DEWA’s $408 Million Net-Zero HQ on Track for Q4 2025 Completion, Setting New Sustainability Benchmarks
Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) is making significant strides in its commitment to sustainability, with its ambitious $408 million (AED 1.5 billion) new headquarters building, dubbed “Al Shera’a” (The Sail), on schedule for completion in the fourth quarter of 2025. This landmark project is poised to become the world’s tallest, largest, and smartest energy-positive government building, setting new benchmarks for sustainable urban development and reinforcing Dubai’s clean energy ambitions.
Located in the Al Jaddaf area, the sprawling complex boasts a built-up area exceeding two million square feet and will accommodate approximately 3,000 employees across 15 floors, a basement, and five parking levels. The core principle of Al Shera’a is its “net-zero energy” design, meaning the building is engineered to generate more energy than it consumes.
This ambitious goal will be achieved through the extensive integration of renewable energy technologies. Over 20,000 square meters of photovoltaic (PV) solar panels will be installed, providing a capacity of over 4,000 kilowatts (KWp). This includes an additional 1,000 sqm of building-integrated PV (BIPV) panels and 2,000 sqm of podium fins, along with innovative solar trees and shaded PV structures, boosting the total renewable energy generation to over 7,000 megawatt-hours annually. Robots will even be employed for the cleaning of these solar panels, ensuring optimal efficiency.
Beyond energy generation, Al Shera’a is designed with a strong focus on resource efficiency. The building aims to reduce water consumption by 50% compared to conventional office buildings through the implementation of advanced water management systems.
The project is targeting prestigious sustainability certifications, including a Platinum rating under LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) and a Gold rating under the WELL Building Standard, which emphasizes occupant well-being. This dual focus underscores DEWA’s commitment to both environmental responsibility and creating a healthy and productive work environment.
HE Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD & CEO of DEWA, has emphasized the significance of Al Shera’a in supporting Dubai’s clean energy and carbon neutrality strategies under the Dubai Clean Energy Strategy 2050 and the Dubai Net Zero Carbon Emissions Strategy 2050. These strategies aim to achieve 100% of the Emirate’s energy production capacity from clean energy sources by 2050.
Al Shera’a will also feature an advanced technological ecosystem, incorporating the Internet of Things (IoT), Big Data analysis, and Artificial Intelligence (AI) to optimize building performance and resource management. Furthermore, its direct connection via a bridge to the Al Jaddaf metro station will encourage the use of public transport, further reducing its carbon footprint.
The facilities within Al Shera’a are designed to foster innovation and collaboration, including a 500-seat auditorium, training halls, an innovation center, exhibition spaces, a nursery for employees’ children, and sports halls.
The completion of DEWA’s Net-Zero headquarters in Q4 2025 will not only provide a state-of-the-art working environment for its employees but will also serve as a powerful symbol of Dubai’s and the UAE’s commitment to a sustainable future and their leadership in adopting cutting-edge green technologies. This project aligns with the UAE’s broader Sustainable Development Goals, particularly those related to clean energy, sustainable cities and communities, and climate action. Al Shera’a is poised to become a global showcase for how ambitious sustainability targets can be integrated into large-scale infrastructure projects.
