DEWA’s Hassyan refinancing wins global structured finance honours

Dubai's energy authority has been recognised for financial innovation and resilience with a prestigious award for its US$2.45 billion refinancing of a major power complex

The structured finance world has taken notice of Dubai Electricity and Water Authority’s sophisticated approach to long-term infrastructure investment. DEWA has received the Structured Finance Deal of the Year award at the Global Banking & Markets Awards Middle East 2026, recognition that speaks to the calibre of transaction design and financial acumen at work in the region’s energy sector.

The honour recognises DEWA’s refinancing of the 2,400MW Hassyan Power Complex, a US$2.45 billion transaction structured on the independent power producer model. The deal exemplifies the kind of financial resilience and operational efficiency that underpins Dubai’s capacity to deliver major capital infrastructure projects over the long term.

Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, Managing Director and Chief Executive of DEWA and Chairman of Hassyan Energy, characterised the award as affirmation of robust confidence in Dubai’s energy sector and its ability to sustain major infrastructure development. He emphasised that the recognition reinforces DEWA’s commitment to the highest standards of governance and financial innovation, coupled with continued advancement of resilient, sustainable energy infrastructure.

The Global Banking & Markets Awards Middle East rank among the region’s most significant financial sector accolades. A distinguished panel of banking and finance leaders selects winners from among prominent regional and international financial and investment institutions, making the selection process rigorous and the recognition meaningful.

Al Tayer noted that the achievement reflects the directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, to establish advanced performance standards that bind efficiency with sustainability and embed excellence into institutional culture. The Hassyan Power Complex, he observed, strengthens Dubai’s sustainable national readiness, positioning the emirate to respond decisively to present challenges while preparing for future energy demands.

Waleed bin Salman, Executive Vice President of Business Development and Excellence at DEWA, reflected that the award underscores the authority’s competitive capabilities on a global stage and its success in elevating excellence and leadership to generate sustainable value across all stakeholder groups.

What it means for Abu Dhabi

The recognition of DEWA’s sophisticated finance work affirms the broader strength of the UAE’s energy sector and the region’s capacity to attract international capital for major infrastructure projects. The award reflects the kind of financial innovation and governance discipline that characterises the UAE’s approach to sustainable development, signalling to global investors the emirate’s commitment to responsible, long-term energy infrastructure.

DEWA’s achievement also demonstrates the seamless integration of efficiency and sustainability that has become central to the UAE’s development strategy. As the authority recently completed refinancing of the Noor Energy 1 solar project, the latest award reflects DEWA’s consistent success in marshalling international finance to advance the UAE’s renewable energy ambitions and secure its energy future.

Source: WAM