. DEWA has applied this model to major projects like the Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park and the Hassyan Seawater Reverse Osmosis project.

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The model has delivered globally recognised outcomes, most notably achieving record-low energy purchase tariffs for solar projects at the Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park.