We have covered key developments in PPP and infrastructure across UAE and Baharain in our final insight of Q4-2024. There are multiple instances of international developers and investors coming into these countries to develop first-of-kind projects such as event arenas, biofuels etc. Further, we also see willingness of international banks to finance such transactions, provided a robust concession agreement with a balanced risk allocation is made available by the offtaker.
Read the key developments in Infrastructure and PPPs in UAE and Baharain in our final insight of the Q4 2024 series.
UAE
ABU DHABI ISSUES EOI FOR 140 MW AL SILA WIND IPP
EWEC (Emirates Water and Electricity Company) has invited developers and developer consortiums to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) to develop a new wind power farm close to the existing utility-scale wind programme in Al Sila. The Al Sila wind project is a greenfield renewable energy project with a generation capacity of up to 140 megawatts (MW) AC. The Independent Power Project (IPP) will more than double the existing wind generation capacity in the UAE.Â
The project will generate clean electricity to power 36,000 homes, displacing 190,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide annually, and will directly contribute to Abu Dhabi’s Clean Energy Strategic Target 2035 for 60% of electricity production to be generated by renewable and clean sources. The wind project and the existing UAE wind assets will increase the UAE’s wind generation capacity to approximately 240 MW.
The Al Sila wind project will involve the development, financing, construction, operation, maintenance and ownership of the wind farm and associated infrastructure. The project will follow the IPP programme of Abu Dhabi, where developers enter into a long-term power purchase agreement with EWEC as the sole procurer of electricity.Â
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PEARL PARTNERS WITH TOTALENERGIES TO INSTALL SOLAR POWER AT THREE PRODUCTION FACILITIES IN THE UAE
Pearl Group, an international leader in polyurethane (PU) insulation solutions and other PU-based applications, has partnered with TotalEnergies to install solar photovoltaic (PV) systems at three of its strategic production facilities in the UAE. This significant solarization initiative marks a major step in Pearl’s commitment to sustainability and reducing its carbon footprint by cutting its annual CO2 emissions by 568 tons.
In collaboration with TotalEnergies, Pearl has installed a total of 1,653 solar PV rooftop panels with a total installed capacity of 821 kilowatt-peak (KWp). The three Dubai facilities will produce 1,336 megawatt hours (MWh) of energy a year. The site in Dubai Investments Park (DIP) South is now contributing 372 kWp, the DIP North site adds 359 kWp, and Ras Al Khor provides 90 kWp.Â
EMIRATES AND ETHIHAD CLEAN ENERGY UNVEILS MAJOR SOLAR PROJECT AT DUBAI ENGENEERING CENTRE
Emirates has partnered with Etihad Clean Energy Development to launch a large-scale solar energy project at the Emirates Engineering Centre in Dubai. The project includes the development, engineering, procurement, construction, testing, and commissioning of solar photovoltaic (PV) systems at Emirates Engineering Centre, along with 20 years of operation and maintenance services.
A total of 39,960 solar panels will be installed, providing 37% of the facility's annual energy consumption and reducing CO2 equivalent emissions by over 13,000 tonnes each year when fully operational.  The total capacity is 23,177 kWp, with an estimated annual generation of 34.3 Mn kWh. The 20-year agreement for operation and maintenance, the solar PV systems will contribute to long-term environmental benefits, ensuring that the Emirates Engineering Centre continues to operate efficiently using clean energy. This project is part of both companies’ broader efforts to support the UAE’s sustainability agenda, which focuses on reducing reliance on non-renewable energy sources and driving progress towards a low-carbon future.
AL MASAOOD ENERGY PARTNERS WITH TOTALENERGIES TO DEVELOP A MEGAWATT-SCALE SOLAR ENERGY PROJECT IN ABU DHABI
Al Masaood Energy, one of the first established oil and gas contractors in the UAE, has signed a partnership agreement with TotalEnergies to implement a 2.5 megawatt (MW) solar project in its Mega-Base development in the Industrial City of Abu Dhabi. TotalEnergies will deliver a tailored solution to optimize energy use and reduce emissions.Â
This 25-year partnership will enable TotalEnergies to develop the solar energy project with approximately 4,200 photovoltaic (PV) panels capable of an annual production of 4.2 gigawatt-hours (GWh) of electricity, while saving around 1,800Â tons of CO2Â emissions per year.Â
DUBAI’S GREEN HYDROGEN GENERATES OVER 1 GWH OF ENERGY
Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) has announced that its Green Hydrogen project has produced around 90 tonnes of green hydrogen since it was launched in May 2021.  Most of this hydrogen was used to produce more than one gigawatt hour (GWh) of green energy, reducing about 450 tonnes of CO2 emissions. The Green Hydrogen project is the first of its kind in the Middle East and North Africa to produce green hydrogen using solar energy.Â
The Green Hydrogen Project was developed in partnership with Siemens Energy and Expo 2020 Dubai. The project produces about 20 kilogrammes of hydrogen per hour, and its gas tank can store up to 12 hours of hydrogen produced using solar energy. It is used to produce electricity during the night through a hydrogen gas motor with a capacity of approximately 300 kilowatts of electrical energy. The Green Hydrogen project has been designed and built to accommodate future applications and test platforms for various uses of hydrogen, including the air, land and sea transport sectors, and other industries.
The Green Hydrogen Project aims to support the United Arab Emirates goal of capturing 25% of the global-low carbon hydrogen market. The Green Hydrogen project has been designed and built to accommodate future applications and test platforms for various uses of hydrogen, including the air, land and sea transport sectors, and other industries.
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FRANCE'S EDF PROPOSES 5 GW PUMPED HYDRO STORAGE PROJECT IN UAE
EDF, the France-based energy giant, has unveiled plans to develop a 5 GW pumped hydro storage facility in Ras Al Khaimah, UAE. This ambitious project aims to store energy for up to 12 hours, providing crucial support for grid stability as renewable energy becomes an increasingly significant part of the UAE’s energy Portfolio. The proposed project expands on EDF’s regional expertise, including its ongoing work on Dubai’s Hatta pumped-storage hydroelectric project. The 5 GW pumped hydro storage project exemplifies the growing role of pumped-storage technology in global energy strategies, especially in regions like the UAE that are prioritising energy resilience and a shift away from fossil fuels.
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ABU DHABI'S ADIO ISSUES PPP TENDER FOR EVENT ARENAS IN TWO LOCATIONS
The Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO), in partnership with the Department of Municipalities and Transport (DMT), has announced a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) tender in November 2024 for a new Musataha project to design, build, maintain and operate premier event arenas in Madinat Al Riyadh and Madinat Zayed in Abu Dhabi emirate. This tender is the first to be launched within ADIO’s new Investment Map, which showcases opportunities across Abu Dhabi, Al Ain and Al Dhafra for UAE National investors.
According to the RFP, the project aims to deliver a high-quality events arena, offering vibrant spaces for community engagement and diversified entertainment. The arena will serve as dynamic hubs for public performances, outdoor activities, and events, enriched with open green areas to promote relaxation and social interaction. In addition to sports, commercial, administrative facilities, and related services.
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EMARAT, LOOTAH BIOFUELS SIGN MOU TO ENHANCE COOPERATION IN RENEWABLE ENERGY
The Emarat Petroleum Company (Emarat) and Lootah Biofuels have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in December 2024 to enhance cooperation in line with the UAE plans to develop renewable energy sources and enhance sustainability. The MoU aims to establish a framework for cooperation between the two parties to achieve a set of common goals that contribute to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and other pollutants associated with traditional fossil fuels, contributing to improved air quality and environmental sustainability in line with the directives of Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure (MoEI) and efforts to promote clean and sustainable energy, achieving the goals of the National Biofuels Policy and the UAE Net Zero 2050 strategy.
The MoU focuses on strengthening cooperation in order to expand the collection network of used cooking oils through the retail stations network of Emarat, including biodiesel in their offering, exploring manufacturing of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), and providing biodiesel to vessels in certain ports.
UAE’S KAZAR TO INVEST USD 2.5 BN IN EGYPT’S 3.1 GW HYBRID RENEWABLE POWER PLANT
UAE-based investment firm Kazar plans to invest USD 2.5 Bn in a hybrid renewable power plant in Egypt’s Zafarana region, in the east of the country. The project, agreed upon with the Egyptian government, is set to have a capacity of 3.1 GW, combining 2 GW of solar energy and 1.1 GW of wind energy. The Build-Operate-Own (BOO) model will govern its implementation, with Kazar handling construction and operation. The state-owned Egyptian Electricity Transmission Company (EETC) will purchase the energy generated by the plant.
The project will replace the aging Zafarana Wind Farm, one of Africa’s largest wind farms, which has reached the end of its operational life. The Zafarana site spans 120 km2, houses 700 turbines, and produces 545 MW of electricity.  The new project will be purchased at competitive rates, averaging 2 cents per kWh for solar energy and 3 cents per kWh for wind energy. Kazar expects to finalize project studies and financial arrangements by the end of 2025, with on-site work starting in early 2026.
UNITED ARAB EMIRATES APPROVES FOUR RENEWABLE ENERGY PROJECTS FOR 4.6 GW
EWEC (Emirates Water and Electricity Company) announced the approval of four new sites for renewable energy projects in Abu Dhabi. These initiatives, covering an area of 75 square kilometers, include three solar projects and one wind farm, aiming to achieve a total capacity of 4.6 gigawatts (GW). The new projects include three photovoltaic plants in Al Faya, Al Khazna, and Al Zarraf, totaling 4.5 GW, and a 140-megawatt wind farm in Sila. These developments are part of the United Arab Emirates’ broader efforts to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and promote an ambitious energy transition. EWEC anticipates these projects will play a key role in reaching 10 GW of installed solar capacity by 2030, aligned with the targets set by the Abu Dhabi Department of Energy (DoE).
The solar PV projects will support EWEC’s delivery of 10GW of installed solar PV capacity by 2030 and 18GW by 2035, contributing to collective efforts to achieve the Abu Dhabi Department of Energy’s (DoE) Clean Energy Strategic Target 2035 for Electricity Production in Abu Dhabi and UAE Net Zero by 2050 Strategic Initiative.
These four sites were identified and secured through EWEC’s close collaboration with key partners, united by the shared goals of decarbonising the UAE’s energy production and combatting climate change. The role of EWEC’s partners, Abu Dhabi Department of Culture and Tourism (DCT), Abu Dhabi Department of Energy (DoE), Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC), Department of Municipalities and Transport (DMT), Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD), and the Ministry of Defence (MoD), was vital.
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DUBAI OPENS NEW 3-LANE BRIDGE TO IMPROVE TRAFFIC FLOW BETWEEN SHEIKH RASHID ROAD, INFINITY BRIDGE
Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has announced the opening of a new three-lane bridge connecting Sheikh Rashid Road to Infinity Bridge, marking a significant milestone in the Al Shindagha Corridor Improvement Project. The RTA described the project as a significant achievement in Phase 4 of  Al Shindagha Corridor Improvement project, which spans Sheikh Rashid Road from Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Street intersection to Falcon Interchange on Al Mina Street, covering a total length of 4.8 km.
The project also includes the construction of three bridges with a combined length of 3.1 km, capable of accommodating 19,400 vehicles per hour across all lanes. Â A second bridge on Sheikh Rashid Road, linking Al Mina Intersection to Sheikh Rashid Road intersection with Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Street, is set to open in the first half of January. The project aims to keep pace with the ongoing development in the area along the corridor, addressing the requirements of urban and population growth.
Three bridges
The first bridge, which measures 1,335 metres in length with three lanes in each direction, enhances traffic flow between Sheikh Rashid Road and Falcon Interchange, with a capacity of 10,800 vehicles per hour in both directions.
The second bridge spans 780 metres with three lanes, serving traffic from Falcon Interchange towards Al Wasl Road, with a capacity of 5,400 vehicles per hour.
The third bridge, 985 metres long with two lanes, facilitates traffic from Jumeirah Street to Al Mina Street heading towards Falcon Interchange, with a capacity of 3,200 vehicles per hour.
The project includes the development of 4.8 kilometres of roads, improvements to surface intersections on Jumeirah Street, Al Mina Street, and Sheikh Sabah Al Ahmad Al Jaber Al Sabah Street, as well as the construction of two pedestrian bridges, one on Sheikh Rashid Road and the other on Al Mina Street. It also includes installation of street lighting, traffic systems, a rainwater drainage network, and an irrigation system.
BAHRAIN
BAHRAIN INAUGURATES USD 85 Mn POWER, WATER STATIONS
The Government of Bahrain inaugurated a new 220 kV electricity transmission station and a water distribution station at the Al Hidd Housing Project. The stations, which together cost USD 85 Mn, are part of the government’s efforts to enhance infrastructure and meet the growing demand for essential services in the country. The electricity station has a capacity of 360 MVA and is expected to serve nearly 40,000 users in Hidd and surrounding areas by transmitting power from the main electricity grid to the local 66 kV substations. The water distribution station has a storage capacity of 2.34 million gallons and is equipped with advanced monitoring and control systems.
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BAHRAIN LAUNCHES TENDER FOR 44 MW SOLAR PLANT
Bahrain’s Electricity and Water Authority (EWA) has issued a tender for the construction of a 44 MW solar power plant at the campus of the University of Bahrain (UOB). The facility will consist of a ground-mounted solar array and several photovoltaic carports. The tender for the project will be implemented on a turnkey basis, covering engineering, design, manufacturing, supply of materials, installation, testing, commissioning, and civil and electromechanical works.
Bahrain wants to bring 255 MW of solar generation capacity online by 2025 using net metering, tenders for large-scale projects and a renewable energy mandate for new buildings. The kingdom’s renewable energy target envisages 700 MW of solar, wind and energy-from-waste generation capacity by 2030. The Middle Eastern country had just 57 MW of installed PV capacity by the end of 2023.
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SIEMENS ENERGY SUBMITS USD 157 MN BID FOR 400KV BAHRAIN SUBSTATION PROJECT
Siemens Energy was the sole bidder for Bahrain Electricity and Water Authority’s new 400kV substation project, located in Sitra Industrial Area. The German electrical products giant submitted a bid of DH 59 Mn (USD 157 Mn) for the Request for Proposal (RFP) tender seeking implementation of ‘Electrical & Civil Works for Establishment of New 400kV Grid Substation in Sitra Industrial Area’
The scope of the project, which is associated with the planned Sitra Independent Water and Power Plant (IWPP), encompasses design, manufacturing, supply, transportation, erection, testing and commissioning of 400kV Grid substation. It includes 400kV GIS, 220kV GIS, 21kV switchgear, Control, Protection and ICS, Telecom systems and associated substation cabling as well as civil works of the substation and associated building services including CCTV and Electronic Access Control systems. It also includes the work related to interface with Sitra IWPP. Â
List of key transactions - UAE and Bahrain Q4 2024

Source: YOG INFRA, Public Information
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