United Arab Emirates Power EPC Market Size (2025-2030)

The United Arab Emirates Power EPC Market was valued at USD 1.5 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach a market size of USD 3.74 billion by the end of 2030. Over the forecast period of 2025-2030, the market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 20.04%.   

An EPC contract differs from the build-to-order units, which are specifically designed to meet the customer's requirements. The contractor, having signed the EPC agreement, takes the whole project on their shoulders, right from its commencement to the time of its completion when the project is handed over to the client. The government has ambitious targets for energy efficiency and has taken steps to see that the targets are achieved. Moreover, the adoption of new technologies, including smart grids and the Internet of Things, is propelling the UAE EPC Power Market. These technologies allow companies to understand and control their energy consumption better and can assist them in lowering their energy bills. In addition, the growing demand for energy security is propelling the market, as companies attempt to become more energy resilient. Lastly, the evolution of energy efficiency codes and standards affects the market since these codes and standards are necessary for guaranteeing the performance and safety of energy systems. In summary, the UAE EPC Power Market is a fast-growing and changing energy efficiency and power services market in the UAE.

Key Market Insights:

• The UAE is home to some of the world's largest solar power initiatives. The Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park in Dubai aims to achieve a capacity of 5 gigawatts by 2030, incorporating both photovoltaic and concentrated solar power technologies.
• Noor Abu Dhabi, operational since 2019, stands as one of the largest single-site solar power plants globally, with a capacity of 1.177 gigawatts, supplying clean energy to approximately 90,000 residents.
• The UAE is integrating renewable energy into water desalination processes. The Taweelah Independent Water Plant (IWP) in Abu Dhabi, developed by ACWA Power, utilizes reverse osmosis technology and has achieved a production capacity of 831,935 cubic meters per day, making it the world's largest reverse osmosis desalination facility.
• ACWA Power has been selected to build and operate the first phase of the Hassyan IWP in Dubai, which will be partially powered by solar energy and set a world record for the lowest levelized water tariff at $0.365 per cubic meter.

United Arab Emirates Power EPC Market Drivers:

Significant investments and policies promoting infrastructure development and renewable energy is Driving the Market Growth.

The UAE government is heavily investing in and putting forth progressive policies that will spur the growth of infrastructure development and the development of renewable power in the power EPC space. Efforts such as the Energy Strategy 2050 and Dubai Clean Energy Strategy 2050 seek to expand the utilization of renewables as part of the energy mix alongside cutting carbon emissions. Major solar projects such as the Al Dhafra Solar Plant and Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park have been heavily funded, solidifying the nation's support for clean energy. Incentives for independent power producers (IPPs) and public-private partnerships (PPPs) are also encouraging private sector involvement in infrastructure development. The UAE is also making investments in smart grid technologies, green hydrogen production, and energy storage solutions to improve power reliability and sustainability. These investments and policies make the UAE a regional pacesetter in the shift towards a cleaner and more sustainable power sector.

Adoption of new technologies for enhanced power generation and management.

The UAE Power EPC industry is swiftly embracing new technology to increase the efficiency of power generation and grid management. The latest digital solutions like AI-powered predictive maintenance, IoT-based smart grids, and blockchain for energy trading are reshaping the industry. The implementation of digital twin technology in EPC operations is enhancing project planning, lowering costs, and optimizing asset performance. In addition, energy storage solutions, such as large-scale battery storage and pumped hydro storage, are being installed to stabilize the grid and aid intermittent renewable power sources. The UAE is also spending on hydrogen power generation and carbon capture solutions to enhance its sustainability agenda. These technologies not only enhance the reliability of power systems but are also propelling the nation's move toward a more intelligent and more resilient energy infrastructure.

United Arab Emirates Power EPC Market Restraints and Challenges:

Large capital requirements for power projects are one of the major challenges of the market.

Among the key problems in the UAE Power EPC sector is a high capital need for power infrastructure projects. Building large-scale renewable energy plants, nuclear plants, and grid modernization programs requires a significant amount of initial investment, which tends to generate financial pressures for developers and EPC contractors. Although government-supported finance and public-private partnerships (PPPs) mitigate some of these issues, long-term financing poses a problem, particularly for private sector players. Also, varying material prices, supply chain interruptions, and increasing interest rates add to project costs. To mitigate these issues, the UAE is promoting innovative funding mechanisms like green bonds, sustainability-linked loans, and foreign direct investment (FDI). Nonetheless, financial viability without compromising on project timelines and quality continues to be a serious issue for players in the power EPC business.

United Arab Emirates Power EPC Market Opportunities:

The UAE Power EPC market offers tremendous opportunities fueled by its ambitious energy transformation ambitions and plans for infrastructure growth. The government's focus on raising renewable energy capacity, especially solar and hydrogen, is leading to an explosion of EPC contracts for large-scale projects such as the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park and green hydrogen production facilities. The increasing need for smart grid solutions, battery energy storage systems (BESS), and AI-based power management is creating opportunities for integrating advanced technology. Moreover, the drive for decentralized power generation, such as rooftop solar and independent power producer (IPP) models, is drawing private sector investments. With robust government initiatives, supportive policies, and growing foreign direct investment (FDI), the UAE remains a promising market for EPC players who want to contribute to a sustainable, technologically efficient power infrastructure.

UNITED ARAB EMIRATES POWER EPC MARKET REPORT COVERAGE:

United Arab Emirates Power EPC Market Segmentation:

United Arab Emirates Power EPC Market Segmentation: By Type

• Thermal
• Gas
• Renewable
• Nuclear
• Others

The UAE Power EPC market is divided into thermal, gas, renewable, nuclear, and other power generation sources. Thermal and gas power plants remain key contributors to the energy mix, providing stability in supply. Yet, the renewable sector, especially solar and wind power, is growing at a fast pace because of the UAE's drive to reach net-zero emissions by 2050. Nuclear energy, led by the Barakah Nuclear Plant, is also becoming increasingly prominent as a sustainable source of energy in the long term. The government of the UAE is heavily investing in hydrogen-based power solutions to diversify the energy mix. Innovations in grid modernization and energy storage further improve the reliability of clean power. Increasing foreign direct investment is also fueled by the move to cleaner power sources. All in all, the diversification of power source types is what ensures a strong and sustainable future in energy.

United Arab Emirates Power EPC Market Segmentation: By Project Scale

• Large
• Medium
• Small

Projects in the UAE Power EPC market are categorized as large, medium, and small-sized. Large-sized projects like the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park hold the largest share of the market, supporting the country's energy transformation strategy. Distributed solar systems and localized power solutions are also growing with the rising government incentives and business house sustainability efforts. These varied scales of projects ensure balance in energy security, economic development, and environmental factors. Medium and small-scale projects are increasingly in demand in industrial and commercial markets seeking independent power solutions. Large-scale projects continue to draw international EPC players, reinforcing technological innovations and efficiency in power generation. Hybrid power plants combining renewable energy and conventional sources are now a key focus area for investment. Continued development of distribution and transmission networks is still improving project viability at various scales.

United Arab Emirates Power EPC Market Segmentation: Regional Analysis:

The UAE power EPC market is spread across major regions such as Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, and other emirates. Abu Dhabi dominates nuclear and oil-based power projects, while Dubai is leading renewable energy efforts with mega solar projects. Sharjah and the northern emirates are concentrating on developing grid infrastructure and cleaner energy options. Investments and policies across these regions play a crucial role in shaping the market's growth trajectory from 2025 to 2030. Dubai’s long-term vision under the Dubai Clean Energy Strategy 2050 aims to generate 75% of its power from renewable sources. Abu Dhabi’s Barakah nuclear project is expected to supply 25% of the country's electricity demand, ensuring long-term energy security. Sharjah's emphasis on waste-to-energy initiatives is a singular movement toward sustainability, minimizing landfill waste while generating electricity. The government of the UAE is also investing in AI-based energy management systems and smart grid technology to maximize efficiency and sustainability in regions.

COVID-19 Impact Analysis on the United Arab Emirates Power EPC Market:

The COVID-19 pandemic hugely affected the UAE Power EPC market, resulting in project execution delays, supply chain disruptions, and labour shortages. Lockdowns and travel bans reduced the pace of construction activities, both for ongoing and upcoming power infrastructure projects. Global energy demand uncertainty created uncertainty in investment, especially in conventional power projects. Despite this, the UAE's high investment in renewable energy and government stimulus packages ensured that the sector stabilized and continued to push forward with solar and nuclear power projects. The pandemic also spurred the use of digital solutions, automation, and remote monitoring technologies in EPC activities, which improved efficiency and resilience for upcoming projects.

Latest Trends/ Developments:

The UAE Power EPC industry is experiencing strong development fueled by growth in renewable energy, smart grid installations, and hydrogen-based power solutions. The nation is aggressively moving towards clean energy, and major solar developments such as the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park and nuclear projects like the Barakah Nuclear Plant are underway. Green hydrogen production is picking up speed, making the UAE a strong contender in exporting sustainable energy. Moreover, the convergence of AI and IoT in power infrastructure is maximizing energy efficiency and grid reliability. Foreign investments and public-private partnerships (PPPs) are also driving innovation, positioning the UAE as a leader in next-generation power solutions. The UAE is also investing in energy storage solutions to maximize grid stability and facilitate renewable integration. Battery storage projects and pumped hydro storage are becoming major developments. Furthermore, the government is launching policies to promote decentralized energy production, such as rooftop solar and independent power producer (IPP) schemes. Digital twin technology is being implemented in EPC operations to enhance project planning, save costs, and increase predictive maintenance.

 Key Players:

1. Siemens AG
2. General Electric
3. ABB Ltd
4. Schneider Electric
5. L&T Limited
6. Black & Veatch
7. Petrofac Limited
8. ACWA Power
9. Bechtel Corporation