The United Arab Emirates has been named one of the world's first "Cool Leaders" for its role in advancing sustainable cooling and protecting people from extreme heat.
The recognition came at the Global Cooling Pledge Assembly 2026 in Singapore, organised by the United Nations Environment Programme and the Cool Coalition.
The award highlights the UAE's experience in district cooling and its broader contribution to placing cooling at the centre of global climate and development policy. In one of the world's hottest climates, cooling drives much of the country's peak summer electricity demand, making efficiency and long-term planning central to national energy strategy.
Eng. Sharif Al Olama, Undersecretary for Energy and Petroleum Affairs at the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure, received the award on behalf of Minister Suhail Mohamed Al Mazrouei. He said the recognition reflects the UAE's commitment to efficient and resilient cooling systems, adding that sustainable cooling at scale depends on regulation, investment and strong partnerships built through the Global Cooling Pledge and the Cool Coalition.
The UAE's early adoption of district cooling has delivered comparable comfort levels using significantly less energy than conventional systems. The country has also strengthened building performance standards and supported innovation in passive cooling and emissions reduction.
The UAE helped shape the Global Cooling Pledge during COP28 in Dubai in 2023, working with the Cool Coalition to unite countries around cutting cooling-related emissions and expanding access to sustainable cooling. As Co-Chair of the Intergovernmental Committee on Cooling, the country continues to push these commitments toward implementation and finance.
At the Singapore Assembly, the UAE also showcased the Global Energy Efficiency Alliance, a UAE-led platform linking national efficiency and cooling needs with technology, funding and expertise to support deployment at scale.
News Source: Emirates News Agency
