Dubai, UAE – Union Coop, the UAE’s largest consumer cooperative, has partnered with clean energy pioneer Positive Zero to roll out one of the Middle East’s most ambitious solar energy initiatives in the retail sector. The long-term agreement will see the installation of solar photovoltaic (PV) systems across rooftops and parking areas at Union Coop locations, reinforcing the UAE’s nationwide push toward net-zero emissions by 2050.
The partnership, announced during a signing ceremony at Union Coop’s headquarters in Al Warqa City Mall, Dubai, brings together key sustainability leaders including Mohamed Al Hashemi, CEO of Union Coop; Mohammed Abdulghaffar Hussain, Chairman of Positive Zero; and David Auriau, CEO of Positive Zero. Also in attendance were senior officials from both organizations and other distinguished guests.
One of the Region’s Largest Retail Solar Initiatives
The project is set to span up to 30 Union Coop sites across Dubai, along with the Umm Al Quwain Coop headquarters, which Union Coop manages. With a total installed capacity of 17.3 megawatts, the solar systems are expected to generate approximately 29.23 gigawatt-hours of clean electricity annually—enough to power more than 4,000 homes each year.
The environmental impact is equally significant: the project is forecasted to reduce carbon emissions by as much as 21,650 tons annually, equivalent to planting around 325,000 trees. It directly supports the UAE Net Zero 2050 Strategic Initiative and the UAE Energy Strategy 2050, which aims to increase clean energy’s share of the national energy mix to 30% by the end of the decade.
A Sustainable Vision for the Future
Union Coop CEO Mohamed Al Hashemi hailed the launch as a pivotal moment in the company’s sustainability journey.
“Today marks a landmark moment in Union Coop’s journey to become a leader in sustainability,” said Al Hashemi. “By integrating clean energy solutions into our daily operations, we reaffirm our commitment to the UAE’s vision for a net-zero future by 2050.”
He emphasized that Union Coop’s responsibility extends beyond retail, noting the organization’s duty to “protect the environment and embed sustainable practices that ensure a brighter future for generations to come.”
A Major Step for Renewable Energy in Retail
Mohammed Abdulghaffar Hussain, Chairman of Positive Zero, highlighted the historic scale of the project.
“This agreement represents one of the largest retail chain solar projects ever signed in the Middle East and Positive Zero’s most extensive undertaking for the retail sector to date,” he said. “Union Coop’s heritage and forward-thinking approach make it an ideal partner for this renewable energy mission.”
Positive Zero’s CEO, David Auriau, added that work is already underway on the initial phase of the project, with expectations that by mid-2026, clean energy will be powering all agreed sites.
“Together, we will deliver measurable environmental, operational, and economic benefits—while also laying the groundwork for future clean energy innovations,” said Auriau.
Building on a Strong Sustainability Foundation
The solar rollout builds upon Union Coop’s existing sustainability efforts, which include banning single-use plastic bags, promoting eco-friendly packaging, and working across sectors to minimize carbon emissions in the supply chain.
As the UAE accelerates its transition to a green economy, this collaboration between Union Coop and Positive Zero stands as a model for how the retail sector can lead by example—driving environmental change while meeting the evolving expectations of conscious consumers.
