DEWA Saqoor program approves 61,183 NOC requests in H1 2026
DEWA’s Saqoor program approved 61,183 NOC requests in the first half of 2026, speeding approvals for consultants and contractors while supporting Dubai’s D33 agenda.
DEWA’s Saqoor program recorded 61,183 approved no-objection certificates (NOCs) during the first half of 2026, the Dubai Electricity and Water Authority announced. The approvals were processed through the authority’s Saqoor platform, which aims to help consultants and contractors secure regulatory clearance from the first submission. The volume underlines growing adoption of DEWA digital services as project activity across the emirate intensifies.
DEWA approves 61,183 NOCs in H1 2026
DEWA said the Saqoor programme approved 61,183 NOC requests up to the end of June 2026, reflecting a concentrated push to streamline project authorisations. A total of 2,318 consultants and contractors submitted applications through the platform during the period, DEWA reported. The figures cover core utilities approvals that are required before construction, modification or connection works proceed.
Breakdown by sector shows transmission leads approvals
The energy transmission sector accounted for the largest share, with 32,802 NOCs approved in the first half of the year. The distribution sector followed with 20,200 approvals, while the water and civil engineering sector logged 8,181 accepted requests. DEWA’s figures indicate that major grid and network works remain a central driver of permit activity across Dubai.
Saqoor platform designed to secure first-time approvals
Saqoor is positioned as a digital-first approval workflow that guides applicants to meet DEWA technical requirements on initial submission. The platform enforces technical checks and compliance steps intended to reduce rework, and it offers consultants and contractors a clearer route to successful NOC issuance. By reducing rounds of resubmission, the system aims to cut administrative delays and compress project schedules.
Officials highlight time savings and fewer penalties
DEWA leadership said the programme has reduced the time consultants and contractors spend navigating approval requirements and helped lower risks of non-compliance. Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, Managing Director and CEO of DEWA, said the initiative supports partners and accelerates project delivery while maintaining global standards. Hussein Lootah, Executive Vice President for Transmission at DEWA, noted that Saqoor is helping to minimise damages, breaches and associated fines by ensuring applications meet the authority’s conditions before approval.
Programme contributes to Dubai’s D33 economic objectives
DEWA linked the Saqoor outcomes to Dubai’s D33 economic agenda, emphasising the role of efficient regulation in attracting investment and supporting sustainable growth. The authority said simplifying approval processes helps create a favourable business environment for developers, consultants and contractors. Faster NOC issuance is presented as an enabler for keeping construction timelines on track and enhancing Dubai’s competitiveness as a global hub for trade and investment.
Operational impact and potential scalability
Operationally, the Saqoor workflow appears to be absorbing growing demand as more stakeholders adopt the platform, DEWA officials said. With thousands of users already engaged, the authority is positioned to scale validation checks and expand features that further reduce manual intervention. DEWA also hinted at continued digital enhancements to align technical guidance with industry best practice and to accommodate increasing project complexity.
The Saqoor results for the first half of 2026 reflect a deliberate push by DEWA to pair digital tools with regulatory clarity, enabling faster approvals and more predictable project delivery. As Dubai pursues an ambitious development and economic agenda, reducing administrative friction for essential utilities approvals will remain a priority for regulators and private-sector partners alike.