Empower urges customers to set ACs at 24°C during summer
Emirates Central Cooling Systems Corporation (Empower), provider of district cooling services in Dubai, has urged its customers to set their air-conditioning temperature to 24 degree Centigrade this summer.
This is part of Empower's annual summer campaign, now in its 12 th year, which uses ' Set and Save at 24°C ' as its catchline.
The campaign aims to reduce electricity consumption for cooling and promote energy efficiency practices. It will run until the end of summer and plans to raise awareness among more than 144,000 customers about the importance of responsible energy usage.
Setting the air conditioner thermostat to auto mode at 24°C is a simple action with a significant impact. It helps reduce pressure on the power grid during the hot summer months, cuts carbon emissions, supports environmental protection efforts, and contributes to achieving sustainability goals.
Ahmad bin Shafar, CEO of Empower, commented: 'Fostering a culture of responsible energy usage has become a national imperative and a shared responsibility that requires the collaboration of all members of society and relevant entities.
'At Empower, we are committed to leading sustainability efforts by providing innovative cooling solutions that enhance cooling energy efficiency and optimise resource utilisation.
'The launch of this annual campaign for the 12th consecutive year reflects our strong commitment to educating our customers on the importance of adopting conscious behaviours during summer. By simply setting the AC to auto mode at 24°C, every individual can directly contribute to environmental protection, carbon reduction, and easing pressure on the energy infrastructure.'
Empower continues to engage with its residential and commercial customers through awareness campaigns and multi-channel communications, and Bin Shafar added: 'We believe that every sensible decision made by our customers, no matter how small, can make a big difference. Building a green economy doesn't only happen through policy; it starts at home, in our offices, and in our daily habits.'
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Arabian Business
20 minutes ago
- Arabian Business
Wealthbrix launches in DIFC to target rising demand from UAE's next-gen millionaires and UHNWIs
Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) has welcomed the launch of Wealthbrix Capital Partners Limited, a new independent wealth management firm in the UAE. Wealthbrix Capital Partners brings more than 150 years of collective leadership experience and a track record of managing more than $30bn in assets for clients across the Middle East, Asia, and Europe. The firm's entry into the market coincides with a significant wealth shift, as the 'Great Wealth Transfer' is expected to redistribute up to $100tn globally by 2050, including $1tn in the GCC. Wealthbrix Capital Partners in DIFC In 2024 alone, more than 6,700 new millionaires relocated to Dubai, with more than 68,000 high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs) and ultra-high-net-worth individuals (UHNWIs) now based in the UAE. This number is expected to surpass 98,000 in the next five years. Wealthbrix is strategically focused on Mid-Tier Millionaires (MTMs) with investable assets between $5m and $30m, and UHNWIs with more than $30m. Together, these two segments account for nearly $55tn in global wealth — and are growing faster than the broader HNWI population. Dr. Hamad Buamim, Chairman of the Advisory Board, Wealthbrix Capital Partners Limited, said: 'This is the Dubai moment – an inflection point where global capital, regional ambition, and client expectations are converging. 'Today's wealth creators want more than access to products. They expect a partner who can build and preserve their legacy, support their ambitions, and provide unbiased, high-impact advice.' Wealthbrix offers a client-first, independent model that combines: Private wealth and asset management Debt and equity advisory In-house investment solutions across equities, fixed income, and real estate Consolidated cloud-based reporting and risk management tools The firm is fully licensed by the Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA) and enters the market well-capitalised following an eight-figure USD equity round backed by global investors, including regional family offices and venture capital partners. Arif Amiri, CEO of DIFC Authority, said: 'We welcome Wealthbrix to DIFC's growing ecosystem of firms shaping the future of wealth and asset management. As the city with the highest concentration of wealth in the region, DIFC continues to attract firms that bring confidence, innovation, and a broad range of perspectives to the sector. 'We look forward to supporting Wealthbrix growth as they contribute to the evolution of the region's wealth management landscape.' As part of its long-term strategy, Wealthbrix is developing a DIFC-based fund platform, supporting the Dubai Economic Agenda and further anchoring investment activity in the emirate.
Arabian Business
20 minutes ago
- Arabian Business
Ben Sulayem strenghtens FIA-Japan alliance to drive motorsport growth
FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem has concluded an official visit to Japan, reinforcing strategic ties between the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) and Japan amid growing global emphasis on innovation, sustainability, and motorsport development. The visit, hosted by the Japan Automobile Federation (JAF) and its President Masayoshi Sakaguchi, underscored Japan's expanding influence as a hub for both smart mobility and high-profile racing events. It also reaffirmed Japan's role as a key partner in advancing the FIA's long-term goals around safety, sustainability, and access to motorsport. Ben Sulayem held talks with several top government figures, including Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, Koji Murofushi, Commissioner of the Japan Sports Agency, and Hiromasa Nakano, Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism. Discussions focused on shared challenges such as the transition to cleaner transport technologies, road safety initiatives, urban mobility, and expanding motorsport participation. 'This has been an important milestone for the FIA as we deepen our relationship with Japan – a country that continues to lead by example in both mobility innovation and motorsport development,' Ben Sulayem said. 'From transformative government policies to world-class sporting activities including four FIA World Championship events, Japan shows how integrated approaches to mobility and sport can serve society.' The visit comes amid surging interest in motorsport across Japan. JAF now counts over 200,000 licensed racing drivers, a 20 percent increase over the past five years. Meanwhile, the 2025 Formula 1 Japanese Grand Prix recorded its highest attendance since 2006. Sakaguchi described the visit as a significant moment for JAF and Japan's broader engagement with the global motorsport and mobility ecosystem. 'Our collaboration is essential to driving innovation, safety, and sustainability,' he said. 'I am confident that our partnership will continue to grow stronger and deliver lasting impact worldwide.' Japan's position as a global mobility pioneer was also highlighted during the visit. With a smart transportation market valued at $6.9 billion last year and rapid adoption of smart-transport applications, the country is leveraging technology to reshape mobility infrastructure. The FIA pointed to Japan's advancements in hydrogen technology, smart city planning, and clean transport solutions as examples of real-world innovation. Ben Sulayem also noted the significance of Akio Toyoda, Chairman of Toyota, serving on the FIA Senate. Masayoshi Sakaguchi, President of the Japan Automobile Federation said, 'We were honoured to welcome FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem on this significant visit. As proud members of the FIA, we are part of a truly global community united by a shared commitment to advancing mobility and motorsport. Following his visit to Japan, Ben Sulayem travelled to Macau for the 2025 FIA Extraordinary General Assembly and Annual Conference, where more than 500 delegates from 149 countries are gathering this week to chart the next phase of the FIA's global strategy.
Arabian Business
20 minutes ago
- Arabian Business
Indian Aces 2025: What the ‘Icons' reveal about power, scale and influence in the region
The Indian Aces 2025 Icons category highlights 25 individuals who represent the most well-established and influential Indian-origin business leaders in the Gulf. Their companies collectively generate tens of billions in revenue, employ hundreds of thousands of people, and operate across key economic sectors in the UAE and beyond. But beyond the profiles, the data tells a clear story about how economic power is concentrated, who holds it, and where gaps remain. Sector concentration The majority of Icons operate in retail, construction, or real estate. These three sectors account for 60 per cent of the category. Retail & Consumer Goods – 36 per cent Construction & Real Estate – 24 per cent Finance & Investment – 8 per cent Healthcare – 8 per cent Education – 4 per cent Other (Logistics, Automotive, Petrochemicals, Visa Services) – 20 per cent Despite rapid transformation across the Gulf economy, the Icons category remains anchored in familiar industries. Retail and consumer goods continue to dominate, accounting for more than a third of the group. Many of these businesses span hundreds of outlets, from hypermarkets and fashion chains to jewellery and lifestyle brands. Construction and real estate follow closely, reflecting the long-standing presence of Indian contractors and developers in the Gulf's urban expansion. Leadership structure 64 per cent of Icons are founders or co-founders 36 per cent are professional executives leading legacy organisations Average time in the Gulf: over 20 years A defining characteristic of this group is the prevalence of founder-led businesses. The majority of Icons either established their companies or took them over during the early development of the UAE's private sector in the 1980s and 1990s. For many, the path to influence began with traditional trading models that have since evolved into multi-sector conglomerates. However, a growing number of professional executives also appear in this year's list – including CEOs and vice-chairpersons steering long-established enterprises. This signals a subtle, but important, shift: legacy is no longer measured solely by ownership, but also by long-term stewardship and strategic growth under professional leadership. Geographic reach All Icons operate in the UAE. However: 72 per cent have expanded into other GCC countries 60 per cent maintain business or philanthropic ties to India 40 per cent have extended into Africa, Europe, or North America While all Icons are based in the UAE, their business interests stretch beyond its borders. Almost three-quarters operate across multiple GCC countries, and more than half maintain deep commercial and philanthropic links with India. A significant proportion – around 40 per cent – have expanded further, into Africa, Europe, or North America, through retail footprints, industrial investments, or global service platforms. Business scale Based on available financials, public data, and internal estimates: Combined revenues: $45–50 billion Combined employment: 300,000+ Several Icons operate companies with 1,000+ retail or service sites Many of these groups are among the largest private-sector employers and contractors in the region. Their commercial weight gives them influence in supply chains, real estate development, and consumer spending. Social responsibility 68 per cent of Icons are engaged in structured philanthropic work Focus areas include education, migrant welfare, housing, and healthcare Initiatives are typically privately funded and family-led, with limited public visibility One less visible, but deeply embedded trait among this group is philanthropy. Most Icons are involved in social impact initiatives, typically through foundations or family-run trusts. Common areas of focus include education, healthcare, migrant welfare, and disaster response, both in the UAE and in India. While these initiatives are not always publicly promoted, they often play a central role in how these businesses operate and are perceived – particularly in sectors with large expatriate workforces. Key insights Influence is stable but concentrated – The same core industries continue to dominate year after year. Leadership remains founder-heavy – Succession planning and professional governance models are uneven. Scale is significant – These businesses underpin major segments of the Gulf economy. The Icons of Indian Aces 2025 represent a model of leadership built on endurance, scale, and institutional reach. Their businesses are vital to the structure of the UAE's private sector. In many cases, they are among the largest employers, major landlords, and critical suppliers to both the public and private sectors. As the UAE accelerates its diversification agenda and pushes for more inclusive and innovation-driven growth, the Icons category may face its own evolution. The leaders who appear in future editions of this list will likely need to represent transformation across technology, sustainability, and social equity. RANK NAME DESIGNATION COMPANY 1 M.A. Yusuff Ali Chairman and Managing Director LuLu Group 2 Sunny Varkey Founder and Executive Chairman GEMS Education Group 3 Sima Ganwani Ved Founder and Chairwoman Apparel Group 4 Nawab Shaji Ul Mulk Chairman Mulk Holdings 5 Dr. B.R. Ravi Pillai Founder and Chairman RP Group of Companies 6 Dr. Shamsheer Vayalil Founder and Chairman Burjeel Holdings 7 Renuka Jagtiani Chairwoman and CEO Landmark Group 8 Joy Alukkas Chairman and Managing Director Joyalukkas Jewellery 9 Paras Shahdadpuri Chairman NIKAI Group of Companies 10 Dr. Thumbay Moideen Founder and President Thumbay Group 11 Yogesh Mehta CEO Petrochem Middle East 12 Rizwan Sajan Chairman and Founder Danube Group 13 Ashok Kanna CEO Al Tayer Motors 14 Zubin Karkaria Founder and CEO VFS Global 15 PNC Menon Founder Sobha Realty 16 Firoz Merchant Founder and Chairman Pure Gold Group 17 Mohan Valrani Co-founder and Managing Director Al Shirawi Group 18 Adeeb Ahamed Managing Director LuLu Financial Holdings 19 Sunil John Founder ASDA'A BCW 20 Adnan Chilwan Group CEO Dubai Islamic Bank 21 Ramesh Prabhakar Vice Chairman and Managing Partner Rivoli Group 22 K.P. Basheer Chairman Western International Group 23 Tariq Chauhan Co-founder and Vice Chairman EFS Facilities 24 Ajay Bhatia Chairman / Founder and CEO Bhatia General Contracting / SOL Properties Development 25 Amit Kaushal Group CEO Dubai Holdings
