Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) has announced that its flagship seawater desalination project at the Hassyan complex has reached 78% completion. The plant, being implemented under the Independent Water Producer (IWP) model, will add 180 million imperial gallons per day (MIGD) to Dubai’s water production capacity once fully operational in the first quarter of 2027.
With investments of AED 3.377 billion (about USD 919 million), the Hassyan facility is one of the world’s largest seawater reverse osmosis (RO) projects and is DEWA’s first IWP desalination project. The project achieved financial close in April 2024.
HE Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD & CEO of DEWA, inspected progress on the site, accompanied by Waleed Bin Salman, Executive Vice President for Business Development and Excellence, along with senior officials and engineers. During the visit, officials from Hassyan Water Company A provided detailed briefings on construction milestones.
HE Al Tayer emphasised the project’s alignment with Dubai’s long-term sustainability vision: “The project embodies the vision and directives of HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, to provide an advanced and integrated infrastructure for energy and water that keeps pace with Dubai’s rapid growth and meets the increasing demand for electricity and water services, in line with sustainable development plans.”
The Hassyan plant is a key component of DEWA’s Integrated Water Resources Management Strategy 2030, which aims to enhance water security through advanced infrastructure and sustainable technologies. DEWA is expanding its reliance on seawater reverse osmosis technology, targeting an additional 240 MIGD by 2030. This will bring total desalinated water capacity to 735 MIGD.
By 2030, DEWA aims to produce 100% of desalinated water using a mix of clean energy and waste heat, positioning Dubai as a global leader in sustainable water production.
