2:56 am - July 20, 2026
The Sharjah Electricity, Water and Gas Authority (SEWA) has finalised a AED35 million project to extend natural gas services to residential districts in Dibba Al Hisn, marking a significant step in the emirate’s push for cleaner, more sustainable energy infrastructure.
The Sharjah Electricity, Water and Gas Authority has wrapped up a natural gas connection project in Dibba Al Hisn, marking yet another step in the emirate’s ongoing efforts to expand access to cleaner energy infrastructure.
Based on reports from Gulf News and Sharjah24, the project cost around AED35 million, roughly equivalent to $9.5 million, and was aimed at bringing natural gas services to several residential districts in the coastal city. This initiative forms part of SEWA’s wider plan to develop a comprehensive gas supply network in Dibba Al Hisn, following instructions from His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, the Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah.
The work was divided into three main parts, all carried out simultaneously. These included constructing a natural gas pumping station with a virtual pipeline system, laying a 46-kilometre distribution network, and installing internal connections for approximately 200 homes. Smart meters were also added to better monitor and measure energy usage.
Now, the network extends to Al Hay Al Shamali, Al Hay Al Gharbi, Al Hisn Island, and Al Doub, providing residents in those areas with direct access to piped natural gas. For a city where locals have historically relied on cylinders, this change isn’t just a technical upgrade; it alters how energy is delivered, tracked, and billed.
Engineer Ibrahim Al Balghouni, director of SEWA’s natural gas department, mentioned that the project is part of the authority’s broader strategy to roll out cleaner, sustainable energy services across Sharjah. He added that the work was completed using modern standards, advanced control systems, and monitoring tech designed to ensure a safe and reliable supply.
His comments show a wider trend in the emirate’s utility plans. SEWA has been steadily expanding gas infrastructure into residential areas outside of Sharjah city itself, alongside other utilities supporting the city’s urban growth. The Dibba Al Hisn project is quite a visible example of that approach.
The authority has also highlighted natural gas as a practical alternative to bottled cylinders. And, you know, it’s not just about convenience, there’s an environmental aspect too. Pipelines can cut down on truck traffic, improve safety during delivery, and reduce the emissions linked to transport. SEWA states that the new network will help lower carbon emissions and provide a more cost-effective solution for households.
The project’s completion comes after SEWA showed signs of momentum in Dibba Al Hisn earlier. Gulf Construction had previously reported that the authority was working on a broader gas supply scheme in the area, initially describing an 84-kilometre pipeline project across four phases, estimated to cost AED31 million, with roughly 17,000 residents targeted. Initially, the focus was on building the backbone of the system and getting neighbourhoods ready for connection.
More recent reports suggest that the Dibba Al Hisn rollout has now boiled down to the completed 46-kilometre network and its residential links. The different figures probably reflect changes during planning, phased execution, and sections now operational. What’s clear, though, is that SEWA has been progressing step by step, and the latest update highlights the completion of the connection phase.
This kind of phased approach is pretty typical of SEWA’s other gas projects around Sharjah. Gulf Construction also mentions ongoing work in the central regions, including new pipeline segments and pumping stations in areas like Al Bataeh, Al Burair, and Al Dhaid. So, Dibba Al Hisn’s project isn’t isolated , it’s part of a larger programme.
For residents, the immediate benefits are obvious. Natural gas piped into homes cuts down on the need for cylinders and makes storing bottled gas less necessary. Plus, the smart meters can offer better transparency on consumption, which is handy for households wanting to keep utility bills under control. The control systems are designed to ensure steady supply, which is pretty crucial in neighbourhoods where residents rely heavily on consistent energy.
This project also plays a role in urban planning. Utility developments often influence how fast communities grow and can even affect building standards and the attractiveness of new housing areas. Basically, SEWA’s investment isn’t just about getting gas into homes; it’s about supporting long-term infrastructure development.
In line with broader Gulf trends, Sharjah is pushing to modernise its energy distribution methods while also signalling its commitment to sustainability. While natural gas isn’t zero-carbon, regional utilities often see it as a cleaner transition fuel compared to outdated, fragmented systems of delivering energy. SEWA’s positioning the Dibba Al Hisn project as safer, more efficient, and easier to oversee than relying solely on cylinders.
SEWA claims the new network will boost service reliability and improve energy access across residential districts in the city. If everything stays on schedule with regional gas plans, Dibba Al Hisn could serve as a key example of how Sharjah is steadily reworking its local energy infrastructure, neighbourhood by neighbourhood.
- https://www.gccbusinessnews.com/sewa-natural-gas-project-dibba-al-hisn/ – Please view link – unable to able to access data
- https://gulfnews.com/business/energy/sewa-completes-natural-gas-project-in-dibba-al-hisn-1.500612317 – The Sharjah Electricity, Water and Gas Authority (SEWA) has completed a natural gas connection project in Dibba Al Hisn, investing AED 35 million. The project involved constructing a natural gas pumping station operating through a virtual pipeline system and developing a 46-kilometre natural gas distribution network covering Al Hay Al Shamali, Al Hay Al Gharbi, Al Hisn Island, and Al Doub neighbourhoods. Additionally, internal connections for around 200 residential units were established, and smart meters were installed to enhance consumption monitoring and measurement efficiency. This initiative aligns with SEWA’s strategic plan to provide clean and sustainable energy across Sharjah. Engineer Ibrahim Al Balghouni, Director of the Natural Gas Department at SEWA, highlighted that the project contributes to sustainable development in Dibba Al Hisn and was implemented using the latest technologies and specifications, along with advanced control and monitoring systems to ensure the safety and continuous flow of gas around the clock. He also noted that natural gas provides a safe, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional gas cylinders, helping to reduce carbon emissions and support environmental sustainability.
- https://sharjah24.ae/en/Articles/2026/07/18/gh-12 – The Sharjah Electricity, Water and Gas Authority (SEWA) has completed a project to connect natural gas services to Dibba Al Hisn at a total cost of AED 35 million. The project was implemented in line with the vision and directives of His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, to develop an integrated natural gas supply project for Dibba Al Hisn in accordance with the highest standards. The natural gas connection project in Dibba Al Hisn was divided into three main projects, which were carried out simultaneously. These included the construction of a natural gas pumping station operating through the virtual pipeline system, as well as the development of a 46-kilometre natural gas network covering Al Hay Al Shamali, Al Hay Al Gharbi, Al Hisn Island, and Al Doub neighbourhoods. The project also included completing internal connections for around 200 residential units and installing smart meters to ensure direct access to natural gas services for subscribers while improving consumption management and measurement efficiency. Engineer Ibrahim Al Balghouni, Director of the Natural Gas Department at SEWA, said the project forms part of the authority’s strategic plan to provide clean and sustainable energy across all cities and areas of the Emirate of Sharjah. He added that the project contributes to achieving sustainable development in Dibba Al Hisn and was implemented using the latest technologies and specifications, along with advanced control and monitoring systems to ensure the safety and continuous flow of gas around the clock. Al Balghouni noted that natural gas provides a safe, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional gas cylinders. It also helps reduce carbon emissions and supports environmental sustainability.
- https://gulfconstructiononline.com/ArticleTA/287555/sharjah-expands-natural-gas-access-in-dibba-al-hisn – The Sharjah Electricity, Water and Gas Authority (SEWA) is actively implementing its gas supply project in the residential areas across Dibba Al-Hisn city. This comprehensive initiative involves establishing a storage facility for natural gas, distributing it through an 84-km pipeline across four phases, and installing internal connections for residential homes. With an estimated cost of AED 31 million, the project aims to benefit around 17,000 residents. Engineer Ibrahim Al Balghouni, Director of the Natural Gas Department, said nearly 10% of the power connections have been completed, with initial phases set to serve specific neighbourhoods by year-end, adhering to a carefully planned schedule. The SEWA maintains rigorous standards for network installations, ensuring competitive pricing and prioritising community welfare through sustainable infrastructure development, he added.
- https://gulfconstructiononline.com/ArticleTA/290351/sewa-completes-key-phases-of-sharjah-natural-gas-project- – The Sharjah Electricity, Water and Gas Authority (SEWA) has announced the completion of the first two phases of its natural gas delivery project to the central region and is now advancing to the third and fourth phases. The project involves laying of a 50-km gas network, with an investment of AED15 million ($4.1 million). Phase One, completed in Al Bataeh City, will benefit approximately 1,200 citizens, while Phase Two will cover the Al Burair area, said Engineer Ibrahim Al Balgouni, Director of the Natural Gas Department. “Currently, the team is focusing on the third phase, which will extend gas services towards the city of Al Dhaid, specifically targeting the Jabal Omar neighbourhood,” he explained. This phase includes the installation of a 13-km transmission line that will also service the Tal Al Zafaran neighbourhood, along with Al Hosn 1 and Al Hosn 2 areas. This phase is expected to be completed within two months. The final phase involves establishing a natural gas pumping station in Al Dhaid at a cost of AED5 million, facilitating gas access to all homes in the area, he added. Early, this month SEWA had announced that it had achieved 94% completion of the initial 16 km out of 17 km phase for the expansion of the natural gas network in Dibba Al-Hisn city. The project consists of three main elements, with the first phase nearing completion and the subsequent phases scheduled for implementation. Furthermore, the second project involves the installation of internal natural gas connections for 200 housing units, currently at a 48% completion rate and anticipated to be finished by February 2025, it stated. SEWA said it is on track to finish this phase by the end of October, with the subsequent phases to follow, resulting in the full implementation of the natural gas extensions within the city, it added.-TradeArabia News Service
- https://meconstructionnews.com/59995/sewa-commences-aed31m-gas-initiative – The Sharjah Electricity, Water and Gas Authority (SEWA) is actively implementing the next phase of its gas supply project for residential areas across Dibba Al-Hisn. This comprehensive initiative involves establishing a storage facility for natural gas, distributing it through an 84-km pipeline across four phases, and installing internal connections for residential homes. With an estimated cost of AED31 million, the project aims to benefit around 17,000 residents. Engineer Ibrahim Al Balghouni, Director of the Natural Gas Department, said nearly 10% of the power connections have been completed, with initial phases set to serve specific neighbourhoods by year-end 2024. All work is set to adhere to a carefully planned schedule and current roll-out is proceeding fully according to plan. SEWA maintains rigorous standards of international best practice for its network installations, and seeks to ensure competitive pricing for the end-user. Its wider objective is to consistently prioritise community welfare through sustainable infrastructure development across the emirate
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:
10
Notes:
The article was published on July 18, 2026, and reports on a project completed on the same date, indicating high freshness. No evidence of recycled or outdated content was found.
Quotes check
Score:
8
Notes:
The article includes a direct quote from Engineer Ibrahim Al Balghouni, Director of the Natural Gas Department at SEWA. While the quote is consistent with other reports from the same date, it cannot be independently verified due to the lack of direct access to the original source. This raises a concern about the verifiability of the quote.
Source reliability
Score:
6
Notes:
The article originates from GCC Business News, a niche publication. While it provides detailed information, the lack of a broader reputation and independent verification raises concerns about the reliability of the source. Additionally, the article appears to be summarising information from other outlets, which may affect its originality.
Plausibility check
Score:
9
Notes:
The claims made in the article align with known developments in the region, such as SEWA’s ongoing efforts to expand natural gas infrastructure in Sharjah. However, the lack of independent verification and the reliance on a single source for detailed information reduce the confidence in the plausibility of the claims.
Overall assessment
Verdict (FAIL, OPEN, PASS): REVIEW
Confidence (LOW, MEDIUM, HIGH): MEDIUM
Summary:
The article reports on SEWA’s completion of a natural gas project in Dibba Al Hisn, with a publication date matching the event. However, the reliance on a single, niche source without independent verification raises concerns about the accuracy and reliability of the information. The direct quote from Engineer Ibrahim Al Balghouni cannot be independently verified, further diminishing confidence in the article’s credibility. Given these factors, a thorough review and additional verification are recommended before publication.
