AHRI MENA Newsletter
December 12, 2024
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.
AHRI to Host Meeting of HVAC Industry Leaders and Regulators in Dubai
On December 4, AHRI will welcome more than 30 C-level executives and senior regulators to Dubai, UAE for its meeting, “Convening HVACR Leaders: Shaping the Future of the Industry.” The event will serve as a platform for industry stakeholders to explore, collaborate, and influence the direction of HVACR practices and standards in the MENA region.
AHRI President and CEO Stephen Yurek, AHRI Senior Vice President of Global Services Henry Hwong, and AHRI MENA Managing Director Nabil Shahin will lead the discussion. They will be joined by senior representatives of regional regulators, the United Nations Climate Change Conference, and other entities working to achieve a sustainable and energy-efficient future. Contact: Hassan Kal.
AHRI to Serve as Supporting Partner for CEBC Annual Summit
AHRI is pleased to announce that it will be participating as a supporting partner at the 12th CEBC Annual Summit, to be held November 26, at Expo City Terra Pavilion, Dubai. The theme for this year’s event is “Strategic Levers for Decarbonizing MENA,” and will offer a platform for stakeholders in the clean energy sector to collaborate on actionable strategies for decarbonizing the region and advancing net-zero goals.
The agenda features several highlights, including sessions on some of the most critical issues in the region, such as clean energy priorities, AI’s role in green energy, retrofitting, and long-term planning for sustainability. AHRI members who are interested in attending or exhibiting can contact [email protected] for special rates. Contact: Hassan Kal.
AHRI MENA Staff Visits New Hisense R&D Facility
On October 21, staff from AHRI’s MENA office visited the newly constructed Hisense HVAC Middle East and Africa Research and Development Center in Dubai. During the visit, AHRI and Hisense discussed key industry topics, with a focus on future collaboration to advance the HVAC industry. Hisense reaffirmed its support for AHRI MENA's initiatives and its role in shaping the future of the HVAC industry in the region. Contact: Hassan Kal.
AHRI MENA Staff Members Participate in the MENA Cool Forum
On October 2-3, AHRI MENA Managing Director Nabil Shahin and Development Manager Hassan Kal attended the MENA Cool Forum in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. During the event, the two participated in a panel discussion focused on AHRI and ASHRAE’s roles in decarbonization. The panelists covered several topics, including international regulations, recent research, and AHRI/ASHRAE standards development regarding carbon emissions.
Following the panel, Hassan Kal delivered a presentation titled, “The Critical Role of Certification in HVAC Equipment Performance,” which outlined how certification contributes to ensuring efficiency, reliability, and sustainability in HVAC systems. Contact: Hassan Kal.
AHRI MENA to Serve as Supporting Partner for RAK Energy Summit
The AHRI MENA office is proud to announce that it will serve as a supporting partner for the second edition of the RAK Energy Summit, to be held November 27-28 at the Al Hamra International Exhibition and Conference Center.
The event theme this year is, “Create and Contribute to the Sustainable Energy Goals of the Future.” It will focus on critical topics for national and regional decarbonization, including smart technologies, AI, future fuels and grids, and carbon pricing. AHRI members are eligible for special rates to attend or exhibit at the summit. Please contact [email protected] for more details on the registration process. Contact: Hassan Kal.
AHRI MENA Director Moderates Global Panel During Cold Chain Expo
Last week, AHRI MENA staff attended the world Cold Chain Expo in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, which serves as an opportunity for networking and collaboration for stakeholders within the field of cold chain logistics. AHRI served as a supporting partner, and during the expo, AHRI MENA Managing Director Nabil Shahin moderated a panel discussion on food security challenges within cold chain management, covering such topics as food storage, logistics, and sustainability initiatives. Contact: Hassan Kal.
AHRI MENA Director Presents Young Engineer of the Year Award
On September 19, during the MEP Middle East Awards in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, AHRI MENA Managing Director Nabil Shahin presented the Young Engineer of the Year award to Noora Abdullatif Al Saleis of BK Gulf. AHRI sponsored this award category, and Shahin served as a judge across 22 different categories. A full list of all winners is available here.
This year marked the 18th edition of the MEP Middle East Awards, which honors the achievements of people, projects, and companies within the region’s electromechanical, HVAC, and public health sector. Contact: Hassan Kal.