UAE to quadruple solar capacity to 32GW by 2035

Mega-projects like Al Dhafra and Noor Abu Dhabi drive growth.

The United Arab Emirates is rapidly expanding its solar energy sector, with solar photovoltaic (PV) capacity expected to grow from 6.7 GW in 2025 to 32.3 GW by 2035, according to GlobalData.

Solar generation will rise from 15.8 TWh to 75.4 TWh over the same period, significantly increasing its share in the national electricity mix.

The growth is driven by mega-projects such as Al Dhafra Solar PV—the world’s largest single-site solar facility—Noor Abu Dhabi Solar Park (1.2 GW), and Dubai’s Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park, which will power nearly 800,000 homes by 2030.

Under the UAE Energy Strategy 2050, the country plans to invest $54 billion in clean energy infrastructure, aiming for 50% of electricity from renewables and a 70% reduction in power-sector carbon emissions by 2050. The 2023 update targets 14 GW of renewable capacity by 2030.

“Solar PV has become the fastest growing technology in the UAE’s power sector,” said Mohammed Ziauddin, power analyst at GlobalData.

“Record low tariffs, abundant irradiation, the availability of land for utility scale projects, and strong policy certainty under the Energy Strategy 2050 framework are driving sustained investment,” he added. “Solar is transitioning from a supplementary resource to a core pillar of long-term generation planning.”

Gas and nuclear will continue to provide baseload power, with gas capacity rising slightly to 46 GW by 2035 and nuclear stable at 5.3 GW.

“Over the next decade, the country’s focus will be on integrating large volumes of solar capacity while maintaining grid stability through gas flexibility, nuclear baseload supply, and storage additions such as pumped storage and battery systems,” said Ziauddin. “Rather than displacing conventional generation abruptly, the UAE is executing a calibrated expansion strategy where solar is expected to drive clean energy growth, supported by firm capacity to ensure security of supply and long-term system resilience.”