ADWEA has four major contracts out to tender. Bids are due on 8 April for 16 new 132/11-kV substations to be built on Reem island, the site of a multi-billion-dollar real estate development. The utility is also preparing to receive bids in mid-April for a contract to build five 132/11-kV substations, of which four will be located on Abu Dhabi island and one at Raha beach. Finally, in the capital, bids are due on 22 April for a 400/132/22-kV substation on Saadiyat island.

ADWEA has also invited bids by 22 April for a contract to build a 400/132-kV substation and a 132/11-kV substation in Ras al-Khaimah.

In Dubai, DEWA is close to awarding several major substation contracts. Germany's Siemens is the frontrunner to take the estimated $100 million contract to build the 400/132-kV substation to serve the phase 3 development of H station at Al-Aweer (MEED 13:1:06). It is also in technical clarifications with three companies the local Emirates Trading Agency (ETA), Emirates Electrical Engineering and Oman's Bahwan Engineering Company for substation work under the CE 300 programme. Originally, the programme covered 10 substations, although it is understood to have been recently expanded to 13. There is also talk that eight more substations could be added.

Finally in Sharjah, SEWA has invited bids by 22 April for a 220/132/33-kV substation at Al-Tay.