Abu Dhabi National Energy Company (TAQA), through its subsidiary TAQA Energy Services, has signed a major agreement with Sdeira Group, part of AD Ports Group, to embark on one of Abu Dhabi’s largest building retrofit initiatives at Aryam ICAD Residential City in Mussafah. The project aims to significantly enhance energy and water efficiency for the city’s 58,000-plus residents, reaffirming the Emirate’s commitment to sustainability and supporting the UAE’s Net Zero by 2050 vision.
Largest Building Retrofit Project in Abu Dhabi
The retrofit program, first announced at the World Utilities Congress 2023 and officially signed during ADIPEC 2025, involves upgrading Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) systems across eight building clusters. These clusters, comprising residential compounds and a shopping mall, will benefit from state-of-the-art energy monitoring, control technologies, and advanced water-saving solutions. TAQA Energy Services, led by CEO Khalid Al Qubaisi, is steering the 14-month implementation with a clear focus on cutting operational costs and reducing environmental impact.
Achieving Key Sustainability Goals
The scope of improvements aligns with the Abu Dhabi Energy & Water Efficiency Strategy 2030, aiming to deliver future-ready infrastructure. TAQA’s CEO, Khalid Al Qubaisi, described the partnership as a milestone for energy-efficient development, noting that the upgrades will create a self-sustaining cycle of reinvestment into further efficiency measures. Sdeira Group CEO Abdulaziz A. Bawazeer shared that sustainability remains central to their operational model, and the relationship with TAQA demonstrates a strong commitment to both environmental and economic objectives.
The numbers highlight the project’s significance:
- Annual carbon dioxide emissions reduction: approximately 17,000 tonnes.
- Estimated savings: AED12 million per year, which will be reinvested to bolster continued improvements.
- Annual reduction in electricity consumption: 36 gigawatt-hours.
- Lowered water use: over 616,000 cubic meters annually.
- Equivalent environmental benefit: preventing emissions equal to the carbon absorption of more than 250,000 tree seedlings grown for 10 years.
Community and Environmental Impact
Aryam ICAD Residential City, managed by Eskan, is a flagship staff accommodation facility within Abu Dhabi’s urban landscape. The retrofit is expected to boost overall system resilience, enhance air quality, and improve daily comfort for the city’s residents. By driving down utility consumption and costs, the initiative also helps uphold the city’s role as a model for sustainable living communities in the region.
Strategic Industry Collaboration
TAQA Energy Services, established in January 2020, has developed a strong track record for advancing sustainable utility and infrastructure projects across Abu Dhabi. The company’s leadership and technical expertise are integral to the Emirate’s ongoing efforts to meet long-term environmental and efficiency targets. By partnering with Sdeira Group, TAQA underlines its commitment to delivering results that benefit both the economy and the community.
