DEWA International and Shanghai Electric Chart Course for Global Energy and Water Partnerships

Dubai's utilities authority expands its international reach through a strategic collaboration with one of China's leading energy innovators, opening pathways for investment across renewable energy, desalination and emerging green technologies.

The collaboration between DEWA International and Shanghai Electric represents a significant step in Dubai’s efforts to extend its expertise in energy and water management across global markets. Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, Managing Director and Chief Executive of Dubai Electricity and Water Authority and Chairman of DEWA International, witnessed the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding, which establishes a framework for identifying and developing projects of mutual interest and strategic value.

The partnership creates a structured pathway for cooperation across a broad spectrum of energy and infrastructure sectors. Combined-cycle power plants, photovoltaic solar installations and concentrated solar power systems form the backbone of this collaboration, alongside battery energy storage systems and wind energy solutions. The accord also encompasses seawater desalination capacity, electricity transmission and distribution networks, and the promising frontier of green hydrogen and green ammonia production. Support for equipment supply and services within the oil and gas sector completes the scope of potential ventures.

Waleed bin Salman, Executive Vice President of Business Development and Excellence at DEWA and Vice Chairman of DEWA International, and Shen Bing, President of Shanghai Electric Power Generation Group, signed the agreement in the presence of Jin Xiaolong, Vice President of Shanghai Electric Group, and representatives from both organisations. The memorandum establishes mechanisms for identifying, evaluating, developing and structuring projects, as well as participating in and investing through tender processes.

Al Tayer emphasised that this partnership reflects DEWA International’s commitment to leveraging Dubai’s accumulated knowledge in the utilities sector. “Our partnership with Shanghai Electric supports our efforts to explore promising opportunities in energy, water and green technologies and develop sustainable and commercially viable projects that contribute to the global transition to more efficient and sustainable energy systems,” he stated. This collaboration follows DEWA International’s formalisation of four strategic partnerships with globally recognised institutions at WETEX 2026, demonstrating the authority’s sustained momentum in building its international presence.

The expansion of DEWA International’s global footprint reflects Dubai’s broader strategy of positioning itself as a centre for utilities innovation and sustainable infrastructure development. By combining Shanghai Electric’s manufacturing and technological prowess with DEWA’s operational experience, the partnership creates opportunities to address global demand for reliable energy and water solutions whilst advancing the transition to cleaner, more efficient systems.

What it means for Abu Dhabi

This partnership strengthens the United Arab Emirates’ position as a knowledge exporter in the energy and utilities sector, creating opportunities for Emirati expertise to shape global infrastructure projects. DEWA International’s international expansion generates pathways for economic growth and investment, whilst positioning the emirates as a trusted partner for sophisticated infrastructure development across emerging markets and established economies alike.

The collaboration’s emphasis on green hydrogen and sustainable energy systems aligns with the UAE’s broader commitment to environmental stewardship and diversified energy solutions. By establishing frameworks for international cooperation in these domains, the partnership supports the country’s leadership in advancing global sustainability whilst creating commercial opportunities that benefit the broader economy.

Source: WAM