In this study, the feasibility of a solar powered absorption cycle under Abu Dhabi's weather conditions is assessed. Utilizing solar energy is very attractive since the cooling requirements are in phase with the solar energy availability. Using solar driven air conditioners would also reduce the dependence on fossil fuel based energy. The proposed system uses evacuated tube collectors to drive a 10 kW(c) ammonia-water absorption chiller. Transient systems simulation of the complete system is carried out in order to select and size different system components. Based on the thermal analysis, the solar air conditioner system has a specific collector area of 6 m(2)/kW(c) and a specific tank volume of 0.1 m(3)/kW(c). The selected system size requires about 47% less electrical energy than the widely spread vapor-compression cycles of the same cooling capacity. In addition, economical analysis is performed for three electricity costs. The collector area is found to be the key parameters in reducing the payback period of the initial investment. Moreover, the proposed system is found to reduce 12 metric tons/year of CO2 emissions due to its energy savings. (C) 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.