calendar_month January 05, 2022
Tabreed Announces Antonio Di Cecca as its New Chief Operating Officer

Abu Dhabi, UAE, 05 January 2022: The National Central Cooling Company PJSC (DFM: Tabreed), today announced that its Board of Directors has appointed Antonio Di Cecca as its new Chief Operating Officer (COO) with effect from January, 5 2022.

 

Antonio Di Cecca succeeds Jean-François Chartrain, who joined as Tabreed’s Chief Operating Officer in November 2017. During Chartrain’s four-year tenure, the company experienced an unprecedented period of portfolio growth and made major advancements in operational efficiency along with significant advancements in improved, streamlined customer service while posting record profits and shareholder dividends.

 

Khalid Abdullah Al Marzooqi, Tabreed’s Chief Executive Officer, said of the appointment: “Antonio joins Tabreed at possibly the most exciting time for the company, as it builds on the momentum following its wholesale rebranding, which itself swiftly followed the most impactful and ambitious programme of major acquisitions in Tabreed’s rich history.

 

“This recent progress has been largely influenced by the person Antonio is replacing – Jean-Francois Chartrain – and to him we owe a debt of gratitude. To say his input has been invaluable would be a huge understatement and his cool, calm demeanour will surely be missed by any of us privileged to have worked alongside him. It’s safe to say that I speak for everyone at Tabreed when I say we wish him and his family the very best for the future.”

 

Jean-Francois (known throughout the company simply as ‘JEFF’), joined as Tabreed’s Chief Operating Officer in November 2017, shortly after ENGIE invested in 40% ownership of the company. Prior to joining Tabreed, Chartrain was Head of Technical Department and Engineering at ENGIE Italia, where he served as well as Director of the District Heating of Aosta, in the northwest of Italy.

 

Chartrain said of his time with Tabreed that it had been transformational, with several key acquisitions such as the Downtown Dubai District Cooling Network and the Saadiyat Island and Al Maryah Island cooling plants in Abu Dhabi, exponentially increasing Tabreed’s portfolio and profitability. “Operationally, too, we have made huge advancements,” he remarked, “with our UAE O&M activities being overhauled to benefit our customers and increase our efficiency, which is vital for the environment and the communities in which we operate. I am very proud to have played a part in these important advancements and I look forward to seeing the company go from strength-to-strength in the future.”

 

Italian Di Cecca, 46, like Chartrain, hails from ENGIE, where he has performed numerous roles in the district cooling industry worldwide since joining in 2011, most recently as Head of Asset Management at the group’s Dubai headquarters. He was ENGIE’s Business Development Executive when the group carried out its 40% stake acquisition of Tabreed and has been instrumental in bringing together the two entities, representing both Tabreed and ENGIE internationally.

 

Antonio has extensive international experience of 20+ years within the energy sector, which includes a period of five years he spent working with the International Energy Agency (IEA). He is also an active member in many district energy associations as well as the technical committee of the World Utility Congress. Di Cecca is fluent in Italian, French, Spanish and English, and has a Master in Aerospace Engineering from Politecnico di Torino (Turin, Italy), and a Specialized Master in Energy Engineering and Management from the Ecole de Mines de Paris (Paris, France).

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calendar_month October 13, 2025
Tabreed Closes its Two Largest Ever Transactions, Strengthening Growth and Long-Term Earnings Visibility
Acquisition of PAL Cooling and Palm Jebel Ali concession agreement expand regional footprint and long-term portfolioSuccessful acquisition of PAL Cooling expected to add 600,000 RT and boost connected capacity by 13%Completion of Palm Jebel Ali concession agreement marks Tabreed’s strategic expansion into one of Dubai’s most iconic developmentsAbu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates – 13 October 2025: Tabreed, the world’s leading district cooling company, today announced the successful completion of two transformational infrastructure transactions that significantly accelerate its growth trajectory and strengthen its long-term, concession-backed business model.Tabreed, alongside global infrastructure investor CVC DIF, has completed the acquisition of PAL Cooling Holding from Multiply Group, following regulatory approvals. Within the past four weeks Tabreed also finalised a landmark concession agreement with Dubai Holding Investments to provide district cooling services to Palm Jebel Ali – one of the emirate’s most eagerly anticipated large-scale developments.These milestones represent a major acceleration in Tabreed’s growth strategy, boosting operational capacity, diversifying its concession portfolio and enhancing long-term cash flow visibility. PAL Cooling Acquisition: Expanding Scale and Strategic ReachThe PAL Cooling transaction, with an equity value of AED 3.87 billion, is expected to add approximately 600,000 refrigeration tons (RT) of connected capacity across eight exclusive concessions on Abu Dhabi’s main island and Al Reem Island, which is now fully incorporated into  the ADGM free zone. The portfolio is currently served by five operational plants, with one more under construction and three in advanced planning stages.The acquisition immediately increases Tabreed’s pro forma connected capacity by 13% to 1.55 million RT and introduces long-tenor contracts averaging 25 years with high-quality offtakers including Aldar, Modon and Imkan.“Closing this acquisition demonstrates Tabreed’s commitment to sustainable growth, disciplined investment and long-term value creation,” said Dr Bakheet Al Katheeri, Chairman of Tabreed. “These are strategic infrastructure assets with strong fundamentals and meaningful future upside, reflecting our ability to execute and scale in line with national development and decarbonisation priorities.”“This transaction strengthens our earnings profile and operational presence in Abu Dhabi,” added Khalid Al Marzooqi, CEO of Tabreed. “We’re adding long-term, stable contracts with blue-chip developers and enhancing our platform for growth, now and in the near future. Beyond the numbers, it demonstrates how Tabreed continues to build the essential, sustainable infrastructure that underpins the UAE’s next phase of development.”Palm Jebel Ali: Strategic Growth in DubaiSeparately, Tabreed has completed its long-term district cooling concession with Dubai Holding Investments for Palm Jebel Ali. The AED 1.5 billion project will be executed in phases via a joint venture (Tabreed 51%, Dubai Holding Investments 49%) and is expected to deliver 250,000 RT of cooling capacity. “Palm Jebel Ali is a transformative development, and we’re proud to play a central role in shaping its sustainable infrastructure,” said Al Marzooqi. “This partnership reflects our commitment to future-ready urban environments powered by world-class district cooling. It also strengthens our presence in Dubai’s high-growth developments, creating a dynamic platform for future projects and reinforcing our position as the world’s leader in sustainable cooling.”Strengthening Value Creation and Financial ResilienceTabreed will operate and maintain all assets under both agreements. The transaction structures ensure capital efficiency – PAL Cooling acquisition is funded through equity contribution by both partners and non-recourse, project-level debt, while Palm Jebel Ali is being delivered through a joint venture fully consolidated by Tabreed.PAL Cooling has demonstrated strong financial performance, with a 7.5% revenue CAGR and ~60% average EBITDA margin in the past three years. Approximately 60% of revenues are derived from fixed capacity charges under long-term agreements, providing stable and predictable cash flows.These transactions align with Tabreed’s broader financial strategy. The company recently distributed its first-ever interim dividend, reflecting confidence in its strong balance sheet and long-term earnings outlook. The addition of two scalable, concession-backed assets further strengthens its ability to sustain and grow shareholder returns in the long term.“Together, these transactions represent a defining moment for Tabreed,” concluded Al Katheeri. “With deeper presence in Abu Dhabi and Dubai, greater earnings visibility and a diversified asset base, Tabreed is well-positioned to deliver long-term value to shareholders and national stakeholders alike.”
calendar_month September 22, 2025
Tabreed and Johnson Controls Enter Long-Term Agreement for Development and Supply of Next Generation Cooling Technology
Tabreed gearing up for significant expansion, securing supply of energy efficient chillersCooling technology and lifecycle models aligned with region’s climate neutrality goalsAbu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates – 22 September 2025: As part of a joint commitment to advancing global best practices in district cooling, Tabreed, the world’s leading district cooling company, and Johnson Controls, the global leader for smart, healthy and sustainable buildings, have signed a framework agreement to accelerate the development and deployment of next-generation cooling technologies. Tabreed is working on multiple long-term projects, many of which will be covered by the agreement. The collaboration targets measurable gains in energy efficiency, reliability and total cost of ownership, while supporting regional climate neutrality strategies and corporate ESG priorities. It will focus on deploying next generation centrifugal chillers to enhance system efficiency and reduce climate impact, with performance analytics provided via Johnson Controls’ platforms for real-time optimisation and reduced downtime. The agreement was signed during a special ceremony hosted at Tabreed’s Abu Dhabi headquarters, by Tabreed’s Chief Executive Officer, Khalid Al Marzooqi, and Johnson Controls’ Vice President and President EMEA, Richard Lek.Following the ceremony, Al Marzooqi said: “Our company has entered a new, exciting chapter of unprecedented growth, which is aligned with our long-term strategy. We have multiple projects either in progress or planned for the near future, and this agreement helps both parties by securing supplies of essential equipment for large-scale infrastructure. By pairing Tabreed’s operational excellence with Johnson Controls’ advanced chiller technologies, we will bring tangible benefits to customers and communities alike through unrivalled energy efficiency and reliability.”Richard Lek added: “Collaboration with Tabreed allows us to demonstrate how proven technologies and data-driven services can raise the performance bar for district cooling – at scale. Together we’ll help better meet the demand for cooling in rapidly growing urbanisations while reducing power consumption and emissions, and improving quality of life.”This collaboration will be built on two main pillars. Firstly, advanced chiller technology, where Johnson Controls will provide a wide range of large-capacity chillers with variable-speed drives and modular systems for flexible loads, all engineered to reduce energy use and maintenance requirements while optimising space within Tabreed’s district cooling plants. Secondly, end-to-end lifecycle services will cover design and engineering support, commissioning and retro-commissioning, performance guarantees based on KPIs, upgrades and retrofits, and remote monitoring through network operations centres to extend asset life and reduce overall ownership costs.The framework aligns with global sustainability goals by prioritising energy-efficient, low-emission technologies, adopting refrigerants with a lower environmental impact, while applying circular-economy and resource-efficiency principles that connect plant-level improvements to wider policy decarbonisation outcomes.According to the IEA - International Energy Agency, operational energy used in buildings globally represents about 30% of final energy consumption. District cooling, which centralises cooling production and distribution, offers a more sustainable and cost effective solution than conventional air conditioning as it significantly reduces energy consumption, lowers peak power demand and minimises the environmental impact of cooling. 
calendar_month September 16, 2025
Tabreed Shareholders Approve First-Ever Interim Dividend as First-half Revenue Reaches All-Time High Driven by Capacity Growth
First-ever interim dividend of 6.5 fils per share, representing AED 184.9 million, approved for H1 2025Revenue rose 3% year-on-year to AED 1.11 billion in H1 2025, the highest first-half in the company’s history, driven by higher cooling demand and capacity additions across key marketsTabreed adds a record 41.6k RT in H1 2025 – almost twice the capacity added in full-year 2024 – to reach 1.37 million RT with major contributions from the UAE and Saudi ArabiaPAL Cooling acquisition and Palm Jebel Ali concession, the two largest strategic deals in Tabreed’s history, expand total site capacity to ~2.6 million RT and reinforce long-term, capital-efficient growthAbu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates – 15 September 2025: National Central Cooling Company PJSC (DFM: TABREED / ISIN: AEA002201018), the world’s leading and most diversified district cooling company, today confirmed shareholder approval at its General Assembly for an interim dividend of 6.5 fils per share, representing AED 184.9 million, for the first half of 2025. This marks the first interim dividend in Tabreed’s 27-year history, reflecting the company’s record first-half performance, with revenue rising 3% year-on-year to AED 1.11 billion and net profit reaching AED 276 million, supported by strong cooling demand and significant capacity growth across key markets.Tabreed’s growth momentum continued in the first half of 2025, with total connected capacity reaching 1.37 million RT following a record 41.6k RT of new connections, almost double the capacity added in all of 2024. Strong contributions from the UAE and Saudi Arabia underline the company’s position as a truly cross-regional operator and set the stage for the next phase of growth. At the same time, Tabreed advanced its long-term strategy with two landmark developments, the PAL Cooling acquisition and the Palm Jebel Ali concession. Together, these transactions represent the largest in the company’s history, expanding total site capacity to approximately 2.6 million RT and strengthening the foundation for capital-efficient growth, recurring cash flows, and a platform capable of delivering sustained value well beyond 2025.Commenting on the milestone dividend, Dr. Bakheet Al Katheeri, Tabreed’s Chairman, said: “Tabreed continues to build on its strong foundations, combining record first-half results with strategic milestones that reinforce the scalability of our platform. The approval of the company’s first-ever interim dividend reflects this strength and our commitment to shareholders, underlining the confidence we have in delivering sustainable long-term value. With capacity growth across the UAE and Saudi Arabia, alongside landmark transactions such as the PAL Cooling acquisition and Palm Jebel Ali concession, Tabreed is well positioned to pursue its growth agenda while maintaining capital discipline and a clear focus on shareholder returns.”Robust free cash flow and disciplined capital allocation supported both growth investment and shareholder returns in the first half of 2025. The successful issuance of a USD 700 million Green Sukuk, under the company’s Green Finance Framework, strengthened the balance sheet and enhanced liquidity, underpinned by investment-grade credit ratings from Moody’s and Fitch. At the same time, Tabreed is embedding sustainability across its operations, from deploying renewable energy at select plants to piloting low carbon cooling solutions, reinforcing its role as a long-term partner in the region’s energy transition.Key DatesGeneral Assembly approval: 15 September 2025Last entitlement date (last day to purchase): 23 September 2025Ex-dividend date: 24 September 2025Record date: 25 September 2025Dividend payment: On or before 15 October 2025                                                                                                     - ENDS -
calendar_month September 11, 2025
Tabreed Connects its Sustainable Cooling to Dubai’s City Tower 1
Supplying 5,300 RT to 93 floors of premium residential, retail and business spaceAbu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates – 11 September 2025: Tabreed, the world’s leading district cooling company, is pleased to announce a significant new connection to one of its networks in Dubai: The93-storey City Tower 1, a development by H&H, now being supplied with 5,300 Refrigeration Tons (RT) of sustainable cooling from Tabreed’s existing DC plant in the Al Satwa district.Standing at 362.8 metres, opposite the iconic Emirates Towers and the Museum of the Future on Sheik Zayed Road, City Tower 1 features 695 residences ranging from studio to 4-bedroom apartments, four floors of office space, two retail spaces, a gym, an indoor play area for children, an outdoor playground, pools for adults and children, a mini soccer field and two padel courts.Khalid Al Marzooqi, Chief Executive Officer of Tabreed, said: “Tabreed is proud to contribute to the development of the UAE’s most iconic real estate projects by delivering sustainable, reliable solutions that support national growth and energy efficiency objectives. Connecting City Tower 1 to one of our pre-existing networks clearly demonstrates our commitment to Dubai’s continued progress. “Our presence in the city is unmistakable, with Tabreed’s Downtown Dubai network supplying Burj Khalifa, Dubai Mall, Dubai Opera and many other landmark developments with sustainable cooling. Tabreed is a force for good in the UAE and continues to play an essential role in enabling the region’s urban transformation while creating lasting value for developers, investors and communities alike.”Miltos Bosinis, Chief Executive Officer, H&H, added: “City Tower 1 is a landmark addition to the Sheikh Zayed Road skyline and a reflection of H&H’s ambition to redefine Dubai’s urban landscape. With this development, we are introducing a new standard of living that combines our signature quality with a level of service designed for today’s discerning tenants. City Tower 1 speaks directly to the future of the city; innovative, connected and uncompromising in excellence.To ensure comfort and efficiency, H&H partnered with Tabreed, the UAE’s leading district cooling provider, to install a state-of-the-art cooling system. This collaboration highlights H&H’s commitment to building elite destinations supported by innovative infrastructure solutions.”This latest milestone follows a period of record growth for Tabreed, with 2025 seeing two of the biggest deals in its 27-year history. In June, Tabreed announced the acquisition of PAL Cooling Holding in partnership with CVC DIF, adding more than 182,000 Refrigeration Tons (RT) of connected capacity across Abu Dhabi and securing a long-term growth pipeline of up to 600,000 RT. In May 2025, Tabreed also secured an exclusive 250,000 RT concession at Palm Jebel Ali, in partnership with Dubai Holding Investments, further cementing its position as a critical infrastructure partner for the region’s most ambitious developments.