The Deira Waterfront district cooling plant is now fully operational, marking a significant milestone in Dubai’s commitment to sustainable urban infrastructure and supporting one of the emirate’s most prominent development projects.
Developed by Empower, the permanent cooling facility was constructed following a groundbreaking agreement signed in 2018 with Ithra Dubai, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Investment Corporation of Dubai. The company began supplying cooling through a temporary semi-permanent plant within eight months of that agreement, with formal construction of the dedicated permanent facility commencing in 2024.
The new plant delivers a total capacity of 39,000 refrigeration tons (RT) and services the expanding residential, commercial, and tourism infrastructure across the Deira Waterfront project. The facility was engineered to meet the highest international standards while reflecting sustainable green-building principles and complementing the architectural identity of surrounding developments.
Strategic Market Position
Empower currently commands more than 80 per cent of Dubai’s district cooling market, reinforcing its dominant position in the UAE’s sustainable cooling sector. The company continues to pursue strategic investments to expand operations and modernise its technical capabilities.
Speaking on the achievement, Ahmad Bin Shafar, CEO of Empower, stated: “The operation of the Deira Waterfront plant embodies the vision of our wise leadership, which has placed sustainability and resource efficiency at the core of Dubai’s urban and economic development.”
“The project reflects our commitment to providing highly efficient cooling solutions that support Dubai’s vision of building smart, sustainable cities, enhancing quality of life and community prosperity.”
Bin Shafar added that the facility underscores Empower’s dedication to contributing to the balanced development of the emirate’s various regions while meeting growing demand for world-class cooling services.
Deira Waterfront Development Context
The Deira Waterfront project represents one of Dubai’s most significant strategic urban developments, designed to blend traditional heritage with modern innovation. The integrated destination features world-class residential, commercial, and tourism amenities, positioning it as a key catalyst for revitalization in historic Deira.
The permanent cooling plant’s operational status reinforces Dubai’s infrastructure readiness to support large-scale mixed-use developments while maintaining energy efficiency and environmental sustainability standards aligned with the emirate’s long-term urban vision.
