Dubai, UAE, 12 December 2023: In conjunction with the COP28, the region’s District Cooling Operators Association held its ninth meeting, as announced by Empower. The District Cooling utility provider further said that the meeting was attended by Rob Thornton,  President and CEO, International District Energy Association (IDEA), and featured key decision-makers in the District Cooling industry from Qatar, including representatives from Qatar Cool and Marafeq Qatar. 

Empower further said that the meeting was chaired by H.E. Ahmad Bin Shafar, Chairman, District Cooling Operators Association and CEO, Empower and attended by Rob Thornton; Khalid Al Marzooqi, CEO, Tabreed; Dr. Adib El Moubadder, CEO, Emicool; Bassam Tanbouz, General Manager, South Energy;  Ehab Kahale, Operations Director, Emaar District Cooling; Eng. Yasser S. Al Jaidah, CEO, Qatar Cool; Eng. Ahmed Al-Ammari, CEO, Marafeq Qatar; Ramiz Hamdan Alaleh from the Regulatory and Supervisory Bureau Dubai (RSB) and a representative from Meydan.

Empower said, that the Association welcomed the joining of District Cooling companies from Qatar, namely, Qatar Cool and Marafeq Qatar, as members of the Association, and expressed its confidence in the ability of the two companies to add value to the Association’s endeavours to achieve its goals. The meeting, Empower said, also discussed a comprehensive agenda, including exploring ways to protect natural resources and increase the operational efficiency of the District Cooling industry. Empower also said that the participants considered cooperation between key players of the District Cooling industry and deepening the bonds of joint action towards reducing carbon footprints using practical and scientific solutions.

H.E. Bin Shafar said, “The meeting agenda featured in-depth discussions on key issues, including the need to unify efforts and mobilise all capabilities to enhance the sector’s performance at local, regional, and global levels.”

Thornton said, “We noticed during the meeting a strong determination to achieve a paradigm shift in the District Cooling industry, and we were impressed by the interaction of the leaders of this vital industry to make District Cooling  a key player in reducing carbon footprints and combating climate change.”

Al Jaidah said, “Joining the District Cooling Operators Association is a reflection of fruitful collaboration to achieve common goals.”

Al-Ammari said: “Joining the District Cooling Operators Association is a unique opportunity to exchange research and technical expertise and benefit from the legislative and regulatory experiences in the UAE’s District Cooling industry. Moreover, the Association is the nucleus of the District Cooling industry in the GCC region, and it is expected that the Association will achieve its goals with the presence of Gulf, Arab and International competencies in this field. We are grateful to H.E. Bin Shafar, for the initiative and for hosting the District Cooling Summit and accompanying activities.”