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The Dubai Electricity and Water Authority announced that it approved 61,183 NOC applications during the first half of 2026. These approvals were processed through the Soqoor programme, which serves as the authority’s dedicated digital platform for handling such requests from contractors and developers. DEWA noted that the system covers connections to electricity and water networks in addition to other related services for construction and maintenance activities across Dubai. The programme has been designed to provide real-time tracking and faster turnaround times for all submissions.
DEWA data places the first-half figure above the 59,058 approvals granted in the first half of 2024. The authority approved 127,268 NOC applications across the whole of 2024, with the total rising to 132,981 in 2025. Such yearly gains align with heightened activity levels in the emirate’s construction sector.
A Mordor Intelligence report projected the UAE construction market to expand to 127.13 billion U.S. dollars in 2026. The forecast represents a 5.64 percent compound annual growth rate from the 2025 base, with Dubai commanding a 47.2 percent share of national output the prior year. Infrastructure, residential and commercial developments drove demand for DEWA services.
The U.S. International Trade Administration has forecast an average 4 percent annual growth for the UAE construction sector between 2026 and 2029. Central Bank of the UAE figures show bank credit extended to construction and real estate reached 273.1 billion dirhams by the close of the third quarter of 2025. These financial flows have supported the pipeline of projects that depend on timely NOC clearances from utilities.
DEWA established the Soqoor programme to digitise and simplify the approval workflow for consultants, contractors and project owners. The platform allows online submission of documents, automated compliance checks and continuous status updates for applicants. Officials have highlighted how the approach has helped accommodate rising application numbers without compromising review quality.
MEED analysts have estimated the UAE projects market at more than 950 billion dollars, encompassing substantial work in power, water and transportation. Many of these initiatives require coordination with DEWA for network integration and service provision prior to breaking ground. The first-half approval volume reflects the ongoing pace of such developments throughout the emirate.
