2:36 pm - March 5, 2026
Dubai Airports has officially commenced the final phase of a landmark sustainability initiative in partnership with Etihad Energy Services Company (Etihad ESCO). This agreement represents a significant step towards enhancing energy-efficient operations across both Dubai International (DXB) and Al Maktoum International (DWC) airports. By retrofitting over 180,000 conventional lighting fixtures with energy-saving alternatives, the project aims to bolster the operational sustainability of one of the busiest aviation hubs in the world.
The latest phase builds on initial efforts that saw the replacement of 150,000 lighting units at DXB, culminating in a total upgrade of more than 330,000 fixtures. This extensive undertaking is poised to dramatically reduce annual energy consumption by approximately 47 million kilowatt-hours (kWh), an amount that could power over 4,300 homes for an entire year, reflecting the project’s significant environmental impact. Furthermore, the initiative is expected to yield annual cost savings exceeding AED 20 million, contributing to broader efforts to optimise efficiency while supporting Dubai’s ambitious environmental targets.
HE Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD and CEO of DEWA, noted the alignment of this project with both the UAE’s commitment to climate change resilience and the Dubai Clean Energy Strategy 2050. He remarked, “The partnership between Dubai Airports and Etihad ESCO is a prime example of our collective efforts to promote energy efficiency, reduce emissions and advance Dubai’s Clean Energy Strategy.” This framework underscores the necessity for strategic partnerships in tackling global sustainability challenges, exemplified by this large-scale lighting retrofit project.
Paul Griffiths, CEO of Dubai Airports, emphasised the importance of collaboration in achieving these sustainability goals. “Airports are significant energy consumers, and that gives us both the opportunity and the responsibility to lead meaningful change,” he stated. Griffiths described the project as not merely efficiency enhancements but as an integral aspect of embedding sustainability into daily operations. This methodical approach positions Dubai Airports at the forefront of sustainable practices in the aviation sector, paving the way for other airports globally to follow suit.
In a related context, Etihad ESCO has a history of facilitating similar transformative projects. For instance, a prior lighting retrofit initiative in 2020 replaced nearly 1,880 conventional spotlight fixtures at DXB with high-performance LED alternatives, aiming to slash annual energy consumption by around 7,000 MWh. Such projects not only help cut down direct emissions but also establish a model of environmental responsibility for the aviation industry.
Installation for this final phase is scheduled to commence later this year, with completion expected by the latter half of 2027. As Dubai continues to position itself as a global hub for sustainable aviation infrastructure, initiatives like this underscore a commitment to decarbonising operations through impactful, real-world solutions—ultimately aiming for a greener future in air travel.
📌 Reference Map:
Source: Noah Wire Services
- https://mea-aviation.com/dubai-airports-and-etihad-energy-services-company-light-the-path-to-sustainability-with-final-phase-of-landmark-project/ – Please view link – unable to able to access data
- https://media.dubaiairports.ae/da-gives-the-green-light-to-continued-energy-savings – In January 2020, Dubai Airports completed a project replacing 1,880 conventional 1,000W and 2,000W light fixtures with 1,000 high-performance LED lights across the apron and parking areas of Dubai International Airport (DXB). This upgrade is expected to reduce annual energy consumption by approximately 7,000 MWh, equivalent to cutting 495 metric tonnes of CO₂ emissions or planting over 8,000 seedlings annually for ten years. The initiative aligns with Dubai Airports’ commitment to sustainability and energy efficiency.
- https://www.emirates247.com/business/2.464/etihad-esco-signs-contracts-to-implement-lighting-retrofit-project-2019-05-17-1.684186 – In May 2019, Etihad Energy Services Company (Etihad ESCO) signed an agreement with Sharaf Electronics to implement a lighting retrofit project at three terminals of Dubai International Airport (DXB). The project aimed to replace over 15,000 outdoor and indoor lights with energy-saving LED lights, resulting in about AED 5 million annual savings every year for the next seven years. This initiative supports Dubai Airport’s vision of environmental sustainability.
- https://technicalreviewmiddleeast.com/construction/buildings/etihad-esco-and-sharaf-electronics-to-retrofit-dxb-terminals – Etihad ESCO and Sharaf Electronics collaborated to retrofit three terminals of Dubai International Airport (DXB) by replacing more than 15,000 outdoor and indoor lights with energy-saving LED lights. The project was expected to generate annual savings of approximately US$1.36 million over the next seven years. The lighting technologies from Europole and Sylvania aimed to make DXB a leading example of energy-efficient lighting in the world.
- https://www.mepmiddleeast.com/suppliers/electrical/72367-etihad-esco-sharaf-electronics-sign-agreement-to-retrofit-three-terminals-of-dubai-airport – In May 2019, Etihad ESCO signed an agreement with Sharaf Electronics to retrofit three terminals of Dubai International Airport (DXB). The project involved replacing over 15,000 outdoor and indoor lights with energy-saving LED lights, resulting in about AED 5 million annual savings every year for the next seven years. This initiative supports Dubai Airport’s vision of environmental sustainability and aims to make DXB a front-runner in energy-efficient lighting.
- https://www.fm-middleeast.com/operations/hard-services/73966-15000-lights-to-be-replaced-at-dubais-airport – Etihad ESCO and Sharaf Electronics collaborated to implement a lighting retrofit programme for three terminals of Dubai International Airport (DXB). The project involved replacing 15,500 outdoor and indoor lights with energy-saving LED lights, resulting in annual savings of $1.4 million (AED 5 million) for seven years. The initiative supports Dubai Airport’s vision of environmental sustainability and aims to make DXB a front-runner in energy-efficient lighting.
- https://www.gulftoday.ae/Business/2019/05/16/Etihad-ESCO-signs-contracts-to-implement-lighting-retrofit-project – Etihad ESCO signed an agreement with Sharaf Electronics to implement a lighting retrofit project at three terminals of Dubai International Airport (DXB). The project aimed to replace over 15,000 outdoor and indoor lights with energy-saving LED lights, resulting in about AED 5 million annual savings every year for the next seven years. This initiative supports Dubai Airport’s vision of environmental sustainability and aims to make DXB a leading model of energy efficiency in the emirate.
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:
8
Notes:
The narrative presents new information about the final phase of a sustainability project between Dubai Airports and Etihad Energy Services Company, with installation scheduled to commence later this year and completion expected by the latter half of 2027. This indicates recent developments. However, similar initiatives have been reported in the past, such as the collaboration announced in December 2023. ([mediaoffice.ae](https://mediaoffice.ae/en/news/2023/December/12-12/Etihad-Energy-Services-and-Dubai-Airports?utm_source=openai)) The presence of a press release suggests a high freshness score, but the project’s long timeline may lead to updates and changes over time. The report includes updated data but recycles older material, which may justify a higher freshness score but should still be flagged. Additionally, the report includes updated data but recycles older material, which may justify a higher freshness score but should still be flagged. ([mediaoffice.ae](https://mediaoffice.ae/en/news/2023/December/12-12/Etihad-Energy-Services-and-Dubai-Airports?utm_source=openai))
Quotes check
Score:
7
Notes:
The quotes from HE Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer and Paul Griffiths are consistent with previous statements made in earlier reports, such as the one from December 2023. ([mediaoffice.ae](https://mediaoffice.ae/en/news/2023/December/12-12/Etihad-Energy-Services-and-Dubai-Airports?utm_source=openai)) This suggests that the quotes may have been reused, which could indicate recycled content. However, no online matches were found for the exact wording of the quotes, raising the score but flagging it as potentially original or exclusive content.
Source reliability
Score:
6
Notes:
The narrative originates from a press release, which typically warrants a high freshness score. However, the press release is hosted on a website that appears to be a low-quality site or clickbait network, which raises concerns about the reliability of the source. Additionally, the press release is hosted on a website that appears to be a low-quality site or clickbait network, which raises concerns about the reliability of the source.
Plausability check
Score:
8
Notes:
The claims about the sustainability project align with Dubai Airports’ previous initiatives, such as the solar panel installation announced in October 2024. ([media.dubaiairports.ae](https://media.dubaiairports.ae/dubai-airports-to-grow-its-solar-footprint-to-cut-its-carbon-footprint/?utm_source=openai)) The timeline for the project’s completion by 2027 is plausible given the scale of the undertaking. However, the lack of coverage from other reputable outlets and the presence of recycled content raise concerns about the narrative’s originality and potential disinformation.
Overall assessment
Verdict (FAIL, OPEN, PASS): OPEN
Confidence (LOW, MEDIUM, HIGH): MEDIUM
Summary:
The narrative presents new information about the final phase of a sustainability project between Dubai Airports and Etihad Energy Services Company, with installation scheduled to commence later this year and completion expected by the latter half of 2027. However, similar initiatives have been reported in the past, and the quotes from key figures appear to be reused from earlier statements. The press release is hosted on a website that appears to be a low-quality site or clickbait network, raising concerns about the reliability of the source. The claims about the sustainability project align with Dubai Airports’ previous initiatives, and the timeline for completion is plausible. However, the lack of coverage from other reputable outlets and the presence of recycled content raise concerns about the narrative’s originality and potential disinformation. Given these factors, the overall assessment is ‘OPEN’ with a medium confidence level.
