Abu Dhabi has unveiled a sweeping new procurement policy aimed at reducing electricity and water consumption across government buildings, marking a significant step in the emirate’s long-term sustainability and climate strategy. Introduced by the Abu Dhabi Department of Energy, the policy requires all government entities to prioritise energy- and water-efficient appliances when making purchasing decisions.
The initiative is designed to shift efficiency from being a secondary consideration to a central requirement in public sector procurement. Officials say the policy will help lower long-term operating costs, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and drive a broader market transition toward high-efficiency technologies across the UAE.
Efficiency as a Core Government Priority
The Efficient Appliances Procurement Policy for Government Entities is a key enabler of the updated Abu Dhabi Energy and Water Efficiency Strategy 2030. Rather than focusing solely on upfront purchase prices, the policy embeds lifecycle energy and water performance into procurement decisions, ensuring that appliances deliver value over their full operational lifespan.
By applying this approach across ministries, departments, and public institutions, Abu Dhabi aims to reduce wasteful consumption patterns that have historically driven high energy demand in public buildings. Cooling systems, lighting, office equipment, and water-using appliances are all expected to fall within the scope of the policy.
Ahmed Mohammed Al Rumaithi, Under-Secretary of the Department of Energy, said the policy reflects a clear commitment to embedding sustainability into everyday government operations. He noted that aligning procurement with efficiency standards will generate lasting environmental benefits while strengthening economic resilience through lower utility costs.
Supporting Ambitious 2030 Targets
The new procurement framework directly supports Abu Dhabi’s ambitious resource-reduction targets for the end of the decade. Under the Energy and Water Efficiency Strategy 2030, the emirate aims to cut electricity consumption by 22%, equivalent to around 19 terawatt-hours, compared with a 2013 business-as-usual baseline.
Water use is also a major focus, with a targeted reduction of 32%, or approximately 465 million cubic metres, by 2030. These goals are particularly important in a region where electricity demand is heavily driven by cooling and where freshwater supply depends largely on energy-intensive desalination.
According to the Department of Energy, the procurement policy alone could deliver annual savings of roughly 8.2 gigawatt-hours of electricity and 120,000 cubic metres of water by 2030. While these figures depend on appliance replacement rates and adoption levels, officials see them as a meaningful contribution to broader efficiency efforts.
Leveraging Government Buying Power
Beyond direct savings, the policy is intended to use the scale of government procurement to influence markets. Public sector demand for high-efficiency appliances is expected to encourage suppliers and manufacturers to prioritise innovation, improve product standards, and accelerate the rollout of advanced technologies.
Ahmed Al Falasi, Executive Director of the Energy Efficiency Sector at the Department of Energy, said the initiative demonstrates how procurement policy can deliver measurable environmental impact. By setting clear efficiency expectations, the government is creating incentives for the private sector to develop and supply cutting-edge solutions, positioning Abu Dhabi as a regional benchmark for sustainable procurement.
Over time, this market shift could also benefit commercial and residential consumers, as increased production and competition help drive down the cost of efficient appliances.
Aligning With Climate and Net Zero Goals
The procurement policy aligns closely with the UAE Net Zero by 2050 Initiative, reinforcing Abu Dhabi’s contribution to national decarbonisation efforts. Improving efficiency in buildings is widely regarded as one of the most cost-effective and fastest ways to reduce emissions, particularly in economies with high energy demand.
It also supports the Abu Dhabi Climate Change Strategy, which focuses on reducing emissions, enhancing climate resilience, and promoting sustainable growth. Lower energy and water consumption reduces pressure on power generation and desalination infrastructure, helping the emirate manage future demand more effectively.
A Broader Shift in Public Sector Operations
The announcement reflects a broader shift in how governments approach sustainability. Rather than relying solely on regulation or public awareness campaigns, Abu Dhabi is using its own operations to lead by example, integrating efficiency into the systems that underpin daily governance.
As cities and countries worldwide grapple with rising energy costs, water scarcity, and climate commitments, Abu Dhabi’s approach highlights the growing role of procurement as a powerful policy tool. By embedding sustainability into purchasing decisions, the emirate aims to deliver long-term environmental gains, economic savings, and technological progress.
With implementation now under way, the Efficient Appliances Procurement Policy is expected to play a central role in helping Abu Dhabi meet its 2030 targets while reinforcing its reputation as a regional leader in energy efficiency, water conservation, and sustainable public sector management.
