On December 4, 2024, the Air-Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute (AHRI) hosted over 30 executives from leading regional and international companies in Dubai for the summit, “Convening HVACR Leaders: Shaping the Future of the Industry.” This important gathering focused on planning the future of the HVACR sector in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, amid rapid growth and evolving regulations.
AHRI announced two major initiatives aimed at strengthening the industry in the Gulf. A new certification testing lab will be established in Dammam, Saudi Arabia, in partnership with GCC LAB. This facility will significantly reduce shipping costs for certification testing, making AHRI’s recognized programs more accessible to manufacturers. Additionally, AHRI will partner with DMG Events and ASHRAE RAL to launch the "HVACR World" expo in November 2025 in Dubai, UAE.
These new efforts will bolster AHRI's capacity to support the HVACR industry in collaboration with regional governments and regulatory bodies, as they aim for energy and environmental advancements, such as the refrigerant transition and adopting energy-efficient technologies.
During the meeting, Stephen Yurek, AHRI President and CEO, emphasized the need for feasible environmental policies, advocating for strategies that are not only aspirational but also economically viable, based on a thorough assessment of current and future needs. Yurek was accompanied by AHRI Senior Vice President of Global Services, Henry Hwong, and AHRI MENA Managing Director, Nabil Shahin, in steering the discussions.
