Latest Developments

Dubai Metro Blue Line reaches 26% completion

Dubai Metro Blue Line construction reached 26% completion as of early September 2026, progressing toward its targeted 9 September 2029 opening.

Dubai targets Dh55bn in further contract awards by end-2026 for Al Maktoum International Airport expansion

Dubai officials confirmed Dh13bn in contracts already awarded for the Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC) expansion in 2026, with a further Dh55bn targeted for award by end-2026 — distinct from the programme's total $34.8bn investment figure.

EWEC and Masdar close $6.1bn financing for integrated solar-plus-storage project

EWEC and Masdar reached financial close on $6.1bn ($5.1bn debt + $1bn equity) financing for the 5.2GW solar + 19GWh BESS round-the-clock renewable project — among the largest-ever financings for an integrated renewable-plus-storage project.

Etihad Rail launches UAE's first national passenger rail service

Etihad Rail launched the first stage of the UAE's national passenger rail service (Abu Dhabi-Fujairah, 1h45m journey time), the achieved first milestone of a phased rollout. Two further stages (Dubai/Sharjah; Al Dhafra) remain forecast for later in 2026.

EWEC awards 2.6GW Taweelah C IPP to TAQA-led consortium; PPA signed through 2050

EWEC awarded the 2.6GW Taweelah C CCGT IPP to a TAQA-led consortium (with Aljomaih Energy and Water Company and Sembcorp Industries), with the PPA signed through 2050. Financial close not yet confirmed.

Mirfa 2 RO desalination project reaches financial close

The Mirfa 2 reverse-osmosis desalination IWP reached financial close, on track to become the third-largest RO plant in the UAE (546,000 m3/day capacity).

Abu Dhabi launches AED 55bn public-private partnership pipeline across 24 infrastructure projects

ADIO and the Abu Dhabi Projects and Infrastructure Centre jointly launched an AED 55bn PPP pipeline of 24 infrastructure projects across transport, core infrastructure, and social infrastructure, to be brought to market 2026-2027.

DEWA invites proposals for 2,000MW seventh phase of MBR Al Maktoum Solar Park with 8.4GWh storage

DEWA opened the tender for Phase 7 of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park — 2,000MW PV plus 1,400MW/8,400MWh battery storage, one of the world's largest proposed solar-plus-storage projects. No award reported as of the research cutoff.