The Dubai government has created a regulatory body for the utilities sector and will soon put a framework in place that could pave the way for the private sector to enter the business, according to a local media report.

The Dubai Executive Council has created a regulatory authority under the Higher Committee for Energy and Environment, Saeed Mohammad Al Tayer, CEO of the Dubai Electricity and Water Authority told Gulf News.

"The regulator will set up a legislative and monitoring agency that will create a healthy environment to encourage private-public sector partnerships," Al Tayer said.

"It is going to be an independent body and will control and license the establishments related to the power and water sector," he added.

So far, the emirate's utility sector has been fully under the control of the government.