In a move to accelerate sustainability efforts and reduce resource consumption, the UAE’s Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure has launched the first phase of a nationwide project to improve energy and water efficiency across federal government buildings.

The initiative has begun at Abdullah bin Omran Hospital in Ras Al Khaimah and will extend to 60 government facilities across the country. Backed by investments totaling AED 120 million ($32.6 million), the first phase is expected to deliver savings of up to 27% in overall energy and water consumption across the targeted buildings.

The project aligns with the broader goals of the National Energy and Water Demand Management Programme, reinforcing the UAE’s push toward more efficient infrastructure and a reduced environmental footprint.

Eng. Sharif Al Olama, Undersecretary for Energy and Petroleum Affairs at the Ministry, described the rollout as a critical step in implementing a long-term strategy to enhance the performance of government buildings. He emphasized that the initiative is designed to lower carbon emissions while delivering sustained savings in both energy and water use.

According to Al Olama, the upgrades at Abdullah bin Omran Hospital include a comprehensive suite of technical enhancements, ranging from replacing conventional air-conditioning systems with high-efficiency alternatives to upgrading lighting systems and installing energy-efficient pumps, alongside advanced engineering interventions to optimize overall consumption.

The initiative is also notable for its financing model. Delivered in partnership with the private sector, the project is fully funded by private entities, eliminating any direct financial burden on the government. This public–private partnership approach is intended to strengthen financial sustainability while scaling energy efficiency measures across federal assets.

Looking ahead, the Ministry plans to expand the programme through a second phase covering 360 federal buildings, with an estimated investment of up to AED 1 billion ($272.3 million). This phase will also rely on private sector financing, signaling a broader shift toward collaborative models to meet the country’s sustainability and efficiency targets.