Dubai Airports and Etihad ESCO: A Groundbreaking Lighting Retrofit Initiative
A Commitment to Sustainability
Dubai Airports recently made headlines by signing a significant agreement with Etihad Energy Services Company (Etihad ESCO), a subsidiary of the Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA). This collaboration marks the commencement of the final phase of an extensive airport-wide lighting retrofit project, symbolizing a critical step in the pursuit of sustainable aviation. As energy efficiency takes center stage in global operations, Dubai Airports is setting a high standard with its ambitious sustainability agenda.
Transforming Airport Lighting
The latest phase of this project will involve the replacement of over 180,000 conventional lighting fixtures with energy-efficient alternatives across both Dubai International (DXB) and Dubai World Central – Al Maktoum International (DWC). Notably, Concourse A at DXB will serve as the largest area receiving upgrades. This new initiative, combined with the first phase completed earlier—which already upgraded 150,000 lighting units—will culminate in a remarkable total of more than 330,000 new lighting fixtures, making this one of the most extensive airport lighting retrofitting efforts in the region.
Energy and Cost Savings
The anticipated benefits of this ambitious project are substantial. Once fully implemented, the retrofit is expected to reduce annual energy consumption by an impressive 47 million kilowatt-hours (kWh). To put this into perspective, this amount of energy is sufficient to power over 4,300 homes for an entire year. Such a significant reduction not only underscores the importance of operational sustainability but also highlights the direct impact that strategic initiatives can have on resource management.
In addition to its environmental advantages, this lighting retrofit will also generate cost savings exceeding AED 20 million annually. This financial benefit aligns perfectly with Dubai Airports’ goals of optimizing operational efficiency while supporting the wider environmental targets set forth by the city and the nation.
Leadership Perspectives
HE Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, Managing Director and CEO of DEWA, emphasized the broader implications of this partnership during a recent commentary. He noted that the initiative aligns seamlessly with the UAE’s vision for climate change resilience and sustainable growth. The agreement stands as a tangible example of how collaborative efforts between public and private entities can promote energy efficiency, reduce emissions, and contribute to the Dubai Clean Energy Strategy 2050. Al Tayer’s vision for a greener Dubai resonates throughout the strategic goals set for the country’s future.
Adding to this sentiment, Paul Griffiths, CEO of Dubai Airports, expressed that the collaboration with Etihad ESCO and DEWA showcases the power of partnerships in achieving meaningful sustainability outcomes. He remarked that airports are significant energy consumers, which positions them uniquely to spearhead transformative changes in operational practices. Griffiths articulated the project’s overarching aim: to embed sustainability into the core operations of Dubai Airports, emphasizing that every bit of energy conserved contributes to a larger, collective effort to minimize environmental impact.
The Role of Innovation
Dr. Waleed Alnuaimi, CEO of Etihad ESCO, reiterated the organization’s mission to pave the way for sustainable energy solutions in Dubai. He highlighted how the final phase of the lighting retrofit project embodies the effective synergy of strategic partnerships and innovative solutions. With substantial energy savings and a reduced carbon footprint, the initiative reflects a shared vision of transforming Dubai into a global leader in sustainable development.
Future Timelines and Commitments
Installation work for this pivotal project is slated to begin later this year and is set to conclude by the second half of 2027. This timeline marks a deliberate commitment by Dubai Airports to decarbonize its operations through practical, large-scale initiatives. As the project unfolds, it will reinforce Dubai’s standing as a global hub for sustainable aviation infrastructure, showcasing the city’s dedication to innovation and environmental stewardship.
By spearheading such impactful projects, Dubai Airports not only aims to enhance its operational practices but also encourages a broader movement towards sustainable development in the aviation industry.
