Saudi-based ACWA Power has signed a 30-year water purchase agreement with the Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) to develop, finance, construct and operate a 272,000 m³/day seawater reverse osmosis desalination plant at the Hassyan Complex in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, valued at US$478 million, with ACWA Power holding a 40% stake in the project company.

The agreement is valued at US$478 million (SAR1.794 billion) and covers a facility designed to produce approximately 272,000 cubic metres of desalinated water per day, equivalent to 60 million imperial gallons per day (MIGD). Under the agreement, ACWA Power will hold a 40% stake in the project company, which will be responsible for developing, financing, constructing and operating the desalination facility. The project will be implemented under DEWA’s Independent Water Producer (IWP) model, allowing the utility to secure long-term water supplies through private-sector investment and project delivery. The financial impact of the agreement is expected to begin in 2030, following successful completion of the project.

The new desalination plant will contribute to Dubai’s efforts to strengthen water security and meet rising demand associated with population growth and urban development. The Hassyan complex is already home to a larger desalination development involving ACWA Power, and the newly announced facility will further expand the emirate’s seawater reverse osmosis capacity. The project also supports DEWA’s broader strategy to increase the use of energy-efficient reverse osmosis technology and advance sustainable water production.