Dubai Electricity and Water Authority Reports Record Q1 2026 Revenue and Profit

Record Financial Performance in Q1 2026

On May 12, 2026, the Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) announced a remarkable financial performance for the first quarter of 2026, reporting a record revenue of AED 6.45 billion. This figure represents a significant increase from the previous year, with consolidated net profit surging by 89.87% to AED 0.94 billion. The results underscore DEWA’s operational efficiency and the ongoing strength of Dubai’s economy.

The authority reported an EBITDA of AED 2.88 billion, reflecting an 18.44% rise compared to the same quarter in 2025. Operating profit also saw substantial growth, climbing 53.58% to AED 1.29 billion. Additionally, cash from operations reached AED 3.89 billion, indicating robust financial health and liquidity.

DEWA, which is listed on the Dubai Financial Market, highlighted that this was its strongest first quarter on record across all key financial metrics, including revenue, EBITDA, operating profit, and net profit. Notably, clean power generation accounted for 18.5% of the total energy production during this period.

Increased Production and Customer Growth

In terms of operational performance, DEWA generated 11.09 terawatt-hours (TWh) of electricity in the first quarter, marking a 5.65% increase from the same period in 2025. Clean energy generation reached 2.06 TWh, further emphasizing DEWA’s commitment to sustainability. Additionally, desalinated water production rose by 5.51% to 37.57 billion imperial gallons (BIG).

The number of customer accounts also grew significantly, with an addition of 19,803 accounts during the quarter, bringing the total to 1.347 million. Over the past twelve months, DEWA has welcomed 65,086 new accounts, reflecting an annual growth rate of 5.08%. HE Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, Vice Chairman and MD and CEO of DEWA, described the results as an exceptional start to 2026.

Al Tayer attributed the strong performance to sustained demand for electricity, water, and cooling services, as well as DEWA’s focus on operational excellence and shareholder returns. The authority also reported a standalone net profit of AED 1.05 billion, which is an increase of 55.8% year-on-year.

Infrastructure and Capacity Expansion

As of March 31, 2026, DEWA’s installed generation capacity reached 17,979 megawatts (MW), with clean sources contributing 3,860 MW, or 21.5% of the energy mix. During the quarter, DEWA commissioned Block A of the Hassyan Sea Water Reverse Osmosis plant, adding 60 million gallons per day (MIGD) to its total desalination capacity, which now stands at 555 MIGD.

The water capacity includes 427 MIGD from multi-stage flash desalination at Jebel Ali, alongside 63 MIGD of SWRO at the same location, and additional capacities at Palm Jumeirah and Hassyan. In terms of power assets, DEWA boasts significant generation capabilities across various plants, including 11,519 MW at Jebel Ali and Al Aweer, and 3,860 MW at the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park.

The expansion of the network continues across Dubai, with the commissioning of two 132kV substations and 400 substations at 11 and 6.6 kV. The EV Green Charger network has also grown to 2,223 charging points throughout the emirate, in collaboration with government and private sector partners.

Dividend Policy and Future Outlook

DEWA’s dividend policy remains unchanged, with an annual minimum dividend set at AED 6.2 billion for the first five years starting from October 2022. The authority held its Annual General Assembly on April 2, 2026, during which it distributed AED 3.1 billion for the second half of 2025 on April 20. Management anticipates a similar payout of AED 3.1 billion in October for the first half of 2026, contingent upon approvals.

Looking ahead, DEWA plans to add another 120 MIGD of desalination capacity during 2026, further enhancing its infrastructure to meet the growing demand for water and electricity in Dubai.

Frequently Asked Questions

What was DEWA’s revenue for Q1 2026?

DEWA reported a record revenue of AED 6.45 billion for Q1 2026.

How much did DEWA’s net profit increase?

DEWA’s net profit surged by 89.87% year-on-year to AED 0.94 billion.

What percentage of DEWA’s generation was from clean power?

Clean power accounted for 18.5% of DEWA’s total generation in Q1 2026.

How many customer accounts does DEWA have?

DEWA has a total of 1.347 million customer accounts.

What is DEWA’s dividend policy?

DEWA has a minimum annual dividend policy of AED 6.2 billion for the first five years starting October 2022.