The Dubai Supreme Council of Energy and the Dubai Electricity and Water Authority discussed cooperation with major French companies during a meeting on July 17, 2026, according to the Emirates News Agency. Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, DEWA’s managing director and chief executive officer, emphasised the significance of enhancing cooperation with French companies and organisations through initiatives, projects and investment opportunities. The discussions included ways to exchange expertise in energy, water and sustainability, the agency added. Al Tayer noted that such partnerships would contribute to Dubai’s strategic objectives.
The meeting took place against the backdrop of the recent launch of DEWA International as a wholly owned subsidiary of DEWA. HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum announced the establishment of the company in June 2026 to develop conventional and clean energy projects worldwide and to export Dubai’s energy and water infrastructure model. In the announcement, Sheikh Ahmed said the launch marks a strategic step towards extending this successful model to global markets and further strengthening Dubai’s position as a source of knowledge and expertise in energy, water, sustainability and digital transformation. Al Tayer added that DEWA International will develop both power and water projects using advanced technologies, in partnership with leading organisations worldwide.
A Gulf News report from June 2026 placed the targeted global infrastructure market at $20 trillion by 2035. Work is already underway to identify opportunities, build a project pipeline and establish strategic partnerships that will shape the company’s global presence, the launch statement indicated. French firms like Engie have maintained active engagement with DEWA, with the utility enhancing its tie-up with the company in recent years, according to Gulf Daily News.
The International Energy Agency’s World Energy Outlook has stressed the importance of international collaboration to meet global climate targets, with partnerships in the GCC region serving as key examples. DEWA has set ambitious goals under the Dubai Clean Energy Strategy 2050, aiming for 75 percent of its energy from clean sources by 2050, according to the authority’s published targets. The cooperation with French companies is expected to support these objectives through technology and knowledge transfer.
Bilateral energy ties between the UAE and France have produced tangible results, including contributions to the Barakah nuclear power plant, which the Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation has overseen. Engie has participated in various UAE projects focusing on district cooling and renewable energy integration, industry reports show. The latest round of talks aims to expand this foundation into new areas such as hydrogen and advanced water technologies.
A PwC Middle East review of GCC energy transitions found that attracting foreign investment remains a priority for utilities seeking to scale sustainable solutions. Officials from both sides agreed to continue the dialogue with follow-up sessions planned for the coming months, the Emirates News Agency reported. This approach is designed to translate discussions into concrete projects that benefit both Dubai and its international partners.
