Tabreed Celebrates 25 Years of Sustainable Progress as the World’s Leading District Cooling Company

calendar_month December 31, 2023

From humble beginnings to international presence, Tabreed continues to set the gold standard in district cooling through innovation and dedication
Since its founding, the company’s operations have saved nearly 20 billion kWh, preventing nearly 8 billion tonnes of carbon emissions

Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates – 21 December 2023: As another year of astonishing progress draws to a close, Tabreed is celebrating its Silver Jubilee, looking back on a quarter of a century as the world’s leading district cooling company and an essential enabler of progress for communities in the UAE and the wider region.

Tabreed’s Chairman, Khaled Al Qubaisi, said this is a true landmark in the company’s history, with 2023 being another record year that offers a tantalising glimpse into its future, with sustainability and energy efficiency being the key drivers of Tabreed’s next chapter.

“To say I am proud to chair the Board of this extraordinary company is a huge understatement,” he added. “As we look back on our history, celebrate our achievements, consider our present and look forward to our future, it’s obvious that Tabreed is a resilient, progressive company that brings enormous benefits to its people, its stakeholders and its investors. And, as the saying goes, the best is yet to come.”

25 Years of Progress

The company started with three employees as Gulf Energy Systems in 1995 and became Tabreed, a public shareholding company, in 1998, through the efforts of the UAE Offsets Group (now known as Tawazun Council). The first district cooling service provider in the Middle East, Tabreed commissioned its first plant in 1999 – a 4,000 Refrigeration Ton (RT) facility for the first phase of Zayed Military City in Abu Dhabi. Other early projects included the Al Jimi Shopping Centre in Al Ain and Al Manar Mall in Ras Al Khaimah, the UAE’s first commercial district cooling system.

By 2016 Tabreed had passed the 1,000,000 RT threshold and today it owns and operates 91 district cooling plants in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Bahrain, India and Egypt. The company now employs more than 1,100 staff made up from more than 40 different nationalities and the portfolio is growing, with huge potential for expansion across India and Southeast Asia. Tabreed operates the world’s largest district cooling network in Downtown Dubai and has become the cooling partner of choice for many of the world’s most iconic landmarks and attractions in the UAE and beyond.

25 Years of Partnership

Tabreed’s strategic partnerships have helped the company to remain competitive and supported international growth. In 2006, partnerships with governments and key local companies were instrumental in establishing Tabreed Oman and Saudi Tabreed. Tabreed’s recent expansion into India, which is expected to be the world’s largest cooling market by 2050, was facilitated via partnerships with Tata Realty and the Government of Telangana, supported by its innovative tie-up with the International Finance Corporation (IFC).

25 Years of Performance

Tabreed’s performance continues to set new benchmarks for the district cooling sector – the industry known for being up to 50% more energy efficient compared to traditional cooling methods, bringing with it rich rewards for the environment. Total connected capacity now exceeds 1.3 million RT and it is estimated that, up to the end of 2022, the company’s operations saved 19.2 billion kilowatt hours (enough to power approximately 1.1 million homes in the GCC annually) and prevented 7.6 million metric tons of carbon emissions (equivalent to removing more than 1.6 million cars from the streets). Tabreed continues to invest heavily in R&D, conducting studies with multiple technologies, integrating renewable energy sources and harnessing the inestimable power of 25 years’ worth of real-world data in its Artificial Intelligence control systems. Financial performance sets new records every year, too, providing shareholders with maximum returns.

The crown jewel in Tabreed’s sustainability journey also began to shine during 2023: its new Geothermal plant developed in partnership with ADNOC and Masdar City, which commenced operations this month. Integrating this renewable energy in district cooling operations marks the beginning of a new chapter for sustainable cooling.

“Much of what we do at Tabreed is literally unseen,” said Khalid Al Marzooqi, Tabreed’s Chief Executive Officer, “our vast, complex networks being buried deep underground. But there’s no denying that everyone feels the effect and enjoys the results of our operations. When you walk into The Dubai Mall, the Burj Khalifa, Louvre Abu Dhabi or any of our other iconic landmark developments in the UAE and beyond, and that welcome blast of cold air hits you in the face on a hot and humid summer’s day, that’s thanks to everyone at Tabreed.

“We never stand still, never take anything for granted and never stop innovating. And we’re in the finest possible form as we head into our next 25 years with the continued, invaluable support of our majority shareholders, Mubadala and ENGIE. Simply put, without district cooling – without this company – the world would be a poorer place. Long live Tabreed.”

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calendar_month May 14, 2025

Tabreed Releases its Q1 2025 Financial Results and Gears Up for Extensive Growth with New Joint Venture

EBITDA and net profit both increase over same period in 2024Major announcements include signing biggest deal in company’s 27-year historyAbu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates – 13 May 2025: Tabreed, the world’s leading district cooling company, has released its consolidated financial results for the first quarter of 2025, once again reporting increases in EBITDA and net profit over the same period last year. The company’s EBITDA increased by 4% year-on-year to AED 283 million, with an improved margin of 61%, while net profit after tax increased to AED 115 million in Q1 2025, growing by 3% compared to Q1 2024.While the company’s financial performance remained steady during the first quarter of 2025, in this period Tabreed made significant announcements regarding developments that will positively impact its long-term outlook and portfolio growth. The first of these was the raising of USD 700 million via the issuance of a Green Sukuk with a competitive profit rate of 5.279%, attracting strong international investor demand. The proceeds were used for refinancing, in line with eligible use according to Tabreed’s Green Finance Framework.As a result of this refinancing, Tabreed demonstrated further strengthening of its balance sheet, with the majority of its short-term debt converted into longer term maturities, along with further reduction in net debt by 3% YTD and savings in net finance costs of 7% YoY. As a result, leverage further improved with a net debt to EBITDA ratio of 3.55x (compared to 3.7x on 31 December 2024).The second major announcement, following a special signing ceremony held in Dubai on 16 March, confirmed that Tabreed had entered a concession agreement in partnership with Dubai Holding Investments to exclusively provide district cooling services to one of the region’s most eagerly awaited projects: Palm Jebel Ali.This is an important milestone in the history of Tabreed – a 250,000 Refrigeration Ton (RT) concession representing approximately one fifth of the company’s connected capacity. The network will require an estimated investment of AED 1.5 billion, making it the biggest greenfield deal in Tabreed’s 27-year history, and enhances its competitive position in the fast-moving, dynamic Dubai market.Also during the first quarter of 2025, shareholders approved a cash dividend of 15.5 fils per share for 2024, implying attractive yield of 5.6% (at a share price of AED 2.76 as of 12 May 2025). The company’s financial position remained strong, allowing it to invest in accelerating growth while returning cash to shareholders in the form of dividends, thereby delivering sustainable long term value creation. Q1 also saw 4,599 RT of new customer connections added within the UAE and new capacity addition is expected to gather pace in the coming months.Financial highlights – three months ended 31 March 2025: Group revenue remained broadly stable at AED 466 million (Q1 2024: AED 468 million)EBITDA increased by 4% YoY to AED 283 million (Q1 2024: AED 272 million)Net profit after tax increased by 3% to AED 115 million (Q1 2024: AED 112 million)Operational highlights – three months ended 31 March 2025: Consumption volumes decreased by 7%, due to colder weather than experienced during first quarter of 2024Total connected capacity reached 1.33 million Refrigeration Tons (RT)4,599 Refrigeration Tons (RT) of new customer connections added in the UAEChairman of Tabreed, Dr Bakheet Al Katheeri, said: “On the surface all appears ‘business as usual’ and, indeed, the Q1 results demonstrate a company with stability and dependability at its core. While this is entirely true, behind the scenes there is incredible drive and energy facilitating substantial expansion in key markets, Dubai being a prime example. Our recent landmark deal with Dubai Holding Investments perfectly encapsulates the spirit of Tabreed, which prizes strategic partnerships with organisations aligned with our values and objectives.“Tabreed’s resilience is one of its hallmarks and only through prudent financial stewardship is the company in a position to commit to such long-term, significant investments. The value to investors will increase, the positive environmental impact continuing to grow, with greater uptake of its globally renowned services. The future is brighter than ever for Tabreed and I look forward to seeing it flourish for many years to come.”

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calendar_month March 28, 2025

Tabreed’s Annual General Assembly Approves AED 441 Million Dividend Payout for FY 2024

Annual General Assembly confirms new appointments to Board of DirectorsChairman points to a momentous, transformative 2025Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates – 26 March 2025: Tabreed, the world’s leading district cooling company, yesterday held its Annual General Assembly (AGA). In recognition of the company’s strong financial and operational performance throughout 2024, shareholders approved a dividend payment of 15.5 fils per share, representing more than AED 441 million, to be paid fully in cash.Over the past five years, Tabreed has delivered total shareholder return of 96% in the form of share price increases and dividends and, during 2024, the company reported record revenues and a 32% increase in net profit after tax.The AGA was chaired by Tabreed’s Chairman, Dr Bakheet Al Katheeri, and during the meeting shareholders also confirmed the appointments of new board members, Mansoor Al Hamed and Janis Rey Lozada.Al Katheeri said that Tabreed had performed consistently well throughout 2024, reaping the benefits of prudent recent investments and a considered approach to business development and expansion. “This is one of the UAE’s most resilient companies,” he remarked, “and delivers excellent returns for its investors year after year, with 2024’s dividend payments no exception.“Tabreed has entered 2025 with impressive momentum, already having raised $700 million via its inaugural, five-year green sukuk, and entering a new joint venture with Dubai Holding to supply sustainable district cooling to one of the UAE’s most exciting real estate projects, Palm Jebel Ali. Tabreed’s balance sheet is stronger than ever and there is a strong pipeline of promising opportunities ahead. It undoubtedly remains a safe haven for existing and future shareholders alike.”During 2024 Tabreed completed two new plants and added 23,576 Refrigeration Tons [RTs] of new connections across the company’s portfolio, in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Egypt and India. Tabreed also saw consumption volumes grow during 2024, increasing by 5% to 2.66 billion refrigeration ton hours (RTH).

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calendar_month March 17, 2025

Tabreed and Dubai Holding Enter Agreement to Provide District Cooling to Palm Jebel Ali

Anticipated total cooling capacity of approximately 250,000 Refrigeration Tons (RTs)AED 1.5 billion project to be executed in multiple phasesAbu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates – 17 March 2025: National Central Cooling Company (DFM: Tabreed) and Dubai Holding Investments, part of Dubai Holding, have entered a concession agreement to provide district cooling services for Palm Jebel Ali in Dubai.The agreement establishes a joint venture, with Tabreed holding a 51% stake and Dubai Holding Investments 49%. This structure is designed to optimise cooling capacity, enhance information-sharing and strengthen customer protection, while ensuring sustainable cooling solutions for one of Dubai’s most transformative developments.Supported by Tabreed’s major shareholders, sovereign investor Mubadala (42%) and the French low-carbon energy and services company ENGIE (40%), the agreement was signed by Khalid Al Marzooqi – Chief Executive Officer of Tabreed and Omar Karim – Chief Executive Officer of Dubai Holding Investments, in the presence of senior officials from Tabreed, Dubai Holding, Mubadala and ENGIE.Subject to customary approvals, construction of the district cooling network is expected to commence in Q2 2025, with the first cooling services expected to be delivered by 2027. Over time, the system will address the need for approximately 250,000 RTs of cooling capacity and require an estimated investment of AED 1.5 billion.Following the signing, Chairman of Tabreed and Chief Executive Officer of Mubadala’s UAE Investments Platform, Dr Bakheet Al Katheeri, said: “Mubadala has a worldwide reputation for being a responsible investor with an unwavering focus on its ESG framework and Tabreed is a vital part of our portfolio as a driver of sustainability and societal progress. The signing marks a major milestone in Tabreed’s 27-year history and underscores the company’s commitment to providing sustainable, high-efficiency cooling solutions for large-scale developments. I am eagerly looking forward to witnessing the successful progress of this landmark project.”Omar Karim, Chief Executive Officer of Dubai Holding Investments, commented: “This agreement reinforces Dubai Holding’s long-term vision of developing sustainable communities with high-quality infrastructure at their core. Palm Jebel Ali is one of Dubai’s most ambitious developments and by incorporating district cooling services we support our customers and align to our commitment to deliver future-ready urban environments.”Commenting on the agreement, Chief Executive Officer of Tabreed, Khalid Al Marzooqi, added: “Palm Jebel Ali is a transformative project that will shape Dubai’s future and we are proud to play a role in ensuring its infrastructure meets world-class standards. With our extensive experience and cutting-edge technology, we will deliver reliable and environmentally responsible cooling that benefits residents, visitors and stakeholders alike.”

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calendar_month March 06, 2025

Tabreed Successfully Issues USD 700 Million, Inaugural Green Sukuk

First Issuance under new USD 1.5 billion trust certificate issuance programmeNet proceeds to be used for financing or refinancing projects in line with Tabreed’s Green Financing FrameworkStrong investor demand underscored by 2.6x oversubscriptionAbu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates – 5 March 2025: Tabreed, the world’s leading district cooling company, has announced today the successful raising of USD 700 million via an inaugural, five-year green sukuk – the first issuance under its new USD 1.5 billion trust certificate issuance programme. The new sukuk will be listed and traded on London Stock Exchange’s International Securities Market.The issuance of new green sukuk attracted strong institutional demand from high quality local, regional and international investors. This led to the order books exceeding 4.3 times and final issue being oversubscribed by nearly 2.6 times, reflecting the high level of investor confidence in Tabreed’s robust credit fundamentals. The sukuk was competitively priced with a profit rate of 5.279%, achieving the highest tightening by any investment grade regional sukuk issuance this year and the tightest ever credit spread for a five-year instrument by Tabreed and or any other UAE corporate sukuk with a similar credit rating. This high demand was supported by investment grade credit ratings from Moody’s (Baa3) and Fitch (BBB), consistent with Tabreed’s corporate ratings.Tabreed continues to be a pioneer in the international sukuk market, having been a regular issuer over the past 20 years. In 2006, its USD 200 million sukuk issuance was the first to be listed on the London Stock Exchange, which paved the way for other issuers to follow. That issuance was also the first rated sukuk by a corporate entity in the Middle East.Proceeds from this latest sukuk will be used in alignment with Tabreed’s Green Financing Framework, which was first published in March 2022 and later updated in February 2025. It was developed in accordance with the ICMA Green Bond Principles (GBP) 2021 and the Loan Market Association (LMA) Green Loan Principles (GLP) 2023, and is governed by a multidisciplinary management committee led by the Group’s Chief Financial Officer, Adel Al Wahedi. Tabreed is thus able to issue green bonds and loans, with the resulting net proceeds to be used for financing and refinancing ‘Eligible Green Projects’ which include its core business of constructing, acquiring and operating District Cooling schemes, as well as projects related to Energy and Water Efficiency and Wastewater Management.The framework was accompanied by a Second Party Opinion from leading, global ESG ratings agency, Sustainalytics. Together they demonstrate the sustainable nature of Tabreed’s district cooling operations, which use approximately 50% less electricity than conventional cooling.Citi and Standard Chartered Bank acted as Joint Global Coordinators and Citi, Emirates NBD Capital, First Abu Dhabi Bank, HSBC and Standard Chartered Bank acted as Joint Lead Managers and Joint Bookrunners, with Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank acting as Co-Manager.Following the sukuk announcement, Tabreed’s Chief Executive Officer, Khalid Al Marzooqi, said: “Tabreed’s enviable reputation is built on the foundations of sustainability and operational excellence, so this, our first green sukuk, is perfectly aligned with our existing business while focussing on new developments.“The UAE has an ambitious roadmap for net-zero and we are proud at Tabreed to play a vital role in preventing large scale carbon emissions while enabling societal progress through sustainable district cooling. The importance this company attaches to ESG cannot be overstated and our investors know that the energy transition, of which we are at the very centre, is not only good for the environment but good for business, too.”Adel Al Wahedi, Tabreed’s Chief Financial Officer, added: “We are delighted with the investor response to our first green sukuk. This demonstrates the strength of our business model, financial stability and sustainability credentials of Tabreed. This issuance is part of our USD 1.5 billion programme aimed at supporting our ambitious growth plans and sustainability commitments.”Tabreed recently released its full-year financial results for 2024, delivering strong financial performance driven by local and international expansion, new connections with existing clients and development of greenfield sites. The company has been rated Baa3 (outlook stable) by Moody’s and BBB (outlook stable) by Fitch, with the Sukuk Programme having been assigned the same credit ratings.Currently operating 92 district cooling plants in six countries, during 2024 Tabreed became the world’s first district energy company to achieve the ‘Verified Carbon Standard, able to trade carbon credits in the voluntary market as an emissions preventer.

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