DEWA Saqoor program approves 61,183 NOC requests in first half of 2026
DEWA’s Saqoor program approved 61,183 NOCs in H1 2026, accelerating project starts for 2,318 consultants and contractors while supporting Dubai’s D33 economic agenda.
Dubai Electricity and Water Authority’s (DEWA) Saqoor program approved 61,183 certificates of no objection (NOCs) during the first half of 2026, the authority announced on Monday. The initiative is designed to enable consultants and contractors to secure regulatory sign‑off on project submissions from the first attempt, cutting approval times and reducing rework.
DEWA approves 61,183 NOCs in H1 2026
DEWA reported that 61,183 NOC requests were validated through Saqoor between January and June 2026, marking a substantive throughput for the authority’s project services. The figure reflects the consolidated activity across DEWA’s power transmission, distribution and water and civil engineering business lines.
Officials said the approvals were issued as part of efforts to streamline the permitting process and to support faster delivery of construction and infrastructure projects across Dubai. DEWA framed the results as contributing to a more efficient business environment for project stakeholders.
Transmission and distribution lead the approvals
The authority provided a sectoral breakdown showing that the power transmission sector accounted for 32,802 approved requests, while the distribution sector recorded 20,200 approvals. The water and civil engineering sector registered 8,181 approvals over the same period.
DEWA also noted that 2,318 individual consultants and contractors submitted requests via Saqoor by the end of June 2026, underlining broad industry engagement with the platform. The distribution of approvals underscores the heavy demand for power network connections and modifications as Dubai expands its built environment.
Saqoor designed to secure first‑time approvals
Saqoor was implemented to help applicants meet DEWA’s technical and procedural requirements at the point of submission, increasing the share of applications approved on first review. The program offers a structured submission pathway intended to reduce iterative resubmissions and shorten the elapsed time between application and authorization.
DEWA said the initiative aligns with directives from the leadership to enhance ease of doing business and to create favorable conditions for sustainable private sector growth. The authority emphasized that first‑look approvals free consultants and contractors to focus on execution rather than administrative follow‑ups.
Executive remarks and alignment with D33 agenda
Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, Managing Director and CEO of DEWA, said the program aligns with Dubai’s D33 economic agenda by accelerating project delivery and supporting sustainable growth. He framed Saqoor as part of a wider push to provide innovative services that help partners implement projects to international standards.
DEWA’s Executive Vice President for Transmission, Eng. Hussain Lootah, stated that Saqoor has seen growing uptake because it saves time for applicants and helps them adhere to the authority’s requirements and guidelines. He added that the initiative contributes to reducing damages, procedural oversights and potential fines, thereby improving compliance outcomes.
Guidance, training and incentives for applicants
DEWA publishes the technical requirements for project submissions on its official website to help applicants prepare compliant requests. The authority also runs awareness sessions and training programs to clarify submission standards and reduce common errors during application.
To further incentivize high performance, DEWA introduced a Saqoor award for consultants and contractors that demonstrate the best performance across project categories. The prize is aimed at recognising firms that consistently meet DEWA’s standards and contribute to faster, safer project delivery.
Expected operational and market impacts
By increasing the proportion of approvals granted on the first submission, DEWA expects developers and contractors to see measurable time savings in project timelines. Quicker NOC outcomes can lower holding costs for projects and reduce the administrative burden on engineering teams, project managers and contractors.
Industry stakeholders are likely to benefit from clearer guidance and fewer compliance-related setbacks, which can translate into more predictable scheduling and improved cash‑flow management for projects spanning utilities, infrastructure and buildings.
DEWA said it will continue monitoring Saqoor’s performance and refine the program to enhance user experience and technical clarity, while maintaining rigorous safety and engineering standards. The authority intends the platform to remain a key enabler of Dubai’s construction and infrastructure pipeline as the emirate pursues its economic and sustainability goals.
