Dubai Airports And Etihad ESCO Collaborate On Final Phase Of Major Lighting Retrofit Project For Sustainability

Dubai Airports has partnered with Etihad Energy Services Company (Etihad ESCO), a subsidiary of Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA), to initiate the final stage of its comprehensive lighting retrofit project. This initiative is crucial for enhancing energy efficiency at Dubai International (DXB) and Dubai World Central – Al Maktoum International (DWC). The project involves replacing over 180,000 traditional lighting fixtures with energy-efficient alternatives, marking a significant step in their sustainability efforts.

The extensive retrofit project aims to replace more than 330,000 lighting units across both airports. This includes the initial phase that upgraded 150,000 units at DXB. Concourse A at DXB will be the largest single area affected by this change. The initiative is one of the most comprehensive airport lighting upgrades in the region, demonstrating a strong commitment to sustainability.

The lighting retrofit is projected to reduce annual energy consumption by 47 million kilowatt-hours (kWh). This saving is equivalent to powering over 4,300 homes for a year. Additionally, it will result in annual cost savings exceeding AED 20 million. These outcomes underscore the tangible benefits of operational sustainability and contribute significantly to Dubai's environmental goals.

Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD & CEO of DEWA, stated: "Aligned with the UAE’s commitment to climate change resilience and sustainable growth, DEWA is dedicated to supporting Dubai’s journey towards a green economy. This aligns with the Dubai Clean Energy Strategy 2050 and the Dubai Net-Zero Carbon Emissions Strategy 2050. The partnership between Dubai Airports and Etihad ESCO is a prime example of our collective efforts to promote energy efficiency, reduce emissions and advance Dubai’s Clean Energy Strategy. Through initiatives like this large-scale retrofit, we are actively building a greener, more resilient future to support our country’s needs and ambitions."

Paul Griffiths, CEO of Dubai Airports, highlighted the importance of collaboration in achieving sustainability goals: "In partnership with Etihad ESCO and DEWA, this project highlights the power of collaboration in achieving measurable sustainability results. Airports are significant energy consumers, and that gives us both the opportunity and the responsibility to lead meaningful change. This lighting project goes beyond efficiency upgrades; it is about embedding sustainability into the core of our day-to-day operations. Every kilowatt-hour saved moves us closer to reducing our environmental impact and building a more resilient future. It sets the benchmark for what a truly sustainable airport can and should achieve."

Dr Waleed Alnuaimi, CEO of Etihad ESCO, added: "At Etihad ESCO, we are driven by the mission to transform Dubai’s infrastructure as an outstanding example of energy efficiency and sustainability. This final phase of the lighting retrofit project with Dubai Airports is a testament to how strategic partnerships and innovative solutions can deliver measurable impact – from substantial energy savings to a reduced carbon footprint. It reaffirms our shared vision of making Dubai a global leader in sustainable development."

Future Outlook

The installation work for this phase is set to commence later this year and finish by H2 2027. This significant milestone reflects Dubai Airports' dedication to decarbonising operations through impactful projects. It also strengthens Dubai's status as a leading hub for sustainable aviation infrastructure.

With inputs from WAM