DUBAI, UAE, 18 December 2023: Emirates Central Cooling Systems Corporation PJSC (Empower) announced that H.E. Ahmad Bin Shafar, CEO, Empower, won the CEO Middle East Award 2023 in the energy sector. Making the announcement through a Press release, Empower said that the award is in recognition of his role in advancing the District Cooling industry in the region, his executive policies that made Empower the leading District Cooling services provider globally, and his contributions and efforts with the company’s teams in implementing the country’s strategies for sustainable development. Empower said this was the third time H.E. Bin Shafar has been awarded ‘CEO of the Year’ in the energy sector. 

Empower said H.E. Bin Shafar won the award during the CEO Middle East Awards ceremony organised by ITP Media Group at the Jumeirah Mina A’Salam Hotel in Dubai. Empower added that H.E. Bin Shafar winning this title also marks a significant milestone for the District Cooling services provider. 

Under H.E. Bin Shafar’s guidance, Empower said it has transformed the District Cooling landscape of the region, and some of the recent achievements include Empower’s debut on the Dubai Financial Market with an unprecedented 47 times oversubscription, cementing its position as the dominant player in Dubai’s cooling market with over 80% share. Empower added that its cooling capacity has surged to exceed 1.5 million refrigeration tons in 2023, further bolstered by strategic acquisitions like Nakheel and Meydan and the right to operate the District Cooling systems of Dubai International Airport. 

Empower said that H.E. Bin Shafar’s commitment to excellence and innovation has made him a beacon of inspiration for young talents across the Middle East region. The District Cooling services provider added that H.E. Bin Shafar is also an advocate for green solutions and sustainable development, and he has contributed as an active member in making the UAE a global leader in innovative and sustainable technologies. His vision and unwavering commitment, Empower said, were instrumental in driving Dubai and the UAE’s sustainability agenda, fostering a culture of innovation, quality, and the highest environmental standards. 

Empower said H.E. Bin Shafar attributed the winning the title and gaining global and international recognition for the achievements of the company and its teams to the wise and inspiring vision of H.H. Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister, UAE and Ruler of Dubai, to make Dubai a world’s leader in sustainability. Empower further said that, H.E. Bin Shafar underlined that the vision of H.H. Sheikh Mohammed has propelled Dubai to become a world leader in energy, sustainability, environmental protection, and carbon reduction. H.E. Bin Shafar said, “This global recognition is another driver of innovation, growth, and prosperity in the district cooling sector, where Empower has established its dominant position for years to come. “I have striven to support the pioneering District Cooling sector for over two decades. Moreover, I look forward to expanding our services and propelling it further through innovative technology in the years ahead.”