The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries are quickly expanding their renewable energy portfolios, with utility-scale solar projects leading this transformation. As the region’s power generation comprises nearly half of its carbon emissions, GCC governments are shifting considerably towards clean energy.

This move has led to the completion of numerous projects, with many more under construction. The International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) predicts that the GCC will have 40 GW of utility-scale solar projects by 2030. We present some of the top utility-scale solar projects in the GCC.

Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park (UAE)

The Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park in Dubai aims to reach a capacity of 5 GW by 2030. Launched in 2012, the seven-phase project operates under the independent power producer (IPP) model and utilizes photovoltaic (PV) and concentrated solar power technologies. It plays a central role in Dubai’s Clean Energy Strategy 2050, which targets 75% of energy from clean sources by mid-century. In February, Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA), the emirate’s main utility, issued a tender for Phase VII of the solar park. This phase will expand the park’s capacity beyond the initial 5,000 MW.

The new phase will add 1,600 MW to 2,000 MW of solar capacity and integrate 1 GW of battery storage to provide six hours of energy storage to ensure dispatchable clean power.

DEWA recently announced that 47 international companies are interested in developing the seventh phase of the Al Maktoum Solar Park.

Noor Abu Dhabi (UAE)

Noor Abu Dhabi, located in Sweihan, Abu Dhabi, is a standalone operational solar project with a capacity of 1.2 GW. Developed by Sweihan PV Power Company, a joint venture between Abu Dhabi National Energy Company (TAQA), Jinko Solar, and Marubeni Corp, it began commercial operations in April 2019. The project features over 3.3 million solar panels and provides clean energy to approximately 90,000 individuals.

Al Dhafra Solar Power Project

Launched in late 2020, the Al Dhafra Solar Power Project in Abu Dhabi is the world’s largest single-site solar PV project with a capacity of 2 GW. Developed by a consortium including TAQA, Masdar, EDF Renewables, and Jinko Power, the project became fully operational in June 2023. It utilizes nearly four million bifacial solar panels, providing enough electricity to power approximately 200,000 homes.

5.2 GW Solar Project

Announced in January 2025, the 5.2 GW solar project in Al Azeezah, Abu Dhabi, is set to be the world’s largest combined solar power and battery energy storage system (BESS). Developed by a partnership between Masdar and Emirates Water and Electricity Company.

The project includes a 5.2 GW solar project coupled with a 19 GWh BESS.

The Sakaka Photovoltaic Solar Project

The Sakaka Photovoltaic Solar Project in Sakaka City, Al Jouf Province, Saudi Arabia, was launched in April 2021. Developed by ACWA Power with a 70% stake and AlGihaz Renewable Energy Company with 30%, the 300 MW project is the first utility-scale renewable energy project under the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Renewable Energy Initiative.

The project utilizes over 1.2 million solar panels and covers an area of 6 km². It recently achieved a levelized cost of energy at $0.023/kWh.

The project’s total cost is estimated at roughly SAR1.2 billion (~$319.81 million). It was developed by establishing a project company, the Sakaka Solar Energy Company, through a partnership, including ACWA Power with a 70% stake and Algihaz Holding Company with a 30% stake. The project operates under a power purchase agreement with the Saudi Power Procurement Company for 25 years.

Shuaibah PV IPP (Saudi Arabia)

The Shuaibah PV IPP in Saudi Arabia was launched in 2021. ACWA Power develops the project and consists of two sub-projects: Al Shuaibah 1 (600 MW) and Al Shuaibah 2 (2,060 MW).

Located approximately 80 km south of Jeddah in the Makkah province, the project employs advanced N-type bifacial monocrystalline silicon modules and single-axis tracking systems. Recent milestones include the installation of over five million solar panels and achieving nearly 16 million safe work hours.

The project is currently under construction. ACWA Power received the commercial operation certificate for the full 600 MW project capacity for its Al Shuaibah 1 project company from the principal buyer, Saudi Power Procurement Company, in November last year.

Sudair Solar PV Project

The Sudair Solar PV Project in Sudair Industrial City, Saudi Arabia, was launched in January 2021. Developed by a consortium led by ACWA Power, Water and Electricity Holding Company (Badeel) and Saudi Aramco Power Company, the project has a capacity of 1.5 GW.

It employs advanced bifacial solar panels with single-axis tracking technology to maximize efficiency. The project is in the final commissioning stages, with partial operations beginning in 2023.

Recent milestones include the installation of four and a half million solar modules and achieving nearly 16 million safe work hours.

Al Kharsaah Solar Project

The Al Kharsaah Solar Power Plant, 80 km west of Doha, Qatar, was launched in 2020. Developed by a consortium including TotalEnergies, Marubeni, and Siraj Energy (a joint venture between QatarEnergy and QEWC), this 800 MW project is Qatar’s first large-scale solar power project.

The project was built in two phases of 400 MW each and became fully operational in October 2022. It features two million bifacial solar modules mounted on trackers to enhance efficiency and power output. The project supplies 10% of Qatar’s peak electricity demand.