Dubai's DEWA Desalination Hassyan Plant Phase One Reaches 90 Percent Completion

Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD & CEO of Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA), reviewed construction progress at the first phase of the Hassyan seawater desalination plant. The facility in the Hassyan complex is around 90 percent complete. All stages of the project are planned to finish during the first quarter of 2027, according to DEWA.

Al Tayer stated that the scheme reflects the vision and directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. The project aims to secure advanced and integrated energy and water infrastructure. It supports Dubai’s rapid growth and rising water demand, while aligning with the water security policy and wider sustainable development objectives for the emirate.

The Hassyan desalination plant involves investments of AED3 billion and 377 million. It is among the world’s largest seawater reverse-osmosis (RO) water production facilities. It is also DEWA’s first independent water producer (IWP) initiative. The project strengthens DEWA’s strategy to expand Dubai’s desalinated water production capacity using more efficient and lower energy technologies.

Al Tayer explained that DEWA is developing desalination facilities based on RO technology. This method uses less energy than multi-stage distillation plants. It is therefore considered more sustainable for long-term operations. By 2030, DEWA plans to add 240 million imperial gallons per day of desalination capacity in Dubai, all using seawater reverse-osmosis systems.

DEWA Hassyan desalination plant visit and project oversight

During the site visit, Al Tayer inspected several sections of the Hassyan project. The plant is described as a key element in strengthening smart desalinated water infrastructure. It also supports the Integrated Water Resources Management Strategy 2030. Officials from Hassyan Water Company A gave detailed technical presentations and progress briefings on construction and operational readiness.

Al Tayer was joined by Mohammad Abunayyan, Chairman of ACWA Power, and Nasser Lootah, Executive Vice President of Generation. The delegation also included Hussain Lootah, Executive Vice President of Transmission Power, and Waleed bin Salman, Executive Vice President of Business Development and Excellence at DEWA. Board members of Hassyan Water Company A, plus senior DEWA officials and engineers, also attended.

With inputs from WAM