Emirates District Cooling (Emicool) LLC, a joint venture between Dubai Investments and Actis and a leading provider of sustainable district cooling services in the UAE, has announced the signing of a concession agreement with Al Reef Cooling Company, the holder of the exclusive district cooling concession for Al Reef Downtown in Abu Dhabi. This marks Emicool’s entry into the Abu Dhabi market and highlights its strategy of expanding nationwide through long-term concession-based models.
The Al Reef district cooling facility has an installed capacity of 8,005 TR (tons of refrigeration) and a connected capacity of 9,629 TR. Currently, it supplies services to 46 buildings, more than 1,800 residential customers, and around 36 retail outlets. Emicool assumed operational control of the facility in July 2025 and intends to implement efficiency enhancements in line with its Build, Own, Operate and Transfer (BOOT) framework.
Dr. Adib El Moubadder, CEO of Emicool, said: “The concession agreement for Al Reef Cooling Company marks a defining milestone in Emicool’s growth journey. Securing the exclusive district cooling concession for Al Reef Downtown not only establishes Emicool’s presence in Abu Dhabi but also significantly strengthens the Company’s national portfolio of district cooling assets. This breakthrough reflects Emicool’s strategic focus on long-term concessional models, operational excellence, and sustainable expansion, enabling it to deliver reliable, efficient, and scalable cooling solutions to a growing customer base across the UAE.”
Mr. Mohamed Al Qubaisi, Chairman of Manazel Real Estate, commented: “District cooling is a critical component of sustainable urban development, and Emicool has established itself as a leading provider in the region. This agreement ensures that the Al Reef community will continue to benefit from reliable and efficient cooling solutions. We are confident that Emicool’s expertise and operational excellence will support the long-term needs of residents and businesses at Al Reef Downtown while contributing to the growth and modernization of Abu Dhabi’s district cooling infrastructure.”
The Al Reef facility, serving mainly residential communities along with retail clients, represents a key addition to Emicool’s expanding portfolio of district cooling operations throughout the UAE. The agreement reinforces Emicool’s commitment to broadening its national presence, optimising operational performance, and delivering sustainable, scalable cooling solutions for major urban developments.
