Bin Shafar Underscores District Cooling as a Cornerstone of Dubai’s Vertical Growth

Empower CEO highlights district cooling as a critical enabler of energy efficiency, sustainability, and the future of ultra-high-rise urban development.

As Dubai continues its ambitious journey toward vertical expansion and smart urban growth, district cooling is emerging as a fundamental pillar supporting the city’s evolving skyline. Ahmad Bin Shafar, Chief Executive Officer of Emirates Central Cooling Systems Corporation (Empower) and Chairman of the District Cooling Operators Association, has emphasized the indispensable role of district cooling systems in shaping Dubai’s sustainable urban future.

According to Bin Shafar, district cooling is not merely an infrastructure solution—it is a strategic component of Dubai’s urban economy, particularly as the city accelerates the development of ultra-high-rise towers and densely populated mixed-use districts. With rising cooling demands driven by population growth, climate conditions, and architectural ambition, traditional cooling methods are increasingly inefficient and environmentally taxing.

District cooling, by contrast, offers a reliable, scalable, and energy-efficient alternative. Centralized production and distribution of chilled water significantly reduce electricity consumption, lower carbon emissions, and ease pressure on the power grid—benefits that are especially critical in a city defined by vertical living and commercial density.

“District cooling serves as an indispensable sustainable solution for future cities,” Bin Shafar has noted, highlighting its ability to support high-performance buildings while maintaining operational efficiency and environmental responsibility. For Dubai, where sustainability and innovation are integral to long-term planning, such systems align directly with national energy efficiency goals and climate commitments.

Under Empower’s leadership, district cooling has become a key enabler of cost-effective urban operations, enhancing not only building performance but also the overall resilience of the city’s infrastructure. By optimizing cooling at scale, district cooling contributes to improved asset longevity, reduced maintenance requirements, and enhanced occupant comfort—factors that collectively strengthen Dubai’s competitiveness as a global business and lifestyle hub.

As Dubai’s skyline continues to rise, Bin Shafar’s message is clear: the success of vertical expansion depends not only on architectural vision, but on smart, sustainable infrastructure choices. District cooling stands at the intersection of efficiency, sustainability, and urban innovation—positioning it as a vital force in shaping the next generation of cities.