Ahmad Bin Shafar, CEO of Emirates Central Cooling Systems Corporation (Empower), participated in the 2026 ASHRAE Winter Conference in Las Vegas, where he met with ASHRAE leaders to discuss the global district cooling sector. The meeting focused on the progress of joint initiatives between Empower and ASHRAE, particularly the development of third-generation district cooling systems and a global district cooling standard. These efforts aim to enhance energy efficiency, support sustainability in modern cities, and reduce emissions. Bin Shafar emphasized Empower's commitment to advancing district cooling through collaboration with ASHRAE, integrating practical expertise with research to develop standardized guidelines and innovative solutions for sustainable urban infrastructure.

Emirates Central Cooling Systems Corporation PJSC (Empower), the largest district cooling services provider globally, will participate in the ASHRAE Winter Conference and Expo 2026 in Las Vegas, USA. Led by CEO H.E. Ahmad Bin Shafar, Empower aims to advance the district cooling sector and stay updated on new technologies and solutions. The event serves as a platform for exchanging expertise and learning about efficient and sustainable cooling systems. Empower is committed to global energy efficiency and carbon reduction efforts and regularly participates in international events. The ASHRAE Conference is a major event for refrigeration, heating, and air conditioning systems, attracting global experts and featuring discussions, workshops, and seminars. Empower and ASHRAE have a longstanding partnership focused on advancing district cooling technologies.

Emirates Central Cooling Systems Corporation PJSC (Empower), the largest district cooling services provider globally, announced that it maintained Emiratisation levels in its workforce by the end of 2025. This reflects Empower's commitment to developing national human capital and empowering Emirati talent in engineering, technical, and administrative roles. The company emphasizes diversity, inclusion, and gender balance, with Emirati women making up 46% of its national workforce. CEO Ahmad Bin Shafar highlighted the importance of national competencies in achieving operational excellence and supporting sustainable development. Empower continues to invest in training programs to enhance the skills of Emirati employees, aligning with its strategic vision of contributing to a sustainable future.

Emirates Central Cooling Systems Corporation PJSC (Empower), the largest provider of district cooling services globally, has significantly increased its connected capacity in Dubai from 5,400 refrigeration tons in 2004 to 1.7 million refrigeration tons by the end of 2025. This growth of 315 times over two decades highlights Empower's prominence in the industry. The expansion aligns with Empower's strategic vision to provide sustainable and efficient cooling solutions that support Dubai's urban and economic development. Empower's projects, including the Business Bay district cooling project, which holds two Guinness World Records, demonstrate its role in serving key residential and commercial areas with environmentally friendly cooling services. CEO Ahmad Bin Shafar emphasized the company's commitment to innovation, strategic expansion, and advanced technology investments. Empower aims to continue its growth in line with Dubai's future vision, supporting sustainability and energy efficiency goals.

Empower's CEO, Ahmad Bin Shafar, met with UNEP's Cool Coalition team at the Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week 2026 to discuss strengthening their partnership. The meeting covered promoting district cooling globally, supporting UNEP initiatives, and raising awareness of sustainable cooling solutions. They explored cooperation in technical support, training, and sustainable business models for district cooling services. These discussions align with the Cool Coalition’s Global Cooling Pledge, launched at COP28, which aims to expand sustainable cooling solutions in participating countries. The meeting emphasized international partnerships to accelerate the adoption of sustainable cooling solutions and support global climate change efforts. Bin Shafar highlighted the importance of district cooling in achieving energy efficiency and a carbon-free future, aligning with the Sustainable Development Goals and climate action.

Emirates Central Cooling Systems Corporation PJSC (Empower), the largest district cooling services provider globally, has reiterated its commitment to the UAE's sustainable development agenda by promoting energy-efficient district cooling solutions. This announcement aligns with Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week 2026. Empower emphasized the importance of district cooling systems in supporting the UAE’s sustainability goals, reducing carbon emissions, and enhancing energy efficiency. The UAE's strategies, such as the UAE Energy Strategy 2050 and the Dubai Clean Energy Strategy 2050, aim to increase reliance on clean energy, reinforcing the country's leadership in the district cooling industry. Empower's CEO, Ahmad Bin Shafar, highlighted that sustainability is integral to the company’s operations, with district cooling systems reducing energy consumption by up to 50% compared to conventional air conditioning. Empower is also investing in advanced technologies to support smart cities and green buildings in Dubai. The increasing demand for Empower's services reflects confidence in its environmentally friendly solutions.

During the Impact Summit 2025 in Abu Dhabi, Emirates Central Cooling Systems Corporation PJSC (Empower) received the Gold Impact Seal from the National CSR Fund (MAJRA). This is the highest federal recognition for sustainable practices in private companies in the UAE. The award acknowledges Empower's commitment to corporate social responsibility and sustainable development. The summit, organized by MAJRA under the theme "Unifying the Common Good of the Nation," included participation from various stakeholders such as government officials, CEOs, and sustainability leaders. Empower's CEO, H.E. Ahmad Bin Shafar, expressed the company's dedication to social responsibility and its role in supporting national priorities related to environmental sustainability and social impact. MAJRA is responsible for establishing the regulatory framework for corporate social responsibility in the UAE and supports initiatives promoting economic empowerment, environmental conservation, and social well-being.

Dubai is advancing its urban planning with a focus on sustainability and smart infrastructure, particularly through the use of district cooling systems. These systems are crucial for the city's vertical expansion, as they efficiently support the development of ultra-high-rise towers while aligning with Dubai's low-carbon economy goals. H.E. Ahmad Bin Shafar, CEO of Empower, highlights the importance of district cooling in Dubai's urban and economic growth, noting that nine of the ten tallest skyscrapers under construction in Dubai will use these systems. This reflects a trend among developers to prioritize sustainable infrastructure solutions, especially given the UAE's climate. Bin Shafar emphasizes that district cooling is essential for achieving energy efficiency and resource sustainability in Dubai's urban development.