Dubai’s pioneering role in advancing sustainability: Innovation meets action

Under the visionary leadership of HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, the emirate has positioned itself among the world’s leading enablers of sustainable transformation, advancing a model where innovation and infrastructure converge to deliver measurable climate action.

Dubai’s strategy integrates clean energy, digital systems and future mobility to balance economic growth with environmental responsibility. At the centre of this transformation is Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA), whose projects and investments support the Dubai Clean Energy Strategy 2050, the Dubai Net Zero Carbon Emissions Strategy 2050 and the UAE’s Net Zero 2050 Strategic Initiative.

Green data centres: Sustainable digital infrastructure

Dubai is accelerating the global transition towards sustainable digital economies, with DEWA’s digital subsidiary Data Hub Integrated Solutions (Moro Hub) playing a central role. Its Green Data Centre – located within the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park, the world’s largest single-site solar park – operates entirely on solar energy with a planned capacity of 100 megawatts over 10 phases, covering 100,000 square metres. This facility holds a Tier-III certification from the Uptime Institute, setting global benchmarks in energy efficiency and green technology adoption.

Moro Hub delivers AI-powered systems, smart energy storage and carbon-free computing for global hyper scalers. These innovations support Dubai’s ambitions for smart cities and sustainable infrastructure. Recognised by Guinness World Records as the world’s largest solar-powered data centre, it strengthens Dubai’s digital readiness while advancing cloud computing, cybersecurity and blockchain solutions.

Al Shera’a: A net-positive landmark

DEWA’s new headquarters – Al Shera’a (Arabic for sail) – is set to become the world’s tallest, largest and smartest net-positive government building.  Designed to achieve LEED Platinum and WELL Gold certifications, Al Shera’a integrates IoT, Big Data and AI to optimise performance and ensure water use is 50% lower compared to conventional buildings. Al Shera’a will be connected to Al Jaddaf metro station, promoting public transport and reducing its carbon footprint.

Photovoltaic solar panels will cover more than 20,000 square metres to achieve over 4,000 kilowatts (KWp) capacity. Additionally, more than 1,000 square metres of building-integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) panels in the façade. The new headquarters will generate over 7,000 MWh from solar photovoltaic (PV) panels, building-integrated PV panels, podium fins, fibre-optic collectors, shaded structure PV panels and solar trees.

Sustainability and innovation centre

Also located within the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park, DEWA’s Sustainability and Innovation Centre acts as a regional hub for clean energy development, climate education and capacity building. It combines exhibitions, interactive experiences and accredited training and youth programmes that engage entrepreneurs, policymakers and the public. The centre has earned international recognition, including the Reuters Global Energy Transition Award for ‘Transition Advocator’ and the SEAL Business Sustainability Award 2025. It features more than 35 interactive exhibits, a DEWA Museum, drone and hologram shows and a metaverse-enabled virtual tour of the solar park.

EV ecosystem and green mobility

Dubai’s electric vehicle (EV) ecosystem has expanded rapidly. More than 1,500 charging points are now available across the emirate under DEWA’s Green Charger initiative, launched in 2014. By mid-2025, DEWA supplied more than 42,000 megawatt-hours of electricity to charge electric vehicles, enabling these vehicles to cover more than 211 million kilometres. The number of electric vehicles in the emirate now exceeds 41,000, reflecting a significant rise in EV adoption since 2015. Registrations under DEWA’s Green Charger initiative surged from 14 customers in 2015 to over 19,000 by the end of July 2025, underscoring Dubai’s progress in green transformation.

Innovation as a driver of climate action

Dubai’s sustainability agenda demonstrates that innovation and climate action are interdependent. With flagship projects such as the Green Data Centre, Al Shera’a, the Sustainability and Innovation Centre and the expanding EV network, DEWA is advancing practical solutions to environmental challenges while reinforcing Dubai’s global competitiveness.

The emirate’s approach highlights the role of infrastructure and partnerships in shaping a green economy, positioning Dubai as a model for sustainable urban development and future-ready growth.