World’s Largest Solar Park in Dubai, Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Adds One Gigawatt at 68.59% Completion

The sixth phase of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the world’s largest solar park has added one gigawatt. The project is more than two thirds complete with 1 GW now in operation as it is set to add 1.8 GW of solar to the site. Work is currently underway on the sixth phase of the project that will add a total of 1.8 GW of solar to the site. It is being implemented by Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) under an independent power producer (IPP) model.

An update published by the government of Dubai also confirms the sixth phase is approximately 68.59% complete. Having reached the 1GW threshold, the remaining 800 MW is still under construction. Over 2.2 million solar panels have been installed to date, with the number on track to reach over 3.9 million. The current phase of the solar park is also expected to be completed next year. Moreover, the solar park’s current production capacity is 3,860 MW, with an additional 800 MW under construction.

Project Factsheet

Significance:

• World’s largest solar park with an additional 1.8 GW capacity.
• Supports Dubai’s clean energy targets.
• Provides renewable power to nearly 540,000 residences once fully operational.

Infrastructure:

• Sixth phase capacity: 1.8 GW, with 1 GW already in operation.
• Over 2.2 million solar panels installed, projected to exceed 3.9 million.
• Current phase is 68.59% complete, with final delivery expected next year.

 Developer:

• Implemented by Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA).
• Delivered under the Independent Power Producer (IPP) model.
• Future phases include a 1.6–2 GW solar-plus-storage facility with 1 GW battery capacity.

Funding:

• Financed through DEWA’s IPP partnership framework.
• Aligns with Dubai’s renewable energy investment strategy under Vision 2050.
• Supports regional leadership in large-scale solar and hybrid energy projects.

Challenges:

• Maintaining timely completion amid large-scale installation requirements.
• Coordinating grid integration of both solar and upcoming storage capacity.
• Ensuring performance standards while expanding cumulative capacity to 7.2 GW by 2030.

The Scope of Implementation on the World’s Largest Solar Park

The world’s largest solar park is one that is expected to have a monumental significance based on its scope of implementation. To date, the solar park’s cumulative production capacity stands at over 3.8 GW. This is according to figures published by DEWA. Nonetheless, by the end of the decade its capacity is expected to reach over 7.2 GW. Moreover, it will exceed the original 5 GW target, and contribute to around 34% of Dubai’s total electricity capacity. In February, DEWA issued a call for developers to assist with the seventh phase of the project on an IPP basis. The client company has had reputable companies such as Larsen & Toubro working on the project’s fifth phase, showing their commitment in ensuring its delivery. The Middle East has been prolific in implementing solar project, with countries such as Egypt’s Abydos solar project highlighting this commitment.

The tendered solar facility will also have a capacity ranging between 1.6 GW and 2 GW. Furthermore, it will be connected to 1 GW of battery capacity. This will make it one of the largest solar-plus-storage projects in the world. The phase will provide clean energy for nearly 540,000 residences. In August, DEWA announced the beginning of trial operation and electricity export from the 250 MW pumped-storage hydroelectric power plant in Hatta to Dubai.