Dubai is preparing to mark a historic milestone in sustainable energy as the region’s first hydroelectric power plant in Hatta nears completion. By the end of this year, the Hatta mountains are expected to generate around 250 megawatts of clean electricity – enough to power local homes and businesses, with surplus energy flowing into Dubai’s main grid.
Unveiled during WETEX at the World Trade Centre, the project highlights Dubai’s energy diversification strategy and its growing leadership in environmental innovation across the Middle East.
A landmark in the UAE’s green transition
According to representatives of WETEX, the new facility marks a major step in the UAE’s sustainability efforts. The plant features a two-tier dam system built within the Hatta mountains, designed to operate year-round and maintain a stable supply of renewable energy.
How the system works
The hydroelectric station combines solar generation with advanced water storage technology. During daylight hours, solar energy powers pumps that move water from a lower reservoir to an upper one. When energy demand increases, the stored water is released through a tunnel at high velocity, rotating turbines that produce electricity.
As reported by event officials, this system will ensure a reliable and environmentally friendly source of power for Hatta, while any surplus will be directed into Dubai’s main power grid. With its 250-megawatt capacity, the plant is expected to more than cover local energy needs and strengthen the wider infrastructure of the emirate.
Sustainability beyond hydropower
The Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA), which oversees the Hatta project, is also implementing several other green initiatives. Among them is the upcoming Al Sheraa building – the future DEWA headquarters – equipped with rooftop solar panels capable of producing more electricity than it consumes. The excess energy, according to DEWA, will also be supplied to the city’s grid.
A regional model for the future
While hydropower is well-established in Europe, Asia, and the Americas, the Middle East’s dry terrain has long limited such developments. By leveraging Hatta’s mountainous landscape and integrating solar technology, Dubai has demonstrated how renewable solutions can be adapted to the region’s environment.
Experts note that the Hatta project shows the potential of using natural resources – such as mountains, reservoirs, and sunlight – to build a sustainable and self-sufficient energy future.
More than a technical achievement, the Hatta hydroelectric station reflects Dubai’s vision of combining innovation with sustainability – creating a model for renewable energy in the Arab world and beyond.
