HVACR Leaders Unite in Riyadh for Sustainability Congress

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia — Eurovent Middle East, in partnership with the Air Movement and Control Association (AMCA), successfully hosted the second Middle East Industry Congress titled “HVACR Next Generation: Sustainability in Extreme Conditions” on 28 October 2025. The event took place at the InterContinental Durrat Al Riyadh Resort & Spa and attracted senior government officials, regulatory authorities, industry experts, and leading manufacturers from across the region and beyond.

Held against the backdrop of rising temperatures and rapid urban development in the Gulf region, the congress served as a critical platform to address the evolving challenges and opportunities shaping the future of the HVACR sector in one of the world’s most demanding climates. The event was supported by leading HVACR manufacturers, underlining the industry’s collective commitment to innovation, sustainability, and resilience.

According to Research and Markets, the GCC construction market is estimated to be worth SAR 666.76 billion in 2025 and is forecast to reach SAR 850.96 billion by 2030, registering a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) exceeding 5%. This growth trajectory is expected to significantly boost demand for HVACR systems, particularly in a region where cooling can account for up to 80% of a building’s energy consumption and more than half of national energy use.

The congress placed strong emphasis on sustainability, energy efficiency, refrigerant transition, and Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) — all of which are increasingly central to regional policy agendas and national climate strategies.

“Against the backdrop of accelerating climate change and extreme operating conditions, the HVACR sector plays a vital role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions while ensuring reliable, affordable cooling and ventilation,” said Markus Lattner, Managing Director of Eurovent Middle East. “This congress demonstrated how innovation, performance standards, and collaboration can help balance environmental responsibility with economic growth.”

Hassan Abou Jawhar, Director Europe and Middle East at AMCA, highlighted the importance of regulatory alignment and industry cooperation, stating: “Eurovent Middle East and AMCA remain committed to advancing technical regulations and minimum energy performance standards across HVACR products and technologies. By strengthening dialogue between policymakers and industry stakeholders, we can accelerate the adoption of next-generation solutions and create a more sustainable future for cooling and ventilation in the region.”

A major highlight of the congress was the regional launch of Desert Certification, the first performance certification programme specifically designed for high-ambient climates in the Middle East. The certification ensures that HVACR products are rigorously tested and validated under extreme temperature conditions, providing greater confidence to regulators, developers, and end users.

The programme featured keynote addresses from international experts, high-level panel discussions with representatives from government bodies and regulatory authorities, and technical sessions focused on practical, market-ready solutions. Afternoon sessions showcased next-generation technologies and real-world case studies, demonstrating the commercial and environmental benefits of sustainable HVACR systems — from low-GWP refrigerants to energy-efficient designs that enhance indoor air quality.

By bringing together decision-makers from across the HVACR value chain, the Middle East Industry Congress reinforced the sector’s pivotal role in supporting climate action, energy transition, and sustainable development across the region.