Key Takeaways
• Dubai Airports and Etihad ESCO signed on June 4, 2025, to start final lighting retrofit phase.
• Final phase replaces 180,000 lights, totaling 330,000 lighting units upgraded at DXB and DWC airports.
• Energy savings of 47 million kWh per year and AED 20 million yearly cost reduction expected.
Dubai Airports and Etihad ESCO have taken a major step forward in their ongoing partnership to make airport operations more energy-efficient and environmentally friendly. On June 4, 2025, both organizations signed an agreement to launch the final phase of a large-scale lighting retrofit project. This project will upgrade lighting systems at Dubai International (DXB) and Dubai World Central – Al Maktoum International (DWC) airports, replacing old lights with new, energy-saving ones. The move is part of a wider effort to support Dubai’s sustainability goals and reduce the environmental impact of airport operations.
Who is involved?
The main partners are Dubai Airports, which manages two of the busiest airports in the world, and Etihad Energy Services Company (Etihad ESCO), a company owned by Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA). Both organizations play a key role in Dubai’s push for greener, more efficient infrastructure.
What is happening?
The final phase of the lighting retrofit project will see more than 180,000 traditional light fixtures replaced with modern, energy-saving alternatives. This is in addition to the 150,000 lighting units already upgraded in the first phase. Altogether, over 330,000 lighting units will be modernized, making this one of the largest airport lighting retrofit projects in the region.
When and where is this taking place?
The agreement was signed on June 4, 2025, and the work will take place at both Dubai International (DXB) and Dubai World Central – Al Maktoum International (DWC) airports. Concourse A at DXB will be the largest single area covered in this final phase.
Why is this important?
Airports use a lot of energy, especially for lighting, which runs 24 hours a day. By switching to energy-saving lights, Dubai Airports can cut down on electricity use, save money, and reduce carbon emissions. This supports Dubai’s wider environmental goals and sets an example for other airports around the world.
How will this be done?
Etihad ESCO will manage the project, using its experience in energy-saving solutions. The company will install new lighting systems that use less electricity but still provide the same level of brightness and safety needed for airport operations.
Project Scope and Impact
The lighting retrofit project is ambitious in both size and impact. Here’s a closer look at what it involves and why it matters:
Key Numbers:
– Over 180,000 old lights will be replaced in the final phase
– Total of 330,000 lighting units will be upgraded across both airports
– Concourse A at DXB is the largest single area to be upgraded in this phase
Energy and Cost Savings:
– Annual energy savings: 47 million kilowatt-hours (kWh). This is enough to power more than 4,300 homes for a whole year.
– Annual cost savings: More than AED 20 million.
– Carbon emissions: The project will help reduce carbon emissions, supporting Dubai’s environmental targets.
These savings are not just good for the environment—they also make financial sense. Lower energy bills mean more money can be invested in other airport improvements or services.
What Stakeholders Are Saying
The lighting retrofit project has received strong support from leaders at Dubai Airports, Etihad ESCO, and DEWA. Their comments highlight the importance of working together to achieve sustainability goals.
HE Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD & CEO of DEWA:
He emphasized that the project supports the United Arab Emirates 🇦🇪’s commitment to fighting climate change and building a green economy. He said the partnership is a good example of how organizations can work together to save energy, cut emissions, and help Dubai reach its clean energy goals.
Paul Griffiths, CEO of Dubai Airports:
He pointed out that airports use a lot of energy, so they have both the chance and the duty to lead the way in making operations more sustainable. He said the lighting project is about more than just saving energy—it’s about making sustainability a core part of daily airport life.
Dr. Waleed Alnuaimi, CEO of Etihad ESCO:
He said that Etihad ESCO’s mission is to make Dubai’s infrastructure a model for energy efficiency. He called the lighting retrofit a clear example of how partnerships and new ideas can lead to real results, like big energy savings and a smaller carbon footprint.
Background: How Did We Get Here?
The lighting retrofit is just one part of a larger effort by Dubai Airports and Etihad ESCO to make airport operations more sustainable. Their partnership goes back several years and includes other important projects.
Earlier Retrofit Projects:
Etihad ESCO previously signed a deal with Dubai Airports to upgrade lighting and other systems at Dubai International Airport’s Terminals 1, 2, 3, and Concourse B. This earlier project was worth AED 140 million and aimed to:
– Save 65.5 gigawatt-hours (GWh) of electricity each year
– Save 21 million imperial gallons of water each year
– Cut annual energy bills by AED 30 million
– Reduce carbon emissions by 28,700 tonnes each year
These numbers show that even before the latest phase, Dubai Airports and Etihad ESCO were already making a big difference in energy use and environmental impact.
Related Sustainability Initiatives
Dubai Airports and Etihad ESCO are not stopping at lighting upgrades. They are also working on other projects to make airport operations greener.
Solar Power Project
One of the most exciting new projects is a large solar power initiative. This project will:
– Install 62,904 solar panels across DXB and DWC airports
– Generate 60,346 megawatt-hours (MWh) of electricity each year
– Reduce CO2 emissions by 23,000 tonnes each year
Solar panels turn sunlight into electricity, which can then be used to power airport operations. This means less need for electricity from traditional sources, which often rely on burning fossil fuels.
Other Achievements by Etihad ESCO
Etihad ESCO has also worked on energy-saving projects for other buildings in Dubai. In March 2025, the company finished Dubai’s first Energy Savings Performance Contract (ESPC), which started in 2015. This project:
– Saved about 35.2 gigawatt-hours of electricity
– Saved 2.8 million imperial gallons of water
– Cut CO2 emissions by nearly 14,452 tonnes
These achievements show that energy-saving projects can work in many different types of buildings, not just airports.
Strategic Alignment with Dubai’s Goals
The lighting retrofit project fits into several important plans and strategies set by Dubai’s leaders:
- Dubai Clean Energy Strategy 2050: Aims to make Dubai a world leader in clean energy and green economy.
- Dubai Net-Zero Carbon Emissions Strategy 2050: Sets a target for Dubai to have net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.
- Dubai Demand Side Management Strategy 2050: Focuses on reducing energy and water use across the city.
By upgrading airport lighting, Dubai Airports and Etihad ESCO are helping to reach these big-picture goals. Their work shows how individual projects can add up to real progress on a city-wide and even national scale.
For more information about Dubai’s clean energy plans, you can visit the Dubai Electricity and Water Authority’s official website.
Recognition and Accreditation
Dubai Airports has already been recognized as a leader in sustainability. In 2016, it became the first airport in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and only the second among 56 airports worldwide to achieve Level 2 accreditation from the Airports Council International’s Airport Carbon Accreditation Programme. This shows that Dubai Airports is serious about reducing its environmental impact and is willing to meet high international standards.
What Does This Mean for Stakeholders?
The lighting retrofit project affects many different groups, from travelers and airport staff to the wider community and environment.
For Travelers:
Passengers may not notice the new lights directly, but they will benefit from a more comfortable and safer airport experience. Good lighting is important for security and wayfinding, especially in busy terminals.
For Airport Staff:
Better lighting can make workspaces safer and more pleasant. Staff can also take pride in working for an organization that cares about the environment.
For the Environment:
The biggest impact is on the environment. By using less electricity and cutting carbon emissions, the project helps fight climate change and supports Dubai’s green goals.
For the Aviation Industry:
Dubai Airports is setting a new standard for what airports can achieve in terms of sustainability. Other airports around the world may look to this project as a model for their own energy-saving efforts.
For Dubai and the United Arab Emirates 🇦🇪:
Projects like this help Dubai and the United Arab Emirates 🇦🇪 build a reputation as leaders in innovation and sustainability. This can attract more business, tourism, and investment to the region.
The Bigger Picture: Why Airport Sustainability Matters
Airports are among the largest energy users in any city. They run 24/7, with thousands of lights, air conditioning systems, and other equipment in constant use. This means they have a big impact on both energy bills and the environment.
By making airports more energy-efficient, cities can:
– Save money on electricity and water
– Reduce pollution and greenhouse gas emissions
– Improve the experience for travelers and staff
– Show leadership in the global fight against climate change
As reported by VisaVerge.com, large-scale projects like the Dubai Airports lighting retrofit are important examples of how the aviation sector can take real action to reduce its environmental footprint while also saving money.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next?
The final phase of the lighting retrofit project is a big milestone, but it’s not the end of Dubai Airports’ sustainability journey. The organization plans to keep looking for new ways to save energy, cut emissions, and make airport operations even greener.
Future projects may include:
– More solar power installations
– Upgrades to heating, cooling, and ventilation systems
– Water-saving technologies
– New ways to recycle and reduce waste
Dubai Airports’ commitment to sustainability is clear. By working with partners like Etihad ESCO and DEWA, the organization is showing that big changes are possible when companies and government agencies work together.
Actionable Takeaways
If you are involved in airport management, facility operations, or sustainability planning, here are some steps you can consider based on Dubai Airports’ experience:
- Assess your current energy use: Find out where most of your electricity goes and look for areas where upgrades could save energy.
- Consider lighting retrofits: Upgrading to energy-saving lights can lead to big savings and quick results.
- Explore renewable energy options: Solar panels and other renewable sources can help cut emissions and lower energy bills.
- Work with experienced partners: Companies like Etihad ESCO can provide the expertise needed to plan and carry out large projects.
- Align with local and national goals: Make sure your projects support wider sustainability strategies in your city or country.
For those interested in learning more about energy efficiency and sustainability in Dubai, the Dubai Electricity and Water Authority’s official website offers up-to-date information on current projects and strategies.
Conclusion
The partnership between Dubai Airports and Etihad ESCO for the lighting retrofit project is a strong example of how large organizations can make a real difference in energy use and environmental impact. By upgrading more than 330,000 lighting units, saving millions of kilowatt-hours of electricity, and cutting carbon emissions, Dubai Airports is setting a new standard for sustainability in the aviation industry.
This project shows that with the right planning, teamwork, and commitment, even the busiest airports in the world can become models of energy efficiency and environmental responsibility. As Dubai continues to grow as a global hub, its focus on sustainability will help ensure a cleaner, greener future for everyone.
Learn Today
Lighting Retrofit → Replacing old lighting fixtures with modern, energy-efficient alternatives to reduce power consumption.
Etihad ESCO → Energy services company owned by DEWA focused on implementing energy-saving solutions in Dubai infrastructures.
Dubai International Airport (DXB) → One of the busiest airports globally, managed by Dubai Airports, undergoing lighting upgrades.
Carbon Emissions → Greenhouse gases released into the atmosphere that contribute to climate change, targeted for reduction.
Energy Savings Performance Contract (ESPC) → An agreement where energy savings finance energy efficiency improvements over time.
This Article in a Nutshell
Dubai Airports and Etihad ESCO launched the final phase of a massive lighting upgrade at DXB and DWC. Replacing 330,000 fixtures will save energy, reduce costs, and cut emissions, supporting Dubai’s sustainability goals and setting new standards for airport environmental leadership worldwide.
— By VisaVerge.com
