Empower CEO joins International Energy Leadership Programme to highlight UAE’s District Cooling model
DUBAI, UAE, 17 September 2025: H.E. Ahmad Bin Shafar, CEO, Emirates Central Cooling Systems Corporation PJSC (Empower), participated in the ‘International Energy Leadership Programme’ organised by the Government Experience Exchange Office at the UAE Ministry of Cabinet Affairs, Empower announced through a Press Release.
According to Empower, the programme brought together 30 senior leaders and heads of energy sectors from 19 countries, including Montenegro, Mongolia, the Maldives, Georgia, Seychelles, Indonesia, Senegal, Kenya, Morocco, the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, Ethiopia, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Colombia, Brazil, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Vietnam and Costa Rica.
The company noted that the programme aimed to enhance the capabilities of energy leaders by equipping them with leadership and administrative skills and by sharing examples of successful UAE government models in energy and government modernisation. The agenda included field visits to government institutions and private sector companies, alongside interactive workshops and discussions with Emirati experts.
As part of the programme, Bin Shafar delivered a presentation on the UAE’s District Cooling journey, which he said has become a global benchmark. He also outlined Empower’s role as the world’s largest District Cooling services provider and described how the company’s projects are helping to improve energy efficiency and conserve natural resources.
Bin Shafar pointed to Empower’s achievements in cutting carbon emissions and reducing electricity consumption, which he said support Dubai and the UAE’s broader efforts in sustainable urban development. He added that the company’s contributions extend beyond the environmental sphere to include economic and social value by promoting a green economy and enhancing urban liveability.
Commenting on his participation, Bin Shafar said: “The International Energy Leadership Programme serves as a vital platform for the exchange of knowledge and expertise among global leaders, underscoring the UAE’s pioneering role in fostering international partnerships that advance a more sustainable future for generations to come. Our participation provides an opportunity to highlight the key achievements of the UAE and Empower in district cooling, which has emerged as one of the most innovative solutions for improving energy efficiency and reducing carbon emissions. We take pride in the fact that Dubai’s experience has evolved into a global benchmark, reinforcing sustainability efforts and supporting the pursuit of carbon neutrality.”
He added: “We remain guided by the forward-looking vision of the UAE’s wise leadership to accelerate the transition energy efficiency and build a sustainable green economy. This
commitment is aligned with the Dubai Clean Energy Strategy, Dubai Net Zero Carbon Emissions Strategy 2050 and UAE Net-Zero by 2050 strategic initiative.”