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As the world moves steadily toward greener economies, 2025 will be a landmark year for retail businesses. With ESMA’s (Emirates Authority for Standardization and Metrology) newly updated energy efficiency regulations, all retail operations in the UAE — and increasingly across the wider MENA region — must adapt to stricter sustainability requirements.
One key mandate: retail environments must achieve at least a 30% energy savings compared to 2020 baselines.
For retailers in dynamic markets like the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Egypt, this is not just a regulatory shift — it’s a chance to future-proof operations, improve customer experience, and enhance profitability through sustainability.
The new 2025 ESMA guidelines focus on three pillars for retail compliance:
Mandatory energy-saving systems across lighting, refrigeration, and HVAC.
Sustainability labeling and verified reporting to avoid greenwashing.
Ongoing energy audits with corrective measures enforced every two years.
These rules mirror global trends but are tailored to MENA’s climate and retail growth patterns, especially with the region’s focus on smart cities (e.g., NEOM in Saudi Arabia, Masdar City in UAE) and mega malls (e.g., Dubai Mall, Mall of Qatar).
To achieve the required 30%+ energy savings, retailers must target high-consumption areas and integrate smarter infrastructure:
Replace all traditional lighting with LED systems offering smart dimming, motion sensors, and daylight harvesting features.
In large-format stores (hypermarkets, department stores), lighting upgrades alone can deliver up to 18% savings.
Invest in VRF (Variable Refrigerant Flow) systems designed for hot climates.
Implement smart thermostats and zoning systems, especially in malls and multi-unit retail complexes where cooling loads are huge.
Cooling optimization can reduce energy consumption by 20% or more — vital for desert-based markets.
Use closed-door refrigeration units instead of open cases.
Install energy management devices to optimize compressor operation times.
Food retailers like supermarkets can realize 25–40% energy cuts just through refrigeration improvements — a major win for brands like Carrefour, Lulu, and Panda.
Retrofit with high-reflectivity roofing and energy-efficient glazing to reduce cooling demands.
Apply thermal insulation standards according to GCC energy codes.
This is particularly relevant for big box stores and retail parks in Saudi Arabia and the UAE, where extreme temperatures impact operational costs.
Conduct staff training programs on energy conservation.
Promote energy-saving behaviors (e.g., switching off unused displays, optimizing store opening hours).
Highlight sustainable practices to customers to boost brand loyalty, especially among younger, eco-conscious consumers in Dubai, Riyadh, Doha, and Cairo.
Retail hubs that are setting the pace for energy efficiency include:
The Dubai Mall (UAE): Already implementing advanced energy optimization through centralized cooling and green building strategies.
Mall of Saudi (Riyadh, KSA): Set to be one of the most sustainable malls globally, aligning fully with ESMA and Vision 2030 goals.
City Centre Muscat (Oman) and Mall of Qatar: Both undertaking major lighting and HVAC retrofit projects ahead of 2025.
Private retailers, supermarket chains, fashion brands, and even luxury retailers are aligning with these initiatives to stay competitive.
Retailers across the MENA region are uniquely positioned to lead the shift toward a sustainable future.
Complying with ESMA 2025 and achieving 30%+ energy efficiency is no longer optional — it’s a necessity for:
Regulatory compliance (avoiding fines and penalties).
Operational cost savings (lower energy bills).
Brand differentiation (appealing to the growing sustainability-conscious consumer base).
At Dina Group, we help retailers implement smart, sustainable solutions across their operations — from energy audits to full retrofits — ensuring you not only meet but exceed the new 2025 standards.
We specialize in the design and execution of retail, hospitality, and central kitchen projects. We provide integrated solutions including consultation, engineering design, high-quality equipment, and installation and maintenance services. Our goal is to turn your ideas into a practical reality that supports your business success from start to finish.
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