calendar_month March 03, 2013
Tabreed Partners with Masdar Institute on R&D Project Aimed at Enhancing Operational Efficiencies in District Cooling Plants

Project to develop ‘smart module’ capable of automatically controlling equipment to reduce energy consumption

Abu Dhabi: 3 March 2013 – National Central Cooling Company PJSC “Tabreed”, the Abu Dhabi based district cooling utility company, and the Masdar Institute of Science and Technology, an independent, research-driven, graduate-level university focused on advanced energy and sustainable technologies, are collaborating on a research and development (R&D) project that aims to enhance operational performance and reduce energy consumption in district cooling plants.

The current research project – optimal chiller plant control, phase-I – aims to create a ‘smart controller’ capable of intelligently and independently managing district cooling plants to improve operational performance and decrease energy consumption, with minimal human interference.

Under the terms of the collaboration, the two entities are developing a software module that can be integrated with the district cooling plants’ control system to measure all external variables that impact the operational efficiencies of the plant, such as chilled water supply, return flow, outside temperature and humidity levels. The system will then automatically decide at what capacity major equipment such as chillers, water pumps and cooling towers need to operate at in order to meet customers’ cooling requirements in the most economical and energy efficient way.

Jasim Thabet, Tabreed’s CEO, said: “We are delighted to be partnering with the Masdar Institute in this important area and hope to utilize this project to gain some critical insights. Although we are in the data gathering stage at this point, this system offers interesting possibilities for the future as it can potentially lead to significant energy reductions.”

Dr Fred Moavenzadeh, President, Masdar Institute, said: “Our research initiatives aim to bring operational benefits to organizations while contributing to mitigating carbon emissions. At present, Masdar Institute’s Building Technology Research Center is conducting a total of 12 projects in the general area of demand-side energy efficiency and smart buildings/grid. Among them, six projects, sponsored by the Executive Affairs Authority of Abu-Dhabi (EAA), specifically investigate ways of making cooling equipment more efficient and assessing the impact of energy efficiency measures on cooling demand.

“The project with Tabreed illustrates Masdar Institute’s capability to contribute sustainable technology expertise to utilities and organizations in the UAE. Supported by the country’s leadership, our projects firmly remain relevant to sustainable development in Abu Dhabi and the UAE.”

Dr. Peter Armstrong, Associate Professor – Mechanical Engineering, and Dr. Afshin Afshari, Professor of Practice – Engineering Systems & Management, are the principal investigators for the project.

Dr Peter Armstrong said: “For the Tabreed project we will model and monitor a typical chiller plant in order to find cost-effective ways to reduce peak-demand, energy and carbon impacts.  Actions may include variable-speed drives and multi-stage compressors as well as optimal control to coordinate operation of compressors, pumps and cooling towers.  Phase 2 will consider cool storage and advanced controls to shift chiller load (and thus also electric utility load) to morning hours when cooler temperatures result in more efficient operation.”

Air conditioning accounts for 40-50% of all electrical energy consumption in Abu Dhabi and approximately 70% on hot summer days. Well-designed district cooling however consumes less energy than traditional cooling, which translates into significant cost and environmental benefits in the form of reduced C02 emissions.

Thabet added: “It is great to see two of Abu Dhabi’s leading institutions working together to create innovative solutions to one of the region’s biggest challenges.”

One of Tabreed’s plants in Mohammed bin Zayed City, Abu Dhabi, was selected for the pilot project. Any successful patents brought forth by this project, which is expected to be completed in one year, will be registered under both the Masdar Institute and Tabreed names.

Established as an on-going collaboration with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Masdar Institute integrates theory and practice to incubate a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship, working to develop the critical thinkers and leaders of tomorrow.  With its world-class faculty and top-tier students, the Institute is committed to finding solutions to the challenges of clean energy and climate change through education and research.

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calendar_month June 25, 2026
Tabreed Wins Two Awards at Global Banking & Markets Awards Middle East 2026
Tabreed has been recognised at the Global Banking & Markets Awards Middle East 2026, winning two awards that highlight the company’s sustainable finance credentials and continued growth.The company received Sustainable Loan Deal of the Year for its AED 1.8 billion dual-tranche green facility, as well as Acquisition Finance Deal of the Year for the AED 2.55 billion multi-tranche senior secured financing supporting the acquisition of PAL Cooling.The awards acknowledge standout transactions across the regional banking, capital markets, and finance industry, including deals that demonstrate innovation, strong execution, and market significance.This recognition reflects Tabreed’s continued focus on disciplined growth, sustainable infrastructure, and the development of efficient district cooling solutions that support the region’s long-term decarbonisation ambitions.
calendar_month June 04, 2026
Tabreed Announces Appointment of Atef AlBreiki as its new Chief Asset Management Officer
Former Executive Vice President of Operations and Maintenance joins company’s Executive Management TeamAbu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates – 4 June 2026: Tabreed, the world’s leading district cooling company, today announces that its Board of Directors has appointed Atef Mohamed Awadh AlBreiki as its new Chief Asset Management Officer with immediate effect. As Chief Asset Management Officer, Atef will be responsible for maximising value creation of the company’s assets, through portfolio management and value-driven decision-making. He will lead the company's asset management strategy while working closely with internal and external stakeholders to support Tabreed's long-term objectives.Speaking of AlBreiki’s appointment, Dr Bakheet Al Katheeri, Tabreed’s Chairman, said: “During Atef’s eight years at Tabreed, he has proved time and again to be an exceptional and inspirational leader in a number of senior roles. He has consistently demonstrated a deep commitment to our people, our operations and our values.  “Atef is exceptionally well placed to lead the Asset Management function as we continue to strengthen asset performance, maximise long-term value creation, and ensure the resilience of our portfolio. His appointment reflects the depth of talent and expertise within Tabreed and the value we place on developing future leaders across the business. Having worked closely with Atef over the years, I am confident that he will continue to develop this important function and build on the strong foundations already in place.”Atef’s most recent role was Executive Vice President – Operations & Maintenance, in which he drove the development and execution of revenue-impacting operational excellence, as well as the O&M strategies and solutions that have given Tabreed its competitive edge in recent years. He has amassed more than 20 years of progressive exposure in developing and driving organisational strategies and has a proven history of delivering business continuity and operational transformation.AlBreiki holds a Master of Business Administration and Management from the London Business School and a bachelor’s degree in Electronics Engineering Technology. He has also attended Executive Professional Development Programmes with internationally acclaimed institutions, such as Wharton University and Singularity University in Silicon Valley, California, USA.
calendar_month May 15, 2026
Tabreed Reports Q1 2026 Revenue of AED 486 Million, Strong Cash Generation and Continued Capacity Expansion
Connected capacity increased 18% YoY to 1.57 million Refrigeration TonsRevenue increased 4% YoY, supported by 9% YoY growth in consumption volumesAbu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates – 14 May 2026: National Central Cooling Company PJSC (DFM: TABREED / ISIN: AEA002201018), the world’s leading and most diversified district cooling company, today announced its results for the three-month period ended 31 March 2026, reporting revenue of AED 486 million and net profit of AED 78 million. The Company delivered resilient operational performance and strong cash generation during the quarter, underpinned by its long-term contracted business model, with capacity charges as the key profitability driver.Total connected capacity increased 18% year-on-year to 1.57 million Refrigeration Tons (RT), demonstrating execution against Tabreed’s expansion strategy and underpinning highly visible revenue profile. Growth in connected capacity primarily reflects the contribution from the PAL acquisition completed in Q4 2025, alongside organic expansion of 54.6k RT over the past 12 months. Excluding the impact of acquisition, connected capacity grew 4.1% year-on-year.Capacity additions in Q1 remained consistent with the construction phasing of customers’ projects. Consolidated consumption volumes increased 9% year-on-year to 338 million Refrigeration Ton Hours (RTh), reflecting both portfolio expansion and more normalised weather pattern compared to an unusually mild prior-year period.Group revenue grew 4% year-on-year to AED 486 million, demonstrating the resilience provided by fixed capacity charges and stable demand fundamentals. EBITDA increased 1% year-on-year to AED 285 million, with a margin of ~59%, maintaining a consistently high margin profile that reflects operational efficiency and scale benefits.Cash flow generation remained robust during the quarter, supported by improved collections and the strength of Tabreed’s revenue model, reinforcing high cash conversion and the credit quality of its customer base.Net profit for the period stood at AED 78 million, reflecting higher finance costs associated with the Company’s ongoing investment cycle and refinancing activities in 2025, as well as the timing of earnings contribution from recent acquisition. These impacts are temporary in nature and expected to normalise as new capacity ramps up.Dr Bakheet Al Katheeri, Tabreed’s Chairman, said: “Tabreed has started 2026 with a resilient performance, underpinned by the strength of our concession-backed business model, a diversified portfolio, and high revenue visibility. As demand for energy-efficient infrastructure accelerates, district cooling continues to play a critical role in sustainable urban development. Building on our progress in 2025, we are advancing our growth pipeline, integrating recent acquisition, and delivering new capacity to support long-term expansion. While our results reflect an ongoing investment cycle, our focus remains on disciplined execution, strong cash flow generation, and maintaining the operational reliability and financial prudence that define Tabreed.”Financial and Operational ResilienceTabreed’s balance sheet remains healthy, with its investment-grade credit rating reaffirmed by Moody’s at Baa3 with a stable outlook. Net debt to EBITDA improved to 4.5x as at 31 March 2026, reflecting disciplined capital management and balance sheet strength even during a period of active investment.The Company maintains a robust liquidity position, with cash balances increasing 15% year-todate to AED 756 million. This reflects the continued stability of Tabreed’s underlying cash flow model.Tabreed also has access to an undrawn Green Revolving Credit Facility of AED 1.2 billion and no near-term debt maturities.During Q1 2026, the company maintained stable performance, underpinned by resilient operations and robust business continuity management protocols. Tabreed’s operational resilience in the face of unforeseen challenges enabled uninterrupted service delivery and steady progress across projects. This consistent focus on operational excellence reinforces Tabreed’s position as a dependable and essential utilities provider across the region.Dividend and OutlookShareholders approved a final dividend of 6.5 fils per share for H2 2025 at the Annual General Assembly held on 25 March 2026, bringing the full-year dividend to 13.0 fils per share. The final dividend was paid in April 2026. The Company’s consistent increase in dividend payout ratio, reaching 79% of net profit in 2025, reflects the Board’s commitment to delivering attractive shareholder returns while continuing to invest in long-term infrastructure growth.Looking ahead, Tabreed remains well positioned to deliver sustainable growth, supported by a solid pipeline of projects in its core market of the UAE. The Company is well placed to deliver continued capacity expansion, steady revenue growth and high EBITDA margin driven by its secured pipeline and innovation-driven operating model. Tabreed will continue to focus on operational excellence, value-accretive capital allocation, and advancing its sustainability agenda, reinforcing its role as a critical infrastructure provider in the region’s energy transition.
calendar_month March 26, 2026
Tabreed’s Annual General Assembly Approves Dividend for FY 2025
Shareholders approve second-half cash dividend of 6.5 fils per share, bringing total annual dividend to 13.0 fils per shareShareholders also approve re-election of existing Board of Directors Chairman celebrates a transformative year of exceptional portfolio growthAbu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates – 26 March 2026: National Central Cooling Company PJSC (DFM: TABREED / ISIN: AEA002201018), the world’s leading and most diversified district cooling company, yesterday held its Annual General Assembly (AGA). In recognition of the company’s resilient financial and operational performance throughout 2025, shareholders approved a second-half dividend payment of 6.5 fils per share, to be distributed fully in cash, resulting in a total 2025 dividend of 13.0 fils per share – a dividend yield of ~5.0% based on 25 March 2026 closing share price.This dividend demonstrates Tabreed’s commitment to delivering attractive returns while continuing to invest in high‑quality, long‑term opportunities. Despite significant M&A investments during 2025 the company’s dividend payout as a percentage of net profit increased to 79%, consistent with its strong track record.During the AGA, Tabreed also elected its board of directors for a three-year term in accordance with the regulations of Capital Market Authority (CMA), with the nine existing board members having been re-elected and endorsed by shareholders.The AGA was chaired by Tabreed’s Chairman, Dr Bakheet Al Katheeri. Following the meeting he said that, over the years, Tabreed has grown from a traditional utility provider into a future‑ready, resilient, and innovation‑driven infrastructure company, adding that “our long‑term contracts, strong customer base and solid financial position make Tabreed one of the most reliable infrastructure investments in the region.“In 2025, Tabreed delivered strong operational performance and advanced its long‑term growth strategy,” he said. “Our core business remains robust, with stable operations, healthy margins, and high asset availability. Connected capacity during 2025 reached 1.57 million RT, a 19% increase year‑on‑year driven by both organic growth and M&A. Excluding M&A, organic capacity growth was 4.4%, near the top of our guidance range.“Our balance sheet remains strong, and we continue to maintain investment‑grade metrics, which is a core priority, and Tabreed’s strong and visible growth pipeline gives us exceptional confidence in the future and reflects our commitment to sustainable value creation for our shareholders. Our strategy is disciplined and balanced: rewarding shareholders today while strengthening the company for tomorrow. We are well positioned to capitalise on the growth already secured through long-term concessions and new opportunities ahead of us.”