Dubai Implements Bold Green Building Initiatives to Cut Power Use, Boost Solar Integration

In a strong move toward achieving sustainability and energy efficiency, Dubai has intensified efforts to retrofit over 9,000 government buildings, significantly reducing electricity and water consumption. The 89th meeting of the Dubai Supreme Council of Energy, chaired virtually by HE Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, Vice Chairman of the Council and MD & CEO of DEWA, reviewed ongoing strategies to advance Dubai’s green building transformation.

The meeting was attended by high-ranking officials, including HE Ahmed Buti Al Muhairbi, Secretary General of the Council, and board members from key entities such as Dubai Municipality, ENOC, EGA, DUSUP, and RTA. The session focused on evaluating progress made under the Dubai Demand Side Management Strategy 2050, which aims to reduce energy and water consumption by 30% by 2030 and 50% by 2050.

HE Al Tayer emphasized that the council’s initiatives are in alignment with the Dubai Clean Energy Strategy and the Dubai Net Zero Carbon Emissions Strategy 2050. “Through Etihad ESCO’s retrofitting initiatives, we are transforming Dubai’s government facilities into global models of energy conservation and operational excellence. These efforts also support the integration of solar energy in public infrastructure, further contributing to carbon neutrality,” Al Tayer said.

Etihad Energy Services Company continues to play a key role by providing detailed consumption data and retrofitting solutions that optimize energy usage in existing infrastructure. The council reported significant improvements in energy efficiency through these upgrades, including the incorporation of solar energy technologies.

HE Al Muhairbi highlighted the evolution of building regulations over the past decade to accommodate solar integration and green design. “These updates have not only supported cleaner electricity generation but also encouraged the adoption of solar panels in government buildings—ensuring long-term sustainability and reducing dependence on conventional power sources,” he said.

Dubai’s strategic focus on reducing emissions and increasing renewable energy usage places it at the forefront of global cities pioneering climate-conscious urban planning.