Can UAE engineers lead energy transformation?

ABB has inaugurated a US$2mn training and customer experience facility in the UAE to develop digital and engineering skills for industrial, power, and utility applications across the Middle East

The center aims to accelerate adoption of advanced digital solutions for energy systems in data centres, utilities, and smart industrial, residential, and commercial buildings, supporting the UAE’s leadership in the regional energy transition.

With electricity demand in the UAE projected to grow by up to 4% annually through 2035, driven by urbanisation, industrial expansion, and the electrification of transport and cooling (source: IEA), the adoption of advanced technologies will be critical. These innovations will strengthen energy resilience, optimise capital investments, and support sustainability goals. As industries scale to meet rising demand, strategic asset management powered by AI enabled technologies will ensure reliability, cost efficiency, and progress toward net zero targets.

Marco Tellarini, senior vice-president, Europe, Middle East and Africa, ABB Electrification Service, said, “The electrification sector faces a dual challenge of an aging workforce and the urgent need for new digital skills. As experienced technicians retire, businesses must equip the next generation with expertise in data driven asset management, remote monitoring and predictive maintenance. Our new UAE facility will help bridge the skills gap by combining practical training with exposure to cutting edge digital and AI technologies. This will enable local engineers and operators to manage the power infrastructure and systems of the future.”

The 2,500 sq m Customer Experience Center, located in Dubai’s Al Quoz Industrial Area, features a state of the art workshop, lecture theater, and collaborative training spaces. The facility is designed to train around 2,000 engineers and technicians annually from across the Middle East. Training will focus on medium and low voltage technologies, digital asset management, AI, and predictive maintenance solutions.

The center will also contribute to energy resilience by sharing knowledge and developing skills to support upgrades and retrofits of older technologies. By adopting the latest digital asset management tools, customers can improve efficiency, reduce emissions, and enhance reliability, ensuring that ABB’s clients, distributors, and installation partners remain ahead of rapid technological change.

ABB has maintained a strong presence in the UAE since 1976, employing approximately 750 colleagues across commercial offices, factories, and innovation centers. Across the six GCC countries, including Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar, Oman, Kuwait, and Bahrain, ABB employs around 1,500 professionals.