DUBAI, UAE, 14 April 2023: AHRI’s Middle East and North Africa (MENA) team, on March 21, launched the AHRI MENA Standards Subcommittee (SSC), the first-ever SSC outside of the United States, the organisation announced on April 13.

Members include top regional manufacturers and international partners representing the HVACR industry, AHRI MENA said, adding that the SSC will develop AHRI standards tailored specifically to the unique requirements of the MENA region. The subcommittee will foster more effective communication with regulatory bodies and authorities, AHRI MENA further added.

This historic development aims to provide a unified platform for industry players to express the voice of manufacturers in the region and to tackle pressing issues, such as Minimum Energy Performance Standards (MEPS), environmental concerns, refrigerant transitions and other industry-specific matters, AHRI MENA said.

Nabil Shahin

The formation of the AHRI MENA SSC signifies a major step forward in AHRI’s efforts to be a recognised global entity and to promote international collaboration and integration within the HVACR industry and with regulatory bodies, AHRI MENA said. In the past couple of years, following the establishment of a local office, AHRI has become increasingly involved in the development of regional standards by participating and being a member in numerous government regulatory bodies and standards committees throughout the region, AHRI MENA added.

Nabil Shahin, Managing Director, AHRI MENA, said: “With the formation of the AHRI MENA Standards Subcommittee, a new chapter of growth and cooperation begins for the HVACR industry in the Middle East and North Africa. Past endeavors, such as the 2013 ARAMENA initiative, may not have come to fruition, but we are confident that the AHRI MENA SSC will successfully serve as the voice of the HVAC industry in the region. AHRI, as a manufacturing association, is committed to the prosperity and wellbeing of our members, and our physical presence in the area demonstrates our dedication to addressing the region’s unique challenges and requirements. One of AHRI’s primary objectives is to promote the harmonization of HVAC standards among GCC [region] countries, encouraging a more unified and efficient market. This will facilitate sustainable growth, innovation and collaboration among industry stakeholders. We are convinced that the AHRI MENA SSC will play a crucial role in optimizing the regulatory environment, advocating for energy efficiency, improving manufacturers’ experiences and, ultimately, making life better for people throughout the region.”