September 9, 2025 | Dubai, UAE (The Arabian Wall Street) — Eurovent Middle East, the regional industry association for HVACR (heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration) manufacturers, has launched a Desert Certification programme, the first high-ambient temperature testing scheme of its kind in the Middle East.
The certification, overseen by Eurovent Certita Certification (ECC), will cover key HVACR systems, including air conditioners, variable refrigerant flow (VRF) systems, chillers, rooftops, and IT cooling units. This initiative directly addresses the critical role of cooling in the region, where HVACR systems account for up to 80% of building energy use.
Market growth and demand
According to MarkNtel Advisors, the HVACR sector in the Gulf region is poised for solid growth, with the market expected to reach AED 32.8 billion ($9 billion) by 2030, expanding at a CAGR of 4.67% over the next five years. This growth is driven by large-scale housing developments, major government investments in tourism, and increasing demand from commercial, oil and gas, and transport sectors.
Addressing regional challenges
Ali Nour Eddine, International Director at Eurovent Certita Certification, explained: “In the Gulf, HVAC systems face extremely high ambient temperatures, yet most equipment is still certified using European or American standards, which don’t reflect regional conditions. The Desert Certification addresses this gap, ensuring that products meet real-world operating conditions in the GCC.”
Eurovent’s commitment to energy efficiency
Eurovent Certita Certification is a globally recognized, independent body for the HVACR sector, known for verifying product performance through impartial testing, factory audits, and ongoing surveillance. The Eurovent Certified Performance mark dominates in Europe, with more than 75% market penetration, and is steadily growing in the Middle East.
Products tested under the Desert Certification scheme will carry a dedicated Eurovent Certified Performance mark in red, indicating that they are “certified to high ambient temperatures,” making them suitable for use in the GCC’s extreme climate.
Local and international impact
As infrastructure development accelerates across Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE, the introduction of Desert Certification marks a milestone for both the industry and the region. Markus Lattner, Managing Director of Eurovent Middle East, emphasized: “Energy efficiency is a matter of national security. Certified equipment consumes less energy, reduces emissions, and directly contributes to sustainability goals. This scheme provides engineers and architects with a reliable foundation of proven performance values.”
Future collaboration
The certification will be supported by six accredited laboratories across Europe and the UAE, ensuring consistent testing, faster turnaround times, and local support for GCC manufacturers. Eurovent also aims to secure official recognition of the Desert Certification, allowing manufacturers to avoid multiple overlapping certifications while benefitting from a unified testing scheme.
This recognition will enhance local credibility and international visibility, showcasing the true performance of HVACR products in the region’s real operating environment.
