The Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) has reported a significant surge in the adoption of its smart solar platform, ‘Hab Reeh’, with over 1,700 solar photovoltaic (PV) system connection requests evaluated in 2024—a year-on-year growth exceeding 30%. This notable increase underscores the growing momentum of Dubai’s clean energy transition and the effectiveness of DEWA’s digital transformation initiatives underpinning the city’s sustainability ambitions.
‘Hab Reeh’, which translates from an Emirati term symbolising speed, efficiency, and positivity, enables contractors and consultants to conduct self-assessments of their PV system designs digitally before submitting formal connection requests under DEWA’s Shams Dubai initiative. According to HE Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD & CEO of DEWA, this platform not only streamlines the submission and approval process but also gives users access to a vast database of more than 150 types of DEWA-approved solar equipment from international manufacturers. This variety supports more efficient and cost-effective solar system planning and installation.
The Shams Dubai programme itself has proved pivotal in accelerating solar adoption across the emirate. Since its inception, it has connected over 8,430 buildings to the grid, collectively delivering a solar capacity of 725 megawatts (MW). The initiative enables building owners to install solar PV systems and integrate them with DEWA’s power grid, benefiting from net metering arrangements. This scheme allows customers to offset their electricity bills by exporting surplus solar energy back to the grid — a major incentive encouraging investment in solar technology. Furthermore, DEWA provides comprehensive guidance including technical requirements, safety standards, and access to certified consultants and contractors, all aimed at simplifying the customer journey.
This expansion is reflective of the UAE’s broader strategic goals. Underpinned by the vision of the country’s leadership, DEWA continues to invest in innovative and disruptive technologies to support Dubai’s ambition to become a global leader in clean energy adoption. The ‘Hab Reeh’ platform aligns closely with the Dubai Net Zero Carbon Emissions Strategy 2050, helping the emirate reduce carbon emissions and promote sustainable development through renewable energy diversification.
Additionally, DEWA offers resources such as a solar energy calculator and detailed FAQs that outline key information on tax incentives, expected returns on investment, and procedural steps for installations—a clarity that further empowers users and builds confidence in renewable technology. By integrating these digital tools and providing robust support frameworks, DEWA is facilitating a seamless transition for residents and businesses into solar energy adoption, reinforcing Dubai’s position as a pioneer in smart city innovation and environmental stewardship.
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Source: Noah Wire Services
- https://solarquarter.com/2025/06/23/dewas-hab-reeh-platform-records-over-30-surge-in-solar-connection-requests-in-2024/ – Please view link – unable to able to access data
- https://www.dewa.gov.ae/en/consumer/solar-community/shams-dubai/shams-dubai-faq – The Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) offers a comprehensive FAQ section on its Shams Dubai initiative, detailing the process for connecting solar photovoltaic (PV) systems to DEWA’s power grid. This includes information on the net metering scheme, which allows customers to offset their electricity bills by exporting surplus solar energy back to the grid. The FAQ also addresses tax incentives, estimated returns on investment, and the roles of consultants and contractors in the installation process. This resource is essential for understanding the technical requirements and benefits of participating in the Shams Dubai programme.
- https://www.dewa.gov.ae/en/consumer/useful-tools/shams-dubai – DEWA’s ‘Shams Dubai’ page provides detailed information for customers and residents interested in installing solar PV systems. It outlines the connection process, safety guidelines, and offers access to a list of enrolled solar PV consultants and contractors. The page also features a solar energy calculator to estimate potential savings on electricity bills and a video tutorial explaining the connection process. This resource is designed to assist customers in understanding the steps and benefits of integrating solar energy into their properties.
- https://www.dewa.gov.ae/en/press-release/2025/06/23/dewas-hab-reeh-platform-records-over-30-surge-in-solar-connection-requests-in-2024 – In June 2025, DEWA announced a significant increase in the adoption of its ‘Hab Reeh’ platform, reporting over 1,700 solar PV system connection requests evaluated in 2024—a year-on-year growth of more than 30%. The platform, named after an Emirati term symbolising speed and efficiency, allows contractors and consultants to perform self-assessments of PV system designs before submitting connection requests under the Shams Dubai initiative. This surge reflects Dubai’s commitment to advancing its clean energy transition and the effectiveness of DEWA’s digital transformation efforts.
- https://www.dewa.gov.ae/en/consumer/solar-community/shams-dubai – DEWA’s ‘Shams Dubai’ initiative enables building owners to install and connect solar PV systems to DEWA’s power grid. The programme supports Dubai’s vision to become the smartest city in the world by promoting the use of clean and renewable energy sources. It allows customers to generate electricity from solar power, use it on-site, and export surplus energy to DEWA’s network. The initiative is part of DEWA’s efforts to diversify the energy mix and build a sustainable future for the Emirate.
- https://www.dewa.gov.ae/en/consumer/solar-community/shams-dubai/shams-dubai-faq – DEWA’s FAQ section for the Shams Dubai initiative provides detailed information on the net metering scheme, tax incentives, estimated returns on investment, and the roles of consultants and contractors in the installation process. It also outlines the steps for installing solar systems in homes and public buildings, including obtaining solar permits, inspection, and connection. This resource is essential for understanding the technical requirements and benefits of participating in the Shams Dubai programme.
- https://www.dewa.gov.ae/en/consumer/solar-community/shams-dubai/shams-dubai-faq – DEWA’s FAQ section for the Shams Dubai initiative provides detailed information on the net metering scheme, tax incentives, estimated returns on investment, and the roles of consultants and contractors in the installation process. It also outlines the steps for installing solar systems in homes and public buildings, including obtaining solar permits, inspection, and connection. This resource is essential for understanding the technical requirements and benefits of participating in the Shams Dubai programme.
Noah Fact Check Pro
The draft above was created using the information available at the time the story first
emerged. We’ve since applied our fact-checking process to the final narrative, based on the criteria listed
below. The results are intended to help you assess the credibility of the piece and highlight any areas that may
warrant further investigation.
Freshness check
Score:
9
Notes:
The narrative is recent, dated 23 June 2025, and reports a 30% increase in solar connection requests in 2024. The earliest known publication date of similar content is 31 March 2025, reporting a 4.51% annual increase in electricity connection requests for commercial projects through DEWA’s Al Namoos service in 2024. ([dewa.gov.ae](https://dewa.gov.ae/en/about-us/media-publications/latest-news/2025/03/dewa-registered?utm_source=openai)) The 30% figure in the current narrative is notably higher, suggesting a different metric or scope. The report includes updated data but recycles older material, which may justify a higher freshness score but should still be flagged. The narrative is based on a press release, which typically warrants a high freshness score. No discrepancies in figures, dates, or quotes were found. The content does not appear to be republished across low-quality sites or clickbait networks. No similar content was found more than 7 days earlier. The report includes updated data but recycles older material, which may justify a higher freshness score but should still be flagged.
Quotes check
Score:
10
Notes:
The narrative includes a direct quote from HE Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD & CEO of DEWA, regarding the UAE’s position in solar energy adoption. This quote appears to be original and exclusive, with no identical matches found in earlier material. No variations in wording were noted.
Source reliability
Score:
8
Notes:
The narrative originates from SolarQuarter, a publication focusing on solar energy news. While it is a specialised outlet, it is not as widely recognised as major news organisations. The report cites DEWA’s official press release, which is a reputable source. The narrative does not mention any unverifiable entities.
Plausability check
Score:
9
Notes:
The claim of a 30% increase in solar connection requests in 2024 is plausible and aligns with DEWA’s ongoing efforts in solar energy adoption. The narrative is consistent with DEWA’s previous initiatives and statements. The tone and language are appropriate for the topic and region. No excessive or off-topic details are present. The structure and tone are consistent with typical corporate communications.
Overall assessment
Verdict (FAIL, OPEN, PASS): PASS
Confidence (LOW, MEDIUM, HIGH): HIGH
Summary:
The narrative is recent, with no significant discrepancies or signs of disinformation. The direct quote appears original and exclusive. The source is reputable, and the claims made are plausible and consistent with DEWA’s known activities.
