Siemens Smart Infrastructure has entered into a contract with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure to implement a wide-scale decarbonisation initiative. The programme will involve retrofitting 60 government buildings with advanced technologies to enhance energy efficiency and improve user comfort.

This initiative aligns with the UAE's strategy to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. It aims to cut annual energy and water consumption by up to 27% compared to baseline levels, equating to a reduction of 15,400 metric tons of CO2 emissions. The programme builds on a prior study by Siemens, which involved retrofitting seven ministry buildings to establish energy baselines and identify consumption anomalies, informing the broader rollout.

Suhail Mohamed Al Mazrouei, UAE Minister of Energy and Infrastructure, emphasised the programme’s importance: "This collaboration with Siemens reflects our dedication to setting a global benchmark for sustainability in the built environment. The UAE is committed to leading by example, and this retrofitting initiative is a pivotal step in realising our long-term environmental ambitions. By focusing initially on healthcare and education facilities, we are accelerating the decarbonisation of key sectors as part of our holistic approach to sustainable development.”

Matthias Rebellius, Siemens AG Managing Board Member and CEO of Smart Infrastructure, highlighted the project’s significance:
"We are thrilled to partner with the Ministry on this pioneering effort. Through innovative and scalable solutions, this programme will not only enhance building energy efficiency but also serve as a model for decarbonising the built environment globally. Together, we aim to make meaningful contributions to the UAE’s sustainability goals."

As part of the retrofitting process, Siemens will deploy state-of-the-art technology, including upgraded heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems, movement and lighting sensors, and centralised building management systems. These measures, powered by the Siemens Xcelerator portfolio, will improve operational efficiency and significantly reduce carbon emissions. The Xcelerator platform facilitates accelerated digital transformation, enabling organisations to adopt sustainable practices more effectively at scale.

This project marks a significant milestone in the UAE's drive towards environmental sustainability and its commitment to reducing emissions across all sectors of the economy.