Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) has signed two agreements worth AED 1.76 billion (USD 478 million) with Acwa to develop the second phase of the Hassyan seawater reverse osmosis (SWRO) desalination project in Dubai.
The Water Purchase Agreement and Shareholder Agreement were signed by Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, Managing Director and CEO of DEWA, and Mohammad Abunayyan, Founder and Chairman of Acwa, in the presence of senior officials from both organisations.
Under the agreements, a project company will oversee the development, financing, construction and operation of the desalination facility. DEWA will hold a 60% ownership stake, while Acwa will own the remaining 40%.
The second phase will add approximately 60 million imperial gallons per day (MIGD), equivalent to 272,000 cubic metres of desalinated water, under a 30-year Water Purchase Agreement.
The expansion builds on the first phase of the Hassyan project, which has a production capacity of 180 MIGD and represents an investment of AED 3.357 billion. The initial phase was DEWA’s first project developed under the Independent Water Producer (IWP) model.
Once the expansion is completed, Hassyan’s combined production capacity will reach 240 MIGD, making it the world’s largest SWRO desalination plant, according to DEWA. The project will also contribute to increasing Dubai’s overall desalinated water production capacity to approximately 735 MIGD by 2029.
Al Tayer said the agreements demonstrate DEWA’s commitment to strengthening Dubai’s water security through sustainable technologies, innovative solutions and strategic partnerships.
He highlighted the importance of reverse osmosis technology in improving water production efficiency, reducing emissions and supporting the emirate’s growing demand for water services.
The initiative also aligns with the UAE Water Security Strategy 2036 and Dubai Clean Energy Strategy 2050, supporting broader efforts to ensure sustainable water supplies and achieve net-zero emissions by 2050.
Al Tayer added that DEWA continues to invest in advanced infrastructure and technologies to develop a resilient water supply system capable of supporting Dubai’s rapid economic and population growth.
He also pointed to the UAE’s progress in the Integrated Water Resources Management Index, highlighting the importance of connecting water, energy and environmental strategies to achieve long-term sustainability.
Meanwhile, Abunayyan emphasised that water security is essential for sustainable economic development and long-term resilience.
He said Acwa’s partnership with DEWA, spanning more than a decade across Dubai’s power and water sectors, reflects a shared commitment to delivering reliable and efficient infrastructure.
Abunayyan added that expanding the Hassyan project would build on the companies’ existing investments and technical expertise while supporting Dubai’s long-term water security objectives.
The second phase represents another step in Dubai’s efforts to expand sustainable desalination capacity, strengthen essential infrastructure and meet future water demand through advanced technologies and public-private partnerships.
