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New Abu Dhabi policy allows residents to generate their own solar power in bid to cut electricity bills

Published

5 months ago

February 5, 2026

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Abu Dhabi’s Department of Energy (DoE) has announced a new policy allowing customers to generate their own solar electricity, as part of wider efforts to cut carbon emissions and improve energy efficiency across the emirate.

The Solar (Photovoltaic) Energy Self-Supply Policy, launched at the World Governments Summit, enables households, businesses and landowners to install solar panels and other renewable energy systems to meet part of their daytime electricity needs.

Officials said the move is designed to reduce reliance on the electricity grid, improve efficiency during peak demand hours and accelerate Abu Dhabi’s transition to clean energy, in line with the Abu Dhabi Energy and Water Efficiency Strategy 2030.

How the solar self-supply policy works

Under the new policy, customers can choose whether to continue sourcing electricity entirely from the grid or adopt flexible energy solutions, including:

Rooftop solar panels
Solar-powered water heaters
Battery energy storage systems

Users can generate and store renewable electricity, which can then be used in the evening, helping to lower energy costs and reduce pressure on the power network during peak periods.

What it means for residents

You can generate your own electricity
Residents will be allowed to install rooftop solar panels and other renewable systems to cover part of their daytime electricity use, reducing dependence on the grid.

Lower electricity bills over time
By producing solar power during the day and storing it in battery systems for evening use, households can cut monthly energy costs and avoid peak-hour consumption.

More control over energy use
Customers can choose whether to stay fully connected to the grid or adopt hybrid energy solutions, giving greater flexibility in how electricity is sourced and used.

Cleaner, greener homes
Generating solar power means zero local emissions, helping households reduce their carbon footprint and support Abu Dhabi’s clean energy goals.

Better guidance on efficient appliances
Residents will benefit from a new high-efficiency appliance guide, helping them choose energy-saving air conditioners, water heaters and lighting that reduce long-term costs.

Gradual rollout
While the policy starts with farms and agricultural users, it sets the groundwork for wider residential adoption as regulations and infrastructure expand.

A step toward a smarter energy system
The move supports a more resilient power network by easing pressure during peak demand, especially in summer, and encouraging smarter energy consumption.

For farms and agricultural users

The policy will initially apply to the agricultural sector, including farms, ranches and rest houses, where electricity demand is typically high. Authorities said these users are expected to benefit most in the early phase through reduced energy bills, improved energy security and greater access to renewable power.

New guidance on energy-efficient appliances

Alongside the solar policy, the Department of Energy will publish a new guidance manual on high-efficiency appliances, aimed at helping consumers make informed purchasing and usage decisions.

The manual will cover equipment such as:

Air-conditioning systems
Water heaters
Lighting
Irrigation pumps

It will include performance data and long-term cost analysis to help users reduce energy consumption and operating costs.

Commenting on the announcement, Abdulaziz Mohammed Al Obaidli, Director General of Regulatory Affairs at the Department of Energy, said the policy represents one of the most significant regulatory changes in the sector.

He added that the initiative enables the community to play a direct role in achieving Abu Dhabi’s clean energy and sustainability targets.

Michael Gomes

With over 35 years of experience in journalism, copywriting, and PR, Michael Gomes is a seasoned media professional deeply rooted in the UAE’s print and digital landscape.

News

Salik’s next move: Smart parking coming to Dubai Silicon Oasis, DAFZ and Dubai CommerCity

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5 hours ago

July 17, 2026

Michael Gomes

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Salik is taking another step beyond toll collection, announcing plans to introduce smart parking and vehicle access systems across three of Dubai’s major economic zones.

Under a new agreement with the Dubai Integrated Economic Zones Authority (DIEZ), the company will explore parking optimisation and access control solutions covering more than 21,000 parking spaces at Dubai Airport Freezone (DAFZ), Dubai Silicon Oasis and Dubai CommerCity.

The proposed systems are designed to improve traffic flow, reduce congestion, prevent misuse of parking spaces and make it easier for businesses, employees and visitors to move around the free zones.

The partnership marks the launch of a new business vertical for Salik as it continues expanding beyond its traditional road toll operations into wider mobility and digital transport services.

What will change?

The companies plan to integrate their technology platforms to create a connected parking and vehicle access system across the three zones.

Planned features include:

Smart parking management
Automated vehicle access control
Improved traffic flow within free zones
Better use of available parking spaces
Unified operating standards across all three locations

Which areas are covered?

The project will span:

Dubai Airport Freezone (DAFZ)
Dubai Silicon Oasis
Dubai CommerCity

Together, the three locations offer more than 21,000 parking spaces serving businesses, residents, investors and visitors.

No timeline has yet been announced for when the new systems will be rolled out.

News

New UAE rule: Emirates ID renewal now allowed one year before expiry

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6 hours ago

July 17, 2026

Michael Gomes

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The UAE has doubled the early renewal period for Emirates ID cards, allowing renewals up to 12 months before expiry under a new decision by the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP). Effective July 14, the change applies to UAE nationals for now.

Renew passport and Emirates ID together

The extended renewal window means citizens whose passport and Emirates ID expire around the same time can now renew both documents in a single transaction, reducing paperwork and saving time.

ICP said the initiative forms part of its strategy to simplify government services, improve customer experience and provide greater flexibility through digital services.

Supporting zero government bureaucracy

Major General Suhail Saeed Al Khaili, Director General of ICP, said the decision reflects the UAE’s commitment to delivering proactive government services while giving citizens more flexibility to complete transactions at a time that suits them.

He added that the initiative supports the UAE’s Zero Government Bureaucracy Programme by reducing procedural steps, improving service integration and using advanced digital technologies, including artificial intelligence, to streamline the customer journey.

The authority said the new policy is part of its wider effort to deliver integrated, digital-first government services while strengthening the UAE’s position as a global leader in identity and public service innovation.

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Dubai warns media against publishing false news after Downtown explosion claim

Published

6 hours ago

July 17, 2026

Michael Gomes

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Dubai authorities have warned media organisations against publishing false or unverified reports after claims circulated that explosions had been heard in Downtown Dubai.

In a statement posted on X, the Government of Dubai Media Office (GDMO) said the emirate would take the necessary legal measures against outlets that publish inaccurate information, in line with local and federal laws.

The warning came after a brief Reuters report cited witnesses claiming they had heard booms in Downtown Dubai on Thursday. The report did not identify the source of the sounds or confirm that any incident had taken place.

The Dubai Media Office rejected the claims, stating that no explosions had occurred in the Downtown area and describing the report as false.

Authorities also urged media organisations and the public to rely on official sources for information and avoid sharing rumours or unverified reports that could cause unnecessary confusion.

The statement reinforces Dubai’s long-standing approach to combating misinformation, particularly during fast-moving events, with authorities stressing the importance of accurate reporting and verification before publication.