With the urgency of decarbonisation, surging electricity demand, and a drive for sustainable infrastructure, the MENA region is redefining its energy future. At the heart of this transformation is ABB, a global powerhouse in electrification and automation, steering the shift towards a cleaner, more resilient energy sector.
In this exclusive interview, we speak with President of ABB’s Electrification Business Area and Member of the Group Executive Committee of ABB Ltd, Giampiero Frisio. He is an industry veteran with three decades at ABB to examine the company’s role in this transformation and its ambitions for the future.
• ABB has a strong presence in the Middle East and globally. What are the key developments?
Giampiero Frisio: First, let me introduce myself—I’ve been with ABB for almost 30 years, starting as a testing laboratory engineer. Over time, I have witnessed the transformation of the electrical business from a stable but unexciting industry to one of the most dynamic and innovative sectors today. Electrification is no longer just a business—it is the backbone of global energy transition.
At ABB, we focus primarily on electrification and automation. Our recent Q4 results showcase the sector’s strength—we’ve seen double-digit growth worldwide, with electrification driving much of this expansion. In the Middle East and Africa, our electrification business grew by more than 30% last year. This region, with its robust infrastructure investments and growing demand for data centres, is a key area of focus for us.
• How does ABB’s work align with sustainability and ESG goals, particularly in the Middle East?
Frisio: Sustainability is central to ABB’s strategy. Our global target is to achieve net zero emissions by 2050. However, we have already reached our 2030 goal of reducing Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions by 82%.
A major initiative we’ve launched is ‘Mission to Zero’—a commitment to making our factories worldwide as close to emission-free as possible. We have 100 factories globally, including in Saudi Arabia, Dubai, and Egypt that are working towards this goal. Already, 21 factories have achieved ‘Mission to Zero’ certification, and we aim for all of them to meet this standard by 2030.
• The Middle East is catching up quickly in the sustainability space. How does the region compare with global trends?
Frisio: The Middle East is indeed making significant progress. Many governments and companies are embracing sustainability, and we see this reflected in our customer engagements. In Dubai, for example, the government mandates that all new buildings meet at least Silver certification for energy efficiency. We expect a wave of retrofitting in older buildings, which presents an opportunity for more sustainable technologies.
We’re also seeing rapid adoption of district cooling, a technology that the Middle East is well-positioned to lead in. This region has a unique climate and infrastructure that makes district cooling a viable and efficient solution.
• Can you elaborate on ABB’s role in electrification and the broader energy transition?
Frisio: The global push for net zero emissions means that electricity will need to grow ten times faster than any other energy source. In the Middle East, this is already happening. The UAE’s Net Zero 2050 plan, for example, is highly ambitious. The country is leading the way with some of the largest solar power plants in the world, producing up to six gigawatts of clean energy. That’s equivalent to six nuclear reactors.
Saudi Arabia is another major player, with significant investments in renewables and infrastructure. The region is not just catching up but positioning itself as a leader in sustainable energy.
• What about electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure in the region? How is ABB involved?
Frisio: ABB has a significant presence in EV charging. We own 75% of ABB E-mobility, which specialises in fast-charging solutions. The EV market in the Middle East is growing steadily, and we are working with key players in the region to expand infrastructure. We recently secured a major order in Kuwait for fast chargers and have installations in Saudi Arabia and Qatar. The biggest opportunities lie in electrifying public transportation—buses, for example, are a major focus.
Globally, the EV charging business saw a temporary slowdown due to rising interest rates, which affected investments. However, the market will rebound, and we continue to invest in next-generation charging technologies.
• You mentioned data centres earlier. How big is this sector for ABB in the Middle East?
Frisio: Data centres are a massive growth area, not just globally but in the Middle East as well. The demand for cloud services and artificial intelligence (AI) is driving this sector. In Q4, our global data centre business grew by more than 50%.
In the Middle East, we work with major players such as Gulf Data Hub and hyperscalers like AWS and Microsoft. One of our most significant innovations is HyperGuard, the world’s first medium-voltage uninterruptible power supply (UPS) for data centres. It achieves 98% energy efficiency and significantly reduces energy loss. We are currently deploying this technology in large-scale data centres.
• Are you working with governments on energy policies and regulations?
Frisio: Yes, we actively engage with policymakers worldwide, including in the Middle East. In Brussels, Washington, and Beijing, we have teams focused on regulatory matters. Locally, we collaborate with UAE authorities and participate in initiatives like the EU-GCC Green Transition Committee. Our goal is to help shape policies that accelerate electrification and sustainability.
• What is ABB doing to support knowledge transfer and local talent development in the Middle East?
Frisio: We believe in empowering local talent. ABB has partnerships with universities across the region, including in Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Egypt. We have established training programmes and mentorship initiatives to develop young engineers. One example is our Global Early Talent Program, where fresh graduates gain experience across different ABB divisions and functions.
Additionally, we prioritise local manufacturing and technology transfer. Instead of producing everything in Europe, we are localising production, particularly for switchgear technology. This not only supports regional economies but also reduces our carbon footprint by minimising transportation emissions.
• The Middle East has seen significant geopolitical challenges. How does this impact ABB’s operations?
Frisio: Stability is always a factor, but we see long-term opportunities in the region. Syria’s reconstruction, for example, is estimated to require $300–400 billion in investment. While we currently do not operate there due to sanctions, we are monitoring the situation closely.
Lebanon also presents potential opportunities, though financing remains a challenge. Ultimately, wherever there is a need for electrification and sustainability solutions, ABB aims to be a key partner.
• Finally, what excites you most about ABB’s future in the Middle East?
Frisio: The pace of transformation. This region is not just following global trends—it is setting them. The rapid expansion of renewables, electrification, and digitalisation makes the Middle East one of the most exciting places to be. ABB is proud to be part of this journey, and we are committed to driving sustainable progress in the region.
The conversation with ABB’s leadership shed light on the company’s commitment to electrification, sustainability, and innovation. As the MENA region continues its transition towards a greener future, ABB’s role in enabling this transformation will only grow.