Dubai Airports has partnered with Etihad Energy Services Company (Etihad ESCO), a subsidiary of Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA), to commence the final phase of an extensive lighting retrofit project. This initiative is part of Dubai Airports’ sustainability efforts aimed at enhancing energy efficiency at both Dubai International (DXB) and Dubai World Central – Al Maktoum International (DWC).
The new phase involves replacing over 180,000 conventional lighting fixtures with energy-saving alternatives. Concourse A at DXB will be the largest single area affected by this change. When combined with the first phase, which upgraded 150,000 lighting units at DXB, more than 330,000 units will have been retrofitted, marking one of the region’s most comprehensive airport lighting initiatives.
This project is projected to reduce annual energy consumption by 47 million kilowatt-hours (kWh), enough to power over 4,300 homes for a year. Additionally, it will result in annual cost savings exceeding AED 20 million and contribute to Dubai’s environmental goals.
HE 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.”
Paul Griffiths, CEO of Dubai Airports, commented: “Airports are significant energy consumers and that gives us both the opportunity and the responsibility to lead real, meaningful change. This lighting project is not just about efficiency upgrades; it is about weaving sustainability into the fabric of our day-to-day operations.”
Dr Waleed Alnuaimi, CEO of Etihad Energy Services Company, added: “At Etihad ESCO, we are driven by the mission to transform Dubai’s infrastructure as an outstanding example of energy efficiency and sustainability.”
The installation work for this final phase is set to begin later this year and finish by H2 2027. This milestone underscores Dubai Airports’ dedication to decarbonizing operations through impactful projects while reinforcing its role as a leader in sustainable aviation infrastructure.
