Dubai to unveil infrastructure sector investment opportunities in October

Dubai plans to present several infrastructure sector investment opportunities to local and international investors as it looks to build a “productive ecosystem” of public-private partnership in the emirate.

The Dubai International Public-Private Partnership Conference, being held in October, will discuss PPP opportunities in water and power, roads and transport, healthcare and urban development sectors, Dubai Media Office said in a statement on Monday. The event is being held under the umbrella of Expo 2020.

“We will work together with our strategic partners to unveil a portfolio of vital projects during the conference, which offer real opportunities for partnership with the private sector,” Abdulrahman Al Saleh, director general of Dubai’s Department of Finance, said.

“These projects will provide a solid pillar for further building a vibrant PPP environment. We aim to transform Dubai into one of the world’s most prominent destinations for successful PPPs in investment, contracting, consulting, infrastructure development and other vital areas related to the development of government projects.”

The event aims to foster a dialogue on partnership opportunities between the public and private sectors, and explore “innovative approaches” for investment partnerships with investors. The conference will also be attended by Dubai government entities including Dubai Electricity & Water Authority, the Roads and Transport Authority, Dubai Municipality and the Dubai Health Authority.

“The event will create an enabling platform for all stakeholders to work in harmony to develop Dubai’s PPP ecosystem,” the statement said.

Governments in the Gulf region are increasingly turning to the PPP model, which can help finance major infrastructure and utilities projects. Many of them are developing legal frameworks to regulate PPP projects, which are expected to improve transparency and attract investment.

Dubai utility company Dewa, which has invested about Dh86 billion ($23.42bn) over five years to increase its water and power production capacity, will be among the entities discussing investment projects.

“Dubai is seeing several major projects that offer promising investment opportunities, especially in the fields of renewable and clean energy,” Saeed Al Tayer, managing director and chief executive of Dewa, said.

“Co-operation and integration between the public and private sectors are an important pillar for achieving the emirate’s goals.”

Dubai RTA has already attracted foreign investments through various partnership projects last year.

It has “developed a comprehensive roadmap to enhance partnerships with the private sector in the next five years,” which features 14 projects valued at more than Dh5bn, its director general, Mattar Al Tayer, said.

“These include projects to develop infrastructure and transportation services, such as bus stations, multistorey parking buildings, road lighting systems and the development of land,” he said.

Dubai Municipality also plans to present more urban development deals.

This year, it launched its Dh4bn waste management project, one of the biggest PPP investments in the UAE’s renewable energy sector.