AHRI MENA Newsletter
April 24, 2025
AHRI MENA Visits Member Office
The AHRI MENA team visited the office of AHRI’s new affiliate member, AMCO Qatar. During the meeting, staff discussed the current industry landscape and future collaboration opportunities. AHRI looks forward to working with AMCO Qatar to advance the HVACR industry in the region. Contact: Hassan Kal.
AHRI Establishes Laboratory Certification Task Force
.png?cb=895541)
The AHRI Certification Committee has approved the establishment of the AHRI 140 Laboratory Certification Task Force, driven in part by increasing requests and interest in a certification program for test facilities. his task force will bring together AHRI’s regional and international members to collaboratively draft an operations manual for AHRI Standard 140, Evaluation of Air-Conditioning and Heating Equipment Test Stands.
AHRI is grateful to the task force volunteers for their support. Committee members elected Ammar Abdulhameed, QHSE & Lab Director of SKM Air Conditioning LLC, as the chair. He brings a wealth of industry experience to the table and will lead the efforts of the task force. Contact: Hassan Kal
AHRI MENA Team Breaks Fast with SKM Leadership Team
Members of the AHRI MENA team had the pleasure of sharing Iftar with the SKM Air Conditioning leadership, including Ammar Abdulhameed, Asim Hashmi, Emad Mureb, Mohammad Fayiz, and Burhan Jaber. AHRI MENA wishes everyone continued blessings this Ramadan. Contact: Hassan Kal
AHRI to Participate in New Middle East Trade Show
The HVACR market in Middle East, Africa, and South Asia is set to hit $18.4 billion by 2032, driven by rapid urbanization, growing climate goals, and a rising demand for energy efficient solutions. To connect businesses with the industries driving this demand, HVACR World will take place on 24-27 November 2025 at the Dubai World Trade Centre.
The event will connect decision-makers from construction, logistics, FMCG, transport, hospitality, healthcare, retail, agriculture and more -- industries actively seeking advanced HVACR solutions. Learn more and reserve your space here. Contact: Hassan Kal.
AHRI Keynotes ASEAN HVAC & Cleanroom Industry Expo
AHRI MENA Managing Director Nabil Shahin delivered a keynote address at the ASEAN HVAC & Cleanroom Industry Expo in Bangkok last week. During his address, he emphasized the importance of certification and adherence to industry standards in the region. Following the session, AHRI staff engaged with exhibitors and met with various AHRI members, fostering collaboration and industry engagement. Contact: Nabil Shahin.
AHRI MENA Staff Visits Members in Thailand
Last week, AHRI MENA Managing Director Nabil Shahin joined industry experts at the 10th RetrofitTech and last week, AHRI MENA staff members Nabil Shahin and Hassan Kal visited the Carrier Toshiba Company HVAC factory in Bangkok, Thailand. This visit highlights AHRI’s dedication to strengthening collaboration with industry leaders across the globe. AHRI’s member visits are part of its mission to engage with members, support global standardization, and foster partnerships that drive innovation and excellence in the HVACR industry. Contact: Hassan Kal
AHRI MENA Joins Panel Discussion at RetrofitTech and Sustainable Buildings Summit
Last week, AHRI MENA Managing Director Nabil Shahin joined industry experts at the 10th RetrofitTech and Sustainable Buildings MENA Summit to discuss the role of global standards in decarbonizing district cooling systems. The panel covered key topics, including aligning MENA’s district cooling practices with international standards, the role of certification and regulations in driving efficiency, and how digitalization is transforming district cooling networks. The panel also included Abdallah Mahmoud, ASHRAE Falcon Chapter President; Hassan Abou Jawhar, AMCA International EMEA Director; and Roisin White Barrett, Clean Energy Business Council Managing Director. Contact: Nabil Shahin.
AHRI MENA Visits Alessa Industries
Last month, AHRI MENA staff Hassan Kal and Dalip Sing visited Alessa Industries, a key manufacturer in the region. AHRI staff took the opportunity to explain AHRI’s role supporting the HVAC industry by working closely with members to advance standards, performance, and innovation in the region. Contact: Hassan Kal.
AHRI Engages in Workshop for Air Conditioning Technologies in High Ambient Countries
This week, AHRI MENA participated in a regional workshop in Bahrain on the availability of air conditioning technologies in high ambient temperature (HAT) countries. The event was attended by H.E. Dr. Mohammed bin Mubarak Bin Daina, Minister of Oil and Environment of Bahrain, and was organized by Bahrain’s Supreme Council for the Environment, Ozone Unit. A Special Envoy from UN Climate Affairs, Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) ozone units, regulatory bodies from the GCC, and HVAC manufacturers and experts in cooling technology also attended. The minister noted that GCC countries who ratified the Kigali Amendment began calculating their baseline HFC refrigerant consumption for 2024–2026 as part of preparations for strategic cooling plans covering 2028–2047.
AHRI participated in two high-level panel discussions. Nabil Shahin, Managing Director of AHRI MENA, joined a panel on collaboration among researchers and industry to develop new technologies, alongside experts from TEAP RTOC, JRAIA, and the MLF Secretariat. AHRI also contributed to a session focused on balancing regulatory requirements with industry needs, emphasizing the importance of aligning regulations with market realities to ensure a smooth transition to next-generation refrigerants. In addition, AHRI participated in a panel discussion, "Empowering Change: Training, Enforcement, and the Path to Sustainable Technology."
A significant outcome of the workshop was the recognition by the GCC ozone units and UNEP of AHRI’s value as a representative of manufacturers. The offices expressed interest in engaging more closely with AHRI’s Refrigerant Transition Working Group, composed of its regional and international members, to speak on behalf of the industry and to ensure that policies and regulations reflect industry capabilities and technological advancements while advocating for practical, feasible, and effective climate strategies in the HVACR sector. Contact: Nabil Shahin.
AHRI MENA Exhibits at Big 5 Construct Saudi
Earlier this week, AHRI MENA staff Dalip Singh and Hassan Kal (pictured) exhibited and met with manufacturers attending the largest Saudi construction show, Big 5 Construct Saudi, in Riyadh. They shared the latest news on regional regulations and AHRI standards and certification programs. Contact: Hassan Kal.
AHRI Completes Directory Path A Tool Project
AHRI has launched a new digital certification tool designed to assist government regulators in Gulf Cooperation Council countries, providing a user interface for checking and monitoring AHRI Certified products. The new AHRI Directory Path A tool offers access to authorized government personnel, enabling them to view a comprehensive directory of models certified by AHRI and deemed eligible for sale within their respective markets. The system is linked directly with the AHRI database and maintains real-time updates on certified models, ensuring that any changes to a product’s efficiency or rating are flagged. Models falling below the minimum energy performance standards (MEPS) for a jurisdiction will trigger alerts for potential derating or delisting. Government officials can now quickly identify non-compliant products, ensuring only those meeting MEPS remain on the market, streamlining enforcement and improving compliance with local regulations. Personnel from pertinent government bodies in Saudi Arabia and Bahrain have been trained to use the tool, and it can be expanded to other countries. Contact: Alison Andrews.
Nabil Shahin Joins Experts to Discuss Smart Buildings and HVAC Design
On December 11, AHRI MENA Managing Director Nabil Shahin joined industry experts from the MEP and construction sectors at the Strategy Series: Smart Buildings and HVAC Design roundtable. The event, co-organized by Taqeef and Midea Building Tech, was moderated by Almas Tholot, Editor of MEP Middle East, and Julianne Tolentino, Associate Editor of Construction Week Middle East.
The discussion focused on HVAC retrofit strategies, sustainable solutions aligned with the UAE’s NDC goals, and the evolution of the HVAC industry through innovation and regulatory harmonization. This roundtable brought together key voices to explore the challenges and opportunities shaping the future of HVAC. Contact: Nabil Shahin.
AHRI Joins Retrofit Summit as Knowledge Partner
The AHRI MENA team will serve as a Knowledge Partner at the 10th RetrofitTech & Sustainable Buildings MENA Summit, taking place February 26-27 at the Sofitel Dubai Downtown. AHRI members can receive a 15% discount on registration. Contact [email protected] for details.
Meet the AHRI MENA Team at Big 5 Saudi and ASEAN HVAC & Cleanroom Industry Expo
AHRI will exhibit at the Big 5 Saudi HVACR Expo in Riyadh, February 15-18 at stand 1A84, and at the ASEAN HVAC & Cleanroom Industry Expo 2025 in Bangkok, March 5-7 in booth J11 of the IMPACT Exhibition Centre Both shows will highlight how AHRI continues to drive innovation, sustainability, and excellence in the HVAC and refrigeration industry. Contact: Nabil Shahin.
AHRI Hosts Industry Executives in Dubai; Announces New Measures to Advance Regional Priorities
On December 4, AHRI’s MENA office welcomed more than 30 executives from leading regional and international member companies to its meeting, “Convening HVACR Leaders: Shaping the Future of the Industry.” This exclusive summit provided a platform for industry leaders to determine the next steps in shaping the HVACR industry's future in the region amid rapid growth, environmental shifts, and regulatory changes.
During the event, AHRI shared two significant announcements to strengthen industry activities in the Gulf region: Thanks to a partnership between AHRI and GCC LAB, a new certification testing lab will be established in Dammam, Saudi Arabia. The facility’s location will drastically cut the costs associated with shipping equipment for certification testing, making AHRI’s globally recognized programs more accessible to manufacturers. In addition, AHRI will collaborate with DMG Events and ASHRAE RAL to launch a new expo, “HVACR World,” with the inaugural show scheduled for November 2025 in Dubai, UAE. 
These developments will enhance AHRI’s ability to help the HVACR industry in its ongoing collaborations with regional governments and regulatory bodies as they pursue energy and environmental goals, including the refrigerant transition, the adoption of energy efficient technologies, and technician training and workforce development.
In remarks to attendees, AHRI President and CEO Stephen Yurek appealed for thoughtful environmental policies, stating that, “For environmental policies to be successful they must be attainable—not aspirational—and they must be economically justified and based on a sound assessment of current and future needs, supplies, and demands.” Yurek was joined in leading the meeting’s discussion by AHRI Senior Vice President of Global Services Henry Hwong, and AHRI MENA Managing Director Nabil Shahin. Contact: Nabil Shahin.
AHRI MENA Attends, Participates in Big 5 Global
Last week, staff from AHRI’s MENA office attended the Big 5 Global trade show, held November 26-29 at the Dubai World Trade Center. The four-day show is one of the largest industry events in the region, providing the opportunity for the MENA team to connect with members, consumers, and industry professionals.
In addition to attending the event, AHRI MENA Managing Director Nabil Shahin participated in a panel discussion regarding the role of zero-carbon HVAC systems in driving energy efficiency and sustainability in buildings. The session was moderated by Roisin White Barrett, from the Clean Energy Business Council MENA, and featured, in addition to Shahin, Abdullatif Albitawi, from the Emirates Green Building Council, and Mohamed Ahmed Amer, M.Sc., from the International Code Council.
Panelists highlighted newly developed innovative strategies to decarbonize buildings, optimize energy use, and achieve both economic and environmental goals.
The Big 5 Global also offered the opportunity for the MENA Regional Standards Technical Committee to meet in-person. On November 28, international and regional members met to discuss regional standard updates, AHRI MENA standards, A2L refrigerants for high-ambient conditions, and updates to regional building codes. The meeting was well attended, highlighting members' commitment to advancing these critical topics. Contact: Hassan Kal.
Bahrain MOIC and EWA Sign Landmark MOU with AHRI MENA in Manama
On November 18, the Ministry of Industry and Commerce (MOIC) and the Electricity and Water Authority (EWA) of Bahrain signed a significant Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with AHRI’s MENA office, underscoring the country’s proactive efforts to achieve sustainable development, foster innovation, and create new opportunities.
The MOU aims to enhance and streamline cooperation in standards development and adoption, certification programs, and capacity building, reflecting Bahrain’s commitment to cultivating international partnerships and advancing manufacturing, energy efficiency and decarbonization goals.
The signing ceremony, held at the Ministry’s headquarters in Manama, was attended by senior officials and dignitaries. The agreement was signed by Shik. Hamad Bin Salman Al Khalifa, Assistant Undersecretary of MOIC and H.E. Ali Al Nimaa, VP of Electricity Affairs, on behalf of Bahrain, alongside Nabil Shahin, Managing Director of AHRI MENA. Contact: Hassan Kal.