UAE Solar PV Capacity Set to Surge to 32.3 GW by 2035, Driven by Strong Policy Push and Mega Projects, says GlobalData

United Arab Emirates is set to significantly expand its solar photovoltaic (PV) capacity as part of its long-term energy diversification strategy, with total installed capacity projected to rise from 6.7 GW in 2025 to 32.3 GW by 2035, according to a report by GlobalData.

The report highlights that solar PV generation in the UAE is expected to increase sharply from 15.8 TWh in 2025 to 75.4 TWh by 2035, marking a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of over 17% during the period.

Mega Solar Projects Driving Growth

The UAE’s solar expansion is being supported by some of the world’s largest utility-scale projects. The Al Dhafra Solar PV is recognized as one of the largest single-site solar PV facilities globally, while the Noor Abu Dhabi Solar Park, with a capacity of 1.2 GW, plays a key role in reducing carbon emissions by approximately one million metric tons annually.

In Dubai, the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park spans around 4,000 acres and is expected to power nearly 800,000 homes by 2030, reinforcing the UAE’s position as one of the lowest-cost solar markets globally.

Policy Support and Investment Outlook

Under the UAE Energy Strategy 2050, the country plans to invest approximately $54 billion in clean and alternative energy infrastructure. The updated national energy roadmap aims to triple renewable capacity to around 14 GW by 2030, while targeting 50% clean energy in the electricity mix and a 70% reduction in carbon emissions from power generation by 2050.

According to Mohammed Ziauddin, solar PV has become the fastest-growing segment in the UAE’s power sector, driven by low tariffs, abundant solar resources, availability of land, and strong policy certainty.

Balanced Energy Mix for Grid Stability

Despite the rapid expansion of solar capacity, the UAE will continue to rely on gas and nuclear power to maintain grid stability. Gas-fired capacity is projected to increase from 44.4 GW in 2025 to nearly 46 GW by 2035, supporting peak demand and system balancing.

Meanwhile, nuclear capacity, led by the Barakah Nuclear Power Plant, is expected to remain stable at around 5.3 GW, contributing approximately 34 TWh of annual generation by 2035 as a low-carbon baseload source.

Experts note that the UAE is adopting a calibrated energy transition strategy, where solar will drive clean energy growth, supported by flexible gas generation, nuclear baseload, and energy storage solutions such as battery systems and pumped storage.

This approach is expected to ensure energy security, grid resilience, and sustainable long-term growth as the country accelerates its clean energy transition.