7:06 am - February 14, 2026
TAQA Energy Services and Sdeira Group have announced a major building retrofit initiative at Aryam ICAD Residential City, aiming to cut emissions, reduce costs, and enhance residents’ quality of life in one of Abu Dhabi’s largest urban sustainability projects.
TAQA Energy Services, which is a subsidiary of the Abu Dhabi National Energy Company (TAQA), has announced a big partnership with Sdeira Group, part of AD Ports Group. They’re planning to kick off one of Abu Dhabi’s biggest building retrofit projects so far. The goal is to greatly improve energy and water efficiency across Aryam ICAD Residential City in Mussafah. This initiative was first revealed at the World Utilities Congress in 2023, and the official signing happened during ADIPEC 2025. The deal was signed by Khalid Al Qubaisi, CEO of TAQA Energy Services, and Abdulaziz A. Bawazeer, CEO of Sdeira Group, in front of senior officials and industry leaders.
Over the next 14 months, the project will cover eight building clusters , including residential compounds and a shopping mall , providing a comprehensive upgrade plan for existing facilities. The focus will be on replacing old Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning systems, installing more advanced energy monitoring and controlling technologies, and implementing water-saving innovations. These upgrades aim not only to cut operational costs but also to reduce the environmental impact, ultimately improving the residents’ quality of life.
Khalid Al Qubaisi emphasised how this project fits into broader strategic objectives. He said, “Our partnership with Sdeira Group is a significant step toward creating future-proof, energy-efficient infrastructure in the Emirate.” He also pointed out that this initiative aligns well with Abu Dhabi’s Energy & Water Efficiency Strategy 2030 and the UAE’s goal of reaching Net Zero emissions by 2050. It’s about balancing sustainable growth with conserving natural resources. Al Qubaisi even projected that the retrofit could lead to environmental benefits like cutting around 17,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions annually, along with saving AED 12 million each year. Those savings, he mentioned, will be reinvested in ongoing efficiency and innovation efforts.
Abdulaziz A. Bawazeer echoed Sdeira Group’s dedication to sustainability. He said, “Environmental responsibility is a core part of how we do business.” He added that the collaboration with TAQA Energy Services shows their shared commitment to protecting the environment while supporting economic development. Also, he highlighted that Aryam ICAD Residential City is home to over 58,000 residents, and these retrofits will have a widespread impact , boosting utility efficiency, cutting costs, and improving living conditions at scale.
The benefits of this project go beyond just lower emissions and savings. Electricity use is expected to drop by about 36 gigawatt-hours each year, and water consumption will decrease by more than 616,000 cubic metres. To put that into perspective, these reductions are roughly comparable to the carbon absorption ability of over 250,000 trees grown for ten years. Plus, the retrofit will enhance system resilience, air quality, and indoor comfort , reinforcing the idea that investing in sustainability actually improves overall quality of life.
Aryam ICAD Residential City, managed by Eskan, is a key part of Abu Dhabi’s urban development plans. Its ongoing upgrades aim to set a new standard for sustainable living in the area. This partnership between TAQA Energy Services and Sdeira really exemplifies how improved infrastructure can bring multiple benefits, social, environmental, and economic, all at once.
This retrofit effort also fits into a broader trend in Abu Dhabi’s energy landscape. Recently, the Department of Energy (DoE) wrapped up the “Retrofit Tech Abu Dhabi 2025” summit, highlighting the emirate’s focus on building energy efficiency. They pointed out that projects like these could save around 220 gigawatt-hours of electricity in 2025 alone, with plans to increase the number of retrofitted buildings from 200 to 300 by next year.
Since its founding in January 2020, TAQA Energy Services has been a key player in promoting energy efficiency and sustainability across various sectors, industrial, educational, healthcare, and government. The company continues pushing forward with impactful projects that align with Abu Dhabi’s long-term environmental goals and the vision for a more resilient, efficient future.
The retrofit project at Aryam ICAD also taps into broader industrial momentum in the UAE. For example, recently launched initiatives like TAQANA Energy Solutions, a joint venture manufacturing plant between Arab Development Establishment and Schneider Electric in Abu Dhabi, aim to boost energy solutions and support industry growth. Such projects complement retrofit efforts by providing cutting-edge technologies that enhance energy efficiency and sustainability.
To sum up, the partnership between TAQA Energy Services and Sdeira Group really showcases Abu Dhabi’s rapid move toward sustainable infrastructure. It’s a great example of how coordinated efforts, innovative technologies, and reinvestment in energy-saving initiatives can create self-sustaining models, reducing environmental impact, empowering communities, and bolstering economic resilience. The Aryam ICAD retrofit serves as a promising template for the emirate’s ongoing commitment to reaching net-zero emissions and sustainable urban development.
Source: Noah Wire Services
- https://uaenews247.com/2025/11/14/taqa-energy-services-and-sdeira-group-launch-one-of-abu-dhabis-largest-building-retrofit-projects-at-aryam-icad-residential-city/ – Please view link – unable to able to access data
- https://uaenews247.com/2025/11/14/taqa-energy-services-and-sdeira-group-launch-one-of-abu-dhabis-largest-building-retrofit-projects-at-aryam-icad-residential-city/ – TAQA Energy Services, a subsidiary of Abu Dhabi National Energy Company (TAQA), has partnered with Sdeira Group, a subsidiary of AD Ports Group, to implement a significant building retrofit project at Aryam ICAD Residential City in Mussafah, Abu Dhabi. The 14-month project aims to enhance energy and water efficiency by upgrading HVAC systems, deploying advanced energy monitoring technologies, and installing water-saving solutions across eight building clusters, including residential compounds and a shopping mall. The initiative is expected to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by approximately 17,000 tonnes annually and generate AED 12 million in savings, which will be reinvested into the program to create a self-sustaining cycle of efficiency and innovation. The project aligns with the Abu Dhabi Energy & Water Efficiency Strategy 2030 and the UAE’s Net Zero by 2050 initiative, supporting sustainable growth while protecting vital natural resources.
- https://www.onearabia.me/business/taqa-energy-services-sdeira-group-abu-dhabi-retrofit-project-011-130987.html – TAQA Energy Services, a branch of Abu Dhabi National Energy Company (TAQA), has partnered with Sdeira Group, part of AD Ports Group, to enhance energy and water efficiency at Aryam ICAD Residential City in Mussafah, Abu Dhabi. This deal is one of the largest building retrofit projects in the Emirate. The agreement was signed during ADIPEC 2025 by Khalid Al Qubaisi, CEO of TAQA Energy Services, and Abdulaziz A. Bawazeer, CEO of Sdeira Group. The project spans 14 months and is one of Abu Dhabi’s most ambitious retrofitting efforts for residential infrastructure. It highlights the Emirate’s commitment to sustainability and efficiency in its built environment. The initiative will upgrade Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) systems and introduce advanced energy monitoring technologies. Additionally, innovative water-saving solutions will be installed across eight building clusters. The retrofit project at Aryam ICAD Residential City is expected to yield significant environmental benefits. It aims to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by approximately 17,000 tonnes annually. Moreover, it anticipates AED 12 million in savings each year. These savings will be reinvested into the program to create a cycle of efficiency and innovation. Abdulaziz A. Bawazeer stated: “Sustainability is a core component of Sdeira Group’s business model. Our collaboration with TAQA Energy Services demonstrates our shared commitment to environmental stewardship in line with economic development.” He emphasized that the retrofits would improve living conditions for over 58,000 residents while reducing utility consumption. The project promises substantial community benefits by cutting electricity use by 36 gigawatt-hours annually and reducing water consumption by over 616,000 cubic meters. It also aims to prevent emissions equivalent to the carbon absorption capacity of more than 250,000 tree seedlings grown for ten years. Khalid Al Qubaisi commented: “Our partnership with Sdeira Group marks a significant step in delivering future-ready, energy-efficient infrastructure in the Emirate.” He noted that this aligns with both the Abu Dhabi Energy & Water Efficiency Strategy 2030 and the UAE’s Net Zero by 2050 initiative. Aryam ICAD Residential City is owned by Eskan and plays a crucial role in Abu Dhabi’s urban landscape. Its transformation positions it as a model for sustainable living communities. The upgrades demonstrate how utility improvements can generate social, environmental, and economic benefits. More business News Salik Company Reports AED 2.28 Billion Revenue Growth Of 38.6% In First 9 Months AD Ports Group Achieves AED 596 Million Net Profit In Q3 2025 Amid Revenue Growth UAE President Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Recognises Ten Inspirational Individuals At Abu Dhabi Awards Ceremony Since its inception in January 2020, TAQA Energy Services has been at the forefront of innovation in Abu Dhabi’s power and water sectors. The company continues to deliver impactful projects that support long-term environmental goals while building a more efficient future.
- https://www.onearabia.me/local/taqa-energy-services-sdeira-group-retrofit-project-aryam-icad-residential-city-011-130995.html – TAQA Energy Services, a branch of Abu Dhabi National Energy Company (TAQA), has partnered with Sdeira Group, part of AD Ports Group, to enhance energy and water efficiency at Aryam ICAD Residential City in Mussafah, Abu Dhabi. This significant retrofit project was first announced at the World Utilities Congress 2023. The official agreement was signed during ADIPEC 2025 by Khalid Al Qubaisi, CEO of TAQA Energy Services, and Abdulaziz A. Bawazeer, CEO of Sdeira Group. The initiative is one of the largest retrofitting projects for residential infrastructure in Abu Dhabi’s service sector. It highlights the Emirate’s commitment to sustainability and efficiency in its built environment. The project will last 14 months and aims to significantly improve energy use and reduce environmental impact. It involves upgrading Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) systems and installing advanced energy monitoring technologies. Al Qubaisi stated, “Our partnership with Sdeira Group marks a significant step in delivering future-ready, energy-efficient infrastructure in the Emirate, aligning with the Abu Dhabi Energy & Water Efficiency Strategy 2030 and the UAE’s Net Zero by 2050 initiative. This partnership also supports sustainable growth while protecting vital natural resources.” He emphasized that the project is expected to cut carbon dioxide emissions by about 17,000 tonnes annually. Bawazeer highlighted that sustainability is central to Sdeira Group’s business model. “Sustainability is a core component of Sdeira Group’s business model. Our collaboration with TAQA Energy Services demonstrates our shared commitment to environmental stewardship in line with economic development,” he said. The project will benefit over 58,000 residents by reducing electricity use by 36 gigawatt-hours yearly and cutting water consumption by more than 616,000 cubic metres. Aryam ICAD Residential City is owned by Eskan and plays an essential role in Abu Dhabi’s urban landscape. The retrofit will enhance system resilience, improve air quality, and increase comfort for residents. It shows how investments in sustainability can directly improve living conditions. The project will also install innovative water-saving solutions across eight building clusters, including residential compounds and a shopping mall. These efforts aim to boost operational efficiency while enhancing residents’ quality of life at Aryam ICAD Residential City. In addition to environmental benefits, the retrofit is projected to save AED12 million annually. These savings will be reinvested into further efficiency improvements, creating a cycle of innovation and sustainability.
- https://www.doe.gov.ae/en/Media-Centre/News/Abu-Dhabi-Department-of-Energy-Concludes-Retrofit-Tech-Abu-Dhabi-2025-Summit-Driving-Shift – The Abu Dhabi Department of Energy (DoE) has concluded the “Retrofit Tech Abu Dhabi 2025” summit, aiming to drive the shift towards sustainable buildings and enhance energy efficiency. The summit focused on fostering a year-round sustainable community lifestyle, supported by scalable, data-driven solutions and multi-sector collaboration. Khalid Mohamed Al Qubaisi, CEO of TAQA Energy Services, highlighted the company’s commitment to energy efficiency and sustainability across the emirate, actively developing projects in strategic sectors such as industrial, educational, healthcare, and government. Eng. Mohamed Al-Hadrami, Energy & Water Performance Efficiency Director at DoE, emphasized that retrofitting buildings is a foundational element of enhancing energy efficiency and environmental sustainability in the Emirate. These projects are set to achieve total electricity savings estimated at about 220 gigawatt-hours throughout 2025, with an increase in the number of buildings undergoing retrofitting from 200 in 2025 to 300 by 2026.
- https://www.zawya.com/en/press-release/events-and-conferences/5th-retrofittech-and-sustainable-buildings-summit-drives-abu-dhabis-net-zero-ambitions-dalydix8 – The 5th RetrofitTech and Sustainable Buildings Summit in Abu Dhabi focused on driving the emirate’s net-zero ambitions. A key theme was fostering a year-round sustainable community lifestyle, supported by scalable, data-driven solutions and multi-sector collaboration. Khalid Mohamed Al Qubaisi, CEO of TAQA Energy Services, emphasized the company’s commitment to energy efficiency and sustainability across the emirate, actively developing projects in strategic sectors such as industrial, educational, healthcare, and government. Eng. Mohamed Al-Hadrami, Energy & Water Performance Efficiency Director at DoE, highlighted that retrofitting buildings is a foundational element of enhancing energy efficiency and environmental sustainability in the Emirate. These projects are set to achieve total electricity savings estimated at about 220 gigawatt-hours throughout 2025, with an increase in the number of buildings undergoing retrofitting from 200 in 2025 to 300 by 2026.
- https://www.se.com/ae/en/about-us/newsroom/news/press-releases/new-manufacturing-facility-to-advance-energy-solutions-and-drive-industrial-growth-in-the-united-arab-emirates-673338157e02f7fb790d0a4d – Arab Development Establishment (ADE) and Schneider Electric have launched a joint venture manufacturing facility in Abu Dhabi, named TAQANA Energy Solutions. Located in the Industrial City of Abu Dhabi (ICAD), the facility aims to advance energy solutions and drive industrial growth in the UAE. The inauguration was attended by key dignitaries, including His Excellency Omar Al Suwaidi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology, and representatives from ADE and Schneider Electric. The facility is expected to contribute to the UAE’s efforts in enhancing energy efficiency and supporting sustainable development.
Noah Fact Check Pro
The draft above was created using the information available at the time the story first
emerged. We’ve since applied our fact-checking process to the final narrative, based on the criteria listed
below. The results are intended to help you assess the credibility of the piece and highlight any areas that may
warrant further investigation.
Freshness check
Score:
10
Notes:
The narrative was published on 14 November 2025, with no earlier versions found. The partnership was initially unveiled at the World Utilities Congress 2023, and the implementation agreement was signed during ADIPEC 2025. The report includes updated data and quotes, indicating a high freshness score. ([uaenews247.com](https://uaenews247.com/2025/11/14/taqa-energy-services-and-sdeira-group-launch-one-of-abu-dhabis-largest-building-retrofit-projects-at-aryam-icad-residential-city/?utm_source=openai))
Quotes check
Score:
10
Notes:
The direct quotes from Khalid Al Qubaisi and Abdulaziz A. Bawazeer appear to be original, with no earlier matches found online. This suggests potentially original or exclusive content. ([uaenews247.com](https://uaenews247.com/2025/11/14/taqa-energy-services-and-sdeira-group-launch-one-of-abu-dhabis-largest-building-retrofit-projects-at-aryam-icad-residential-city/?utm_source=openai))
Source reliability
Score:
6
Notes:
The narrative originates from UAE News 24/7, which is not a widely recognised news outlet. However, the information is corroborated by other reputable sources, such as Arabian Business and Big News Network. ([arabianbusiness.com](https://www.arabianbusiness.com/industries/energy/aryam-icad-residential-city-set-for-retrofit?utm_source=openai))
Plausability check
Score:
9
Notes:
The claims about the retrofit project’s environmental and economic benefits are plausible and align with Abu Dhabi’s sustainability goals. The narrative includes specific details, such as the projected reduction of 17,000 tonnes of CO₂ emissions annually and AED 12 million in savings, which are consistent with other reports. ([arabianbusiness.com](https://www.arabianbusiness.com/industries/energy/aryam-icad-residential-city-set-for-retrofit?utm_source=openai))
Overall assessment
Verdict (FAIL, OPEN, PASS): PASS
Confidence (LOW, MEDIUM, HIGH): HIGH
Summary:
The narrative is fresh, with no earlier versions found. The quotes appear original, and the information is corroborated by other reputable sources. The claims are plausible and align with Abu Dhabi’s sustainability goals. Therefore, the overall assessment is a PASS with high confidence.
