Eurovent Middle East launches Desert Certification to address high-ambient HVACR challenges in GCC

Business

Eurovent Middle East launches Desert Certification to address high-ambient HVACR challenges in GCC

Eurovent Middle East, the regional association representing HVACR manufacturers, has announced the launch of the Eurovent Desert Certification, the first high-ambient temperature testing programme of its kind in the Middle East. The scheme, managed by Eurovent Certita Certification (ECC), will cover Air Conditioners, VRF systems, Chillers, Rooftops, and IT Cooling Units, ensuring that products meet the region’s extreme climatic requirements.

The launch comes as research by MarkNtel Advisors projects the GCC HVACR market to reach AED 32.8 billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 4.67% between 2025 and 2030. This expansion is being driven by large-scale housing projects, government tourism investments, and rising demand from commercial, oil and gas, and transport sectors. With HVACR systems accounting for up to 80% of building energy consumption, reliable performance and efficiency are critical for the region.

Ali Nour Eddine, International Director at ECC, highlighted the need for the scheme:
“In the GCC, HVAC systems face extremely high ambient temperatures, yet most equipment is certified against European or American standards that do not reflect local realities. Desert Certification addresses this gap with performance-based testing tailored specifically to GCC conditions.”

Products certified under this new scheme will carry a distinct red Eurovent Certified Performance mark, indicating compliance with high-ambient testing standards.

Markus Lattner, Managing Director of Eurovent Middle East, emphasized the broader sustainability impact:
“Energy efficiency is a matter of national security. Certified equipment not only consumes less energy and reduces emissions but also supports national sustainability goals while offering manufacturers a competitive advantage.”

To ensure consistency, ECC will collaborate with six accredited laboratories across Europe and the UAE, providing regional manufacturers with faster testing cycles and local technical support. Additionally, ECC is working with governments in Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE to secure official recognition of Desert Certification, reducing the need for overlapping certifications and enhancing product credibility both regionally and internationally.

The introduction of the Desert Certification represents a major milestone for the HVACR sector, providing engineers, consultants, and architects with reliable performance data while aligning the industry with regional climate realities and long-term sustainability objectives.