April 8, 2018 - In line with their collective efforts to make Dubai a leading example of energy efficiency for the region and the world, Etihad Energy Service Company (Etihad ESCO) and TAQATI- the dedicated program management office for the Dubai Demand Side Management (DSM) strategy - are hosting and strategically endorsing the 4th Annual RetrofitTech Dubai Summit and Awards on April 10 and 11, 2018. The event, scheduled to take place at Roda Al Bustan Hotel, Dubai, will showcase some of the latest innovation and retrofit technology being introduced to the market and shed the light on more retrofit project opportunities across the emirate.

The upcoming edition of the RetrofitTech Dubai Summit will bring more than 250 industry stakeholders and subject-matter experts together to discuss, debate and identify innovative ways to add value to the retrofitting initiatives undertaken by public and private entities across the UAE and the region. The forum will also evaluate the progress made in driving the adoption of retrofit programs and provide an update on the retrofitting projects being implemented across the UAE. Latest project opportunities to retrofit government buildings, as well as buildings in commercial, retail, hospitality, healthcare, education and industrial sectors, will be showcased. Furthermore, the event will turn the spotlight on future financing models, regulatory frameworks and requirements.

With an aim to retrofit 30,000 buildings by 2030, Etihad ESCO is gearing up to implement AED 400 million worth of projects, branching out beyond building retrofits into industrial retrofits and solar power projects. These include improving the performance of the facilities owned by Dubai Police, Islamic Affair Mosques, Dry Docks, DXB & DWC Airport (Phase II).

Ali Al Jassim, CEO of Etihad ESCO will be one of the keynote speakers at the 2018 edition of the Summit and will elaborate on the achievements, highlights and success of retrofit programs led by the company in Dubai. In addition, he will also take part in a panel discussion titled ‘Financing Retrofit Projects in the UAE.’

He said: “The building sector has the biggest potential to mitigate the impact of climate change in both developed and developing countries, according to the United Nations Environment Programme. Etihad ESCO is proud to spearhead Dubai’s transformation into one of the most sustainable cities in the world by driving wide-spread adoption of energy efficient practices including building retrofits. I am confident that the upcoming RetrofitTech Dubai Summit will successfully engage participants in a meaningful way to discuss and streamline initiatives aimed at further boosting the adoption of this practice.”

Aref Abou Zahr, Executive Director, TAQATI will deliver a presentation on ‘Preparing for the Future of the Energy Efficiency Triad’ and will participate in a panel discussion titled ‘Exploring Additional Benefits for Retrofitted Buildings’ on April 10. Retrofitting, is a key requirement to substantially reduce the energy footprint of the existing building stock in line with the Dubai DSM Strategy which. We are targeting the retrofit of 30,000 building by 2030, with the government sector leading by example on the adoption of retrofit projects across Dubai, we are optimistic that more private and public entities will follow suit.” said Abou Zahr.

The 4th Annual RetrofitTech Dubai Summit will also see Ibrahim Mohammad, Director, Execution Department, Etihad ESCO present a session titled ‘Stimulating the EPC market – The Etihad ESCO way.’ Shadi Al Kadi, Director, Program Management, TAQATI, will moderate the panel discussion titled ‘Using Data and Analytics for Increased Energy Performance and Control.’ Joyce Honeine, Senior Manager, Awareness and Capacity Building, TAQATI, will be a participant in the panel discussion titled ‘How to Implement a Multi Sector Retrofit Program’. Prior to the Summit, the RetrofitTech Awards Ceremony and Gala Dinner will be held on April 9 at Roda Al Bustan Hotel, Dubai.