National Central Cooling Company, or Tabreed, unveiled four new pilot projects to boost its operational efficiency by up to 30 per cent and reduce overall costs.
The projects are part of the company’s commitment towards research and development funding to help it achieve its sustainability goals.
The first initiative, the future of cooling, aims to introduce new concept design and control philosophies in the district cooling plants by using disruptive technology such as artificial intelligence, the company said yesterday.
It will lead to “material improvements” in plant performance, prolonged lifespans and lower plant life cycle costs.
“Based on the simulation of this pilot project, we forecast a 25 per cent to 30 per cent increase in performance, compared to our industry benchmarks,” said François-Xavier Boul, Tabreed’s chief development officer.
“We will be tendering two projects based on this concept to validate how actual results compare to our analysis.”
Retrofitting the existing portfolio of plants to improve efficiency is also on the cards, he said.
Tabreed, in which French utility Engie and Mubadala Investment Company own significant stakes, currently operates 86 district cooling plants and delivers more than 1.4 million refrigeration tonnes of cooling to projects across the UAE and the GCC.
It provides district cooling to developments such as Burj Khalifa, the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Dubai Metro and Ferrari World in the UAE, as well as Bahrain’s financial centre and the Jabal Omar Development in Saudi Arabia.
Tabreed’s second pilot project, Carbon NanoTube, aims to significantly enhance the performance and lifespan of plants and equipment through the use of carbon nanotube material, which has “outstanding properties in terms of heat transfer”.
The company is in talks with a number of partners such as Engie Lab Crigen in France and the Sustainable Energy Development Research Group to provide the material and support these projects, said Mr Boul.
“Through these partnerships, we will run pilot projects to confirm this approach to be adopted in our future plants,” he said.
The third initiative, called wet-bulb forecasting, will aim to improve demand-side management by accurately forecasting customer demand using artificial intelligence.
The last initiative is designed to enhance the efficiency of a district cooling plant’s condenser circuit and its cooling tower – critical components of its performance.
“Developing appropriate infrastructure while preserving the environment is one of the key priorities in UAE Vision 2030 and we are committed to our key role in supporting the UAE’s sustainable development agenda,” said Bader Al Lamki, Tabreed’s chief executive.
“Energy efficiency is essential more than ever and ... [Tabreed] continuously works to make sure we adopt the latest technology and pioneer the district cooling industry with highest efficiency and less impact on our environment.”
The company looks to continue growing “organically and inorganically”, said Mr Al Lamki. In February, Tabreed reported a 16.5 per cent increase in full-year net income.
Last year, the company acquired a majority stake in Emaar Properties’ Downtown Dubai district cooling business for Dh2.48 billion.
The deal gave Tabreed an 80 per cent stake, with Emaar retaining the balance under a long-term partnership deal.
It also bought two district cooling units on Saadiyat Island from Aldar Properties in a Dh963 million deal.
It is assessing the development of large-scale cooling plants in Sharjah through a joint venture with Bee’ah.
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UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Ten tax points to be aware of in 2026
1. Domestic VAT refund amendments: request your refund within five years
If a business does not apply for the refund on time, they lose their credit.
2. E-invoicing in the UAE
Businesses should continue preparing for the implementation of e-invoicing in the UAE, with 2026 a preparation and transition period ahead of phased mandatory adoption.
3. More tax audits
Tax authorities are increasingly using data already available across multiple filings to identify audit risks.
4. More beneficial VAT and excise tax penalty regime
Tax disputes are expected to become more frequent and more structured, with clearer administrative objection and appeal processes. The UAE has adopted a new penalty regime for VAT and excise disputes, which now mirrors the penalty regime for corporate tax.
5. Greater emphasis on statutory audit
There is a greater need for the accuracy of financial statements. The International Financial Reporting Standards standards need to be strictly adhered to and, as a result, the quality of the audits will need to increase.
6. Further transfer pricing enforcement
Transfer pricing enforcement, which refers to the practice of establishing prices for internal transactions between related entities, is expected to broaden in scope. The UAE will shortly open the possibility to negotiate advance pricing agreements, or essentially rulings for transfer pricing purposes.
7. Limited time periods for audits
Recent amendments also introduce a default five-year limitation period for tax audits and assessments, subject to specific statutory exceptions. While the standard audit and assessment period is five years, this may be extended to up to 15 years in cases involving fraud or tax evasion.
8. Pillar 2 implementation
Many multinational groups will begin to feel the practical effect of the Domestic Minimum Top-Up Tax (DMTT), the UAE's implementation of the OECD’s global minimum tax under Pillar 2. While the rules apply for financial years starting on or after January 1, 2025, it is 2026 that marks the transition to an operational phase.
9. Reduced compliance obligations for imported goods and services
Businesses that apply the reverse-charge mechanism for VAT purposes in the UAE may benefit from reduced compliance obligations.
10. Substance and CbC reporting focus
Tax authorities are expected to continue strengthening the enforcement of economic substance and Country-by-Country (CbC) reporting frameworks. In the UAE, these regimes are increasingly being used as risk-assessment tools, providing tax authorities with a comprehensive view of multinational groups’ global footprints and enabling them to assess whether profits are aligned with real economic activity.
Contributed by Thomas Vanhee and Hend Rashwan, Aurifer
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Who are the Soroptimists?
The first Soroptimists club was founded in Oakland, California in 1921. The name comes from the Latin word soror which means sister, combined with optima, meaning the best.
The organisation said its name is best interpreted as ‘the best for women’.
Since then the group has grown exponentially around the world and is officially affiliated with the United Nations. The organisation also counts Queen Mathilde of Belgium among its ranks.
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UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
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UnCruise Adventures offers a variety of small-ship cruises in Alaska and around the world. A 14-day Alaska’s Inside Passage and San Juans Cruise from Seattle to Juneau or reverse costs from $4,695 (Dh17,246), including accommodation, food and most activities. Trips in 2019 start in April and run until September.
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