CCME.NEWS

Your source for the HVACR Industry, covering in-depth news & analyses on policy, business & technology.

Get Premium:

Sign-up

COMMERCIAL ENQUIRIES:

Frédéric Paillé
Co-Founder & Commercial Director
fred@cpi-industry.com
+971 50 714 7204

Follow Us

CCME.NEWS

CCME.NEWS, covering the regional and global HVACR industry with an unwavering commitment to providing in-depth news and analyses on policy, business and technology

Contact Info

PO Box 13700,
Dubai Media City, Dubai
admin@cpi-industry.com
+971 50 714 7204

Follow Us

Premium Story

TAQA announces AED 3.7 billion net income for H1 2025

Revenue for H1 2025 rises 4.5% to AED 28.4 billion, supported by higher pass-through costs in transmission and distribution, Energy Company says

ABU DHABI, UAE, 14 August 2025: Abu Dhabi National Energy Company (TAQA) has announced its financial results for the six-month period ended June 30. Making the announcement through a Press Release, the company reported a 4.5% year-on-year increase in revenue for the first half of 2025, reaching AED 28.4 billion. TAQA said this growth was led by higher pass-through costs in the transmission and distribution segment.

TAQA said that while revenue growth remained solid, profitability in the first half of the year was impacted by an expected decline in oil and gas production, following the cessation of production from four UK assets and weaker oil prices, as well as higher financing costs and non-recurring items. As a result, TAQA said, EBITDA declined 11%, year-on-year, to AED 10.2 billion and net income fell 19.7% to AED 3.7 billion. Nonetheless, underlying profitability in its core utilities businesses remained strong, the company added.

According to TAQA, despite these pressures, the company remained focused on delivery and long-term value. In the first half of 2025, TAQA said, it continued to execute its international strategy with key milestones achieved across new and existing markets:

● In Morocco, it signed agreements with national and private sector partners to accelerate the development of integrated power and water infrastructure. The company added that this includes efficient gas-fired and renewable power generation, water desalination, and power and water transmission infrastructure. Combined, these initiatives represent a potential investment of approximately AED 52 billion (approximately MAD 130 billion) in Morocco.

● In Central Asia, it completed the joint acquisition, alongside Mubadala, of the 875 MW Talimarjan power complex in Uzbekistan, a strategic entry point into one of the region’s fastest-growing energy markets.

● In the UK, its transmission business is progressing through the integration of the recently acquired Transmission Investment (TI), establishing a strategic foothold in offshore transmission (OFTO) and contributing to the expansion of grid infrastructure critical for the energy transition. TI manages approximately AED 15 billion (EUR 3 billion) in assets across its portfolio of 11 OFTO projects.

● In the Netherlands, it completed the transfer of its P18-A gas platform and associated assets to Porthos, supporting the development of Europe’s first major carbon capture and storage facility.

● In Greece, Masdar expanded its presence by completing the 100% acquisition and delisting of Terna Energy, a renewable energy company in the country.

● Masdar also issued a USD 1 billion green bond to fund new greenfield renewable energy projects under its Green Finance Framework, reinforcing its commitment to achieving 100 GW of global renewable capacity by 2030.

TAQA reported that further progress was made in the UAE, where it, in partnership with EWEC, signed a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) to convert the Shuweihat 1 (S1) plant from a cogeneration facility into a flexible, reserve power plant. TAQA said the conversion is designed to support the greater integration of renewables into Abu Dhabi’s grid by enhancing grid stability during periods of peak power demand. This follows the previously announced agreement for the 1 GW Al Dhafra Thermal power generation project, which will provide additional dispatchable capacity to meet growing electricity demand from artificial intelligence and digital infrastructure in the UAE, TAQA added.

H.E. Mohamed Hassan Alsuwaidi, Chairman, TAQA, said: “TAQA continues to deliver across its core businesses and new growth markets, reflecting the strength of its long-term strategy. In the first half of the year, the Group advanced its position as a critical enabler of infrastructure development, both within the UAE and internationally. Alongside sustained investment in domestic power and water infrastructure, our growing international presence, including our plans to increase our footprint in Morocco, reinforces TAQA’s commitment to providing reliable, efficient power and water supply at scale. As the business evolves, our focus remains on disciplined execution and creating lasting value for shareholders, while supporting the broader energy transition and economic diversification goals of the UAE and the markets we operate in.”

Jasim Husain Thabet, Group Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director, TAQA, said: “TAQA’s performance in the first half of 2025 reflects the strength of our integrated utility model and ability to consistently deliver value in dynamic market conditions. Despite headwinds, we continued to make tangible progress on priority projects across generation, water and transmission, increasing system flexibility and expanding our global portfolio. These are important steps that reinforce TAQA’s position as a reliable partner for large-scale power and water solutions, regionally and globally.”

TAQA said that it reduced its gross debt position to AED 61.7 billion, enabled by scheduled repayments and the maturity of a corporate bond. At the same time, TAQA added that it accelerated investment in future capacity, with AED 5.2 billion in capital expenditure directed toward flexible generation, transmission upgrades and strategic desalination projects.

Furthermore, TAQA said it will continue to focus on strategic priorities, expanding low-carbon power and water solutions, strengthening grid infrastructure, and enabling energy transition across its markets. The company said it continues to support national decarbonisation goals while delivering reliable returns to shareholders through disciplined execution and long-term investment.

Premium Story

Tabreed proposes first-ever interim dividend

Move comes in the wake of revenue hitting AED 1.11 billion in H1 2025, following record capacity growth, District Cooling utility says

ABU DHABI, UAE, 8 August 2025: National Central Cooling Company (TABREED) announced the results for the six-month period ended June 30, 2025, reporting revenues of AED 1.11 billion and a net profit of AED 276 million. Making the announcement through a Press Release, Tabreed said the results reflect strategic momentum across its platform, with improved margins, cost discipline and sustained demand, laying the foundation for continued growth.

Tabreed said Group revenue rose to AED 1.11 billion in H1 2025, marking a three per cent year-on-year increase driven by higher cooling demand and significant capacity additions across key markets. Consumption volumes grew three per cent, year-on-year, in H1 2025 and accelerated to eight per cent, year-on-year, in Q2 2025, reflecting both seasonal uplift and growing utilisation across its network, the District Cooling utility company said. Net profit for the first half rose to AED 276 million, a 2.5% increase, compared to the first half of 2024, the company said, adding that the uplift reflects continued scale benefits and disciplined cost control, alongside margin expansion, as EBITDA rose five per cent to AED 632 million, with margins improving to 57%.

Tabreed said that reflecting the strong financial position and continued cash generation, its Board of Directors proposed an interim dividend of 6.5 fils per share for the first half of 2025, or 67% payout based on H1 2025 net profit. This, Tabreed said, marks the first interim dividend in its history and reflects the Board’s confidence in the company’s performance, outlook and ability to deliver sustainable long-term value. The payment of dividend remains subject to shareholders’ approval at the General Assembly Meeting, expected to be convened in September 2025, Tabreed added.

According to Tabreed, total connected capacity reached 1.37 million Refrigeration Tons (RT), with 41.6k RT of record high organic capacity added during the period, nearly double the full-year total in 2024. This growth, the company said, was led by 18k RT of new connections in the UAE and 23.6k RT across regional markets, reinforcing its position as a cross-regional operator.

Following a period of strong operational growth, Tabreed advanced its strategic agenda in June with the announcement that, in a 50:50 joint venture with CVC DIF, the company is to acquire PAL Cooling Holding from Multiply Group. The deal, which remains subject to customary regulatory approvals, is set to add more than 182k RT, increase pro forma connected capacity to 1.55 million RT (+13%) and includes eight concessions with total planned capacity of up to 600k RT. The deal, Tabreed said, would also expand its long-term concession base and customer network, including a new relationship with Modon, and contribute to a secured future capacity pipeline of more than one million RT, equivalent to 80% of current connected capacity.

Complementing the landmark development, Tabreed said, its portfolio continued to grow, with the commissioning of three new greenfield plants during the first half – in local and regional markets, with a combined capacity of 28.6k RT. Developed to meet rising demand in fast-growing urban and industrial hubs, the new facilities, the company said, reinforce its ability to scale operationally while deepening its presence in core and international markets.

Tabreed said progress also continued on its largest-ever greenfield project at Palm Jebel Ali, a 250k RT exclusive concession secured in partnership with Dubai Holding Investments. Together, the PAL Cooling acquisition and Palm Jebel Ali concession represent the two biggest strategic deals in its history, expanding the total site capacity to approximately 2.6 million RT and reinforcing its platform for long-term, capital-efficient growth and cash flow visibility, Tabreed said. With a strong pipeline, long-term concessions and expanding geographical reach, Tabreed said, it remains well positioned to deliver sustained growth through the remainder of 2025 and beyond.

Commenting on the results, Dr Bakheet Al Katheeri, Chairman, Tabreed, said: “Tabreed continues to demonstrate the strength and scalability of its platform, delivering solid financial results while advancing its long-term growth agenda. The record capacity additions in H1 2025, following landmark transactions, including the Palm Jebel Ali development and strategic acquisition of PAL Cooling, reinforce our position as a cross-regional operator and infrastructure partner with a clear mandate for value creation. As a Board, we remain focused on capital discipline and sustainable returns, and this balance between growth and value creation is reflected in our decision to propose Tabreed’s first-ever interim dividend.”

Tabreed said it also made significant progress on its refinancing during the first half, strengthening its balance sheet and enhancing financial flexibility. In Q1, the company said, it issued a USD 700 million Green Sukuk under its Green Finance Framework, successfully refinancing near-term maturities at a competitive profit rate and improving its liquidity profile. Tabreed said it has a robust financial position, underscored by investment-grade credit ratings from both Moody’s and Fitch. Free cash flows, the company said, reached AED 973 million over the past 12 months, translating to a 11.5% yield, supported by strong collections, margin stability and disciplined capital allocation. As a result, the company said, net debt to EBITDA improved to 3.7x, down from 4.2x a year earlier.

Commenting on the company’s performance, Khalid Al Marzooqi, Tabreed’s Chief Executive Officer, said: “The signing of the PAL Cooling acquisition represents a defining milestone, not just for Tabreed’s footprint in Abu Dhabi, but for our long-term evolution as a critical infrastructure partner to cities, industries and digital ecosystems across the region. Tabreed today is more than a utility, we’re building a high-performing, future-ready platform that delivers recurring value, with sustainability, efficiency and scale at its core. With visibility over a planned total capacity of approximately 2.6 million RT, we’re focused on capital efficiency, operational excellence and preparing the business to lead in new markets and sectors where District Cooling plays an essential role.”

Premium Story

Johnson Controls finalises sale of Residential and Light Commercial HVAC business to Bosch

Company says transaction marks strategic shift to focus on innovative building solutions

CORK, Ireland, 1 August 2025: Johnson Controls International announced it has completed the sale of its Residential and Light Commercial (R&LC) HVAC business to the Bosch Group in an all-cash transaction. The company said through a Press Release that the divestment represents a major milestone in its transformation into a pure-play provider of innovative building solutions.

Joakim Weidemanis, CEO, Johnson Controls, said: “The completion of this transaction is an important milestone for Johnson Controls and positions our company as a leading pure-play provider of innovative building solutions. Johnson Controls is embarking on its next era, and I’m confident in our ability to reach our full potential as a faster-growing, more profitable, technology-based and service-enabled company. I look forward to the journey ahead as we transform our industry for years to come and work together to deliver even greater value for our customers, team members and shareholders.

“I want to thank the Residential and Light Commercial HVAC team for their service and dedication and wish them the best of success as they join the Bosch Group.”

According to Johnson Controls, the total transaction is valued at USD 8.1 billion, with its portion of the consideration amounting to approximately USD 6.7 billion. Johnson Controls said net cash proceeds to the company were approximately USD 5.0 billion after tax and transaction-related expenses.

The company confirmed that the transaction includes the North America ducted business as well as the global residential joint venture with Hitachi. It noted that Hitachi has retained certain ductless HVAC assets located in Shimizu, Japan.

Johnson Controls said that, in line with its capital allocation policy, it expects to return a portion of the net proceeds to shareholders through the launch of a USD 5.0 billion accelerated share repurchase programme. The company said the programme is expected to commence in the coming weeks, pursuant to its previously announced share repurchase authorisation, which currently has an overall availability of USD 9.8 billion.

Premium Story

ICC highlights the GCC region’s path to low-carbon construction

Council says sustainability is no longer a choice or a responsibility, it is an obligation

DUBAI, UAE, 29 July 2025: The ever-evolving skylines of the GCC region stand as symbols of rapid infrastructure growth and development. However, as urbanisation accelerates, the International Code Council (ICC) emphasised the critical need for smarter and sustainable building practices in the region. Making the statement through a Press Release, the ICC stressed that sustainability is no longer optional, it is an obligation that will determine the resilience of the cities to come.

ICC said that in response to this, developers and authorities across the region are implementing bold environmental initiatives, driving the construction industry to embrace cutting-edge materials, pioneering technologies and enhanced regulatory measures to create a more sustainable future.

The ICC said that with energy efficiency at the core of sustainability efforts, the GCC region is focusing on reducing the environmental impact of its buildings. Air conditioning, the ICC said, is a major contributor to energy consumption in the region. As such, it is driving demand for better insulation, passive cooling techniques and integrated renewable energy solutions, the ICC said.

Concrete remains a fundamental component of construction in the GCC region, the ICC pointed out, saying that its carbon footprint is significant. The industry is shifting toward Low Carbon Alternative Cement, a solution gaining traction through regional standardisation efforts. This innovation significantly reduces carbon emissions while improving durability, especially when paired with advanced concrete admixtures that enhance strength and longevity, the ICC added.

According to the ICC, the GCC region has positioned itself as a global leader in 3D printing for construction, with the UAE at the forefront. Dubai’s 3D-printed office stands as a testament to the technology’s potential in reducing waste, shortening construction timelines, and enabling intricate and customized architectural designs, ICC said. This shift toward digitally driven construction, the ICC added, not only optimises resources but also enhances the region’s ability to meet stringent sustainability targets.

Innovations in cooling, driven by renewable energy integration and intelligent, demand-driven solutions, are transforming how buildings manage climate control, the ICC said. These advancements, the ICC said, allow for significant reductions in energy consumption while maintaining ideal indoor conditions, supporting the region’s efforts toward net-zero goals. The ICC said that cooling systems in the GCC region account for up to 70% of a building’s energy use, making improvements in HVAC efficiency a financial imperative and an environmental necessity.

The council stressed on how sustainability in the GCC region is no longer just an aspiration – it is a structured, strategic shift backed by national policies, such as Saudi Vision 2030 and the UAE’s Net Zero 2050 initiative. These frameworks lay the groundwork for a carbon-conscious construction sector that prioritises efficiency, resilience and long-term environmental impact. The ICC said that in 2021, the UAE became the first country in the Middle East to commit to net-zero emissions by 2050, while Saudi Arabia set its sights on 2060 under the Saudi Green Initiative.

The ICC said a skilled workforce is essential to meeting these goals. Industry-focused training and certification programmes, such as those it provides, equip construction professionals with the expertise needed to implement sustainable building practices. Furthermore, the integration of international building codes, such as those it has developed, has been instrumental in aligning regulatory frameworks with sustainability goals, providing a structured path toward practical implementation, the council added.

The ICC said that by championing technological innovation, embracing forward-thinking sustainability policies and prioritising workforce development, the GCC region is not merely building structures, it is shaping a future where architectural brilliance seamlessly aligns with environmental stewardship. The region is on the brink of setting new global standards, demonstrating that sustainable construction is not just a choice, but an essential commitment for the future.

Send link to: Chamodi Gunawardena

Premium Story

ELIPS announces contract to supply insulated pipes for Kuwait project

Company says the Ali Al-Sabah Military Academy project reflects Kuwait’s commitment to adopting sustainable solutions

DUBAI, UAE, 29 July 2025: Empower Insulated Pipe Systems (ELIPS), a fully owned subsidiary of Dubai-headquartered District Cooling utility company, Empower, announced that it has signed a new contract to supply insulated pipes for the Ali Al-Sabah Military Academy project in Al Zahra, Kuwait.

Making the announcement through a Press Release, ELIPS said the contract covers pipe sizes ranging from 25mm to 800mm, with a total network length of 19 kilometres. Deliveries are expected to begin in the fourth quarter of 2025, marking the commencement of the project’s infrastructure implementation phase, ELIPS said.

ELIPS said it places strong emphasis on robust monitoring and supervision mechanisms to ensure the highest standards of precision, quality and safety, in full compliance with international specifications. The company said the new project builds on its expanding portfolio in Kuwait, which includes developments such as Kuwait University in Khaldiya, the industrial and storage zones in Sabah Al Ahmad City and commercial facilities in Jaber Al Ahmad Residential City.

H.E. Ahmad bin Shafar, Chairman, ELIPS, said: “We are proud to be a part of the Ali Al-Sabah Military Academy project, led by the Kuwait Ministry of Defence. Through the supply of highly efficient, world-class insulated pipes, we aim to support the project’s sustainability goals in line with the highest international standards. This reflects Kuwait’s vision for carbon neutrality and reinforces ELIPS’ reputation for delivering quality, efficiency and reliability.

“We continue to implement our expansion strategy by strengthening ELIPS’ presence in new markets in the region and driving sustainable growth that benefits our stakeholders. Our manufacturing operations are highly sustainable, contributing to the reduction of carbon emissions, reflecting our firm commitment to environmental protection and resource conservation. By leveraging innovation, advanced technologies and cutting-edge solutions, we aim to help build a sustainable, green future. This project also underscores the strong trust our clients place in ELIPS, which is known for supplying defect-free insulated pipes that operate with high efficiency and meet the rigorous demands of District Cooling projects across various applications.”

ELIPS said the Ali Al-Sabah Military Academy project is being supervised by Dar Al Khaleej Engineering Consulting and implemented by Hydrotech Engineering. The project, ELIPS said, reflects Kuwait’s commitment to adopting sustainable solutions that reduce carbon emissions, lower electricity consumption and conserve natural resources. District cooling systems play a key role in this strategy, offering high efficiency and performance suited to the country’s extreme climate conditions, ELIPS added.

ELIPS said it has produced and supplied more than 880 kilometres of insulated pipe systems over the past 16 years, with a notable 40% increase in production in the last five years. The company serves over 300 customers across multiple markets and has successfully completed more than 240 projects in the UAE, the wider Gulf region and northern Africa.

Premium Story

ASHRAE announces HVAC Design training course with MENA-specific curriculum

Five-day intensive programme will focus on system sizing, energy efficiency, psychrometrics, controls and system selection, Falcon Chapter says

Dubai, UAE, 4 August 2025: The ASHRAE Falcon Chapter has announced through an email communique the upcoming edition of its HVAC Design: Levels I & II (MENA) training programme, scheduled to take place from September 22 to 26 in Dubai. According to ASHRAE, the five-day course has been customised to address the specific design requirements of the MENA region, with the training based on ASHRAE standards and practical case studies.

ASHRAE said Level I training will take place from September 22 to 24, followed by Level II, from September 25 to 26. According to ASHRAE, the sessions are designed to enhance practical skills in system sizing, energy efficiency, psychrometrics, controls and system selection, with interactive components throughout.

ASHRAE said the course is intended for a wide range of participants, including engineers new to HVAC, architects, technicians, facilities managers and construction project managers. According to the organisation, attendees will gain practical design skills, an understanding of real-world HVAC system behaviour and familiarity with relevant standards, including ASHRAE Standards 55 and 189.1.

ASHRAE noted that Samir Traboulsi, Ph.D., P.Eng., Fellow Life Member ASHRAE, and Hassan Younes, Member ASHRAE, will lead the training sessions. The organisation stated that participants will receive a Certificate of Attendance with corresponding Professional Development Hours. The fee covers course materials, daily lunch, coffee breaks and parking, ASHRAE added.

ASHRAE said early bird pricing is available until August 22, with discounted rates for members and a group registration discount for three or more participants. A 35% scholarship is also available for early-career ASHRAE members for select ALI, AGT or eLearning courses, subject to availability.

ASHRAE has published the following fee schedule:

Early Bird Fees (until August 22): Level I: USD 824 (Member), USD 1,032 (Non-Member) Level II: USD 571 (Member), USD 698 (Non-Member) Combo: USD 1,116 (Member), USD 1,384 (Non-Member)

Standard Fees (from August 23): Level I: USD 916 (Member), USD 1,147 (Non-Member)

Level II: USD 643 (Member), USD 776 (Non-Member) Combo: USD 1,240 (Member), USD 1,538 (Non-Member) ASHRAE said it may be contacted at globaltraining@ashrae.org for any additional information that may be required.

Press contact: SHRAE Falcon Chapter <>

Premium Story

ALEC receives LEED Platinum and Gold certifications for Dubai offices

Sustainability upgrades across headquarters and subsidiary facilities underscore commitment to green building, company says

Dubai, UAE, 4 August 2025: ALEC has announced through a Press Release that its headquarters in Dubai has been awarded the LEED Platinum certification, with its MEP subsidiary, ALEMCO, securing a LEED Gold certification for its corporate office and yard in Dubai Industrial City. According to the company, the recognition follows extensive renovation works aimed at aligning its facilities with global green building standards.

ALEC said it received the certifications from the US Green Building Council under the LEED for Interior Design and Construction (ID+C) rating system, which focuses on the design and construction of interior spaces within commercial buildings. The company said the certifications reflect its commitment to quality, sustainability and employee wellbeing.

“Our priority was to enhance the overall workplace experience for our people, while embedding sustainability at every stage of the renovation,” said Barry Lewis, CEO, ALEC. “With improvements ranging from low-flow water fittings to LED lighting and advanced energy metering, we’ve not only reduced our footprint but also reaffirmed our commitment to creating better buildings. These upgrades echo the same principles we bring to client projects, helping them meet and exceed their green building targets.”

According to ALEC, sustainability measures implemented at both facilities include low-flow fixtures equipped with sensors, which reduced water consumption by 55% from baseline, and the installation of energy-efficient LED lighting, occupancy sensors and enhanced commissioning, which helped cut lighting energy use by 25% compared to ASHRAE 90.1-2010 standards. The company added it was able to improve its indoor environmental quality through the use of low-VOC materials and design strategies that maximise daylight and acoustics.

ALEC further said it placed emphasis on material reuse and responsible sourcing, with structural materials, including steel with 25% post-consumer recycled content, 100% bio-based wall boards, and insulation and ceiling components with high recycled content. It added that nearly all workstation tables, wooden wall panels, reception desks, joinery and other elements from the ALEC HQ offices were repurposed at the new design office in Dubai, significantly reducing refurbishment-related waste.

The company said the recent certifications build on its track record in supporting sustainable projects for clients, including LEED Platinum certifications for the Saudi Arabia and UAE Pavilions at EXPO 2020, and LEED Gold for ADNOC’s new headquarters, City Centre Mirdif and One Za’abeel. The company said it also supported the attainment of Estidama Pearl Ratings for several developments in Abu Dhabi, including SeaWorld Abu Dhabi and Abu Dhabi Airport’s Arrivals Hall and Transfer Baggage Facility.

“As we continue to drive the sustainability agenda forward across the region, our own renovations stand as proof that you don’t need to choose between sustainability and design,” Lewis said. “With careful planning, extensive reuse and responsible material selection, organisations can elevate their interiors while delivering on environmental performance. We’re proud of what we’ve achieved and look forward to supporting more partners across the region in their own green building journeys.”

Premium Story

What Law No. 7 means for Dubai’s real estate sector

June and July saw a succession of incredibly good news for Dubai’s real estate sector. The first was the announcement of an update to Dubai’s Contractor and Engineering Consultancy Rating System. Set to come into force in early 2026, it aims to usher in a more accurate and integrated framework for evaluating the performance of construction firms and engineering offices across the emirate. According to Dubai Municipality, it will include a wider range of performance indicators and assessment criteria, which will enable more precise evaluations of technical capacity, project execution quality, regulatory compliance and sustainability practices.

Dubai Municipality said the updated rating system, which is expected to provide greater transparency to property developers and property owners, will assess contractors and consultants on the basis of such KPIs as financial solvency; the rate of emiratisation; participation in CSR initiatives; the timely delivery of projects; the adoption of innovative, tech-driven project designs and execution methods; and the integration of detailed feedback from property owners.

The second was the introduction of the updated contracting law (Law No. 7), under which all contractors operating in Dubai have to be classified based on their expertise, qualifications and whether they have the resources to take on a project. Further, the law stipulates that any sub-contracts can be awarded only after prior approval.

According to authorities, contractors have no option but to comply, for any failure to do so will attract penalties, including up to AED 100,000 for first-time violations and up to AED 200,000 for repeat violations with a single year, temporary suspension from carrying out any project activity, a downgrade to the contractor’s classification, and removal in full from the official contractors’ registry.

The law signals a push towards value over cost. It will induce contractors to maintain technical competence and, overall, ensure a proper track record, which will be factors in awarding contracts, as opposed to facilitating contractors to win bids on the lowest quotes during the tender process.

As Editor, I am pleased by the development, especially considering that Climate Control Middle East has always advocated for ethical practices in the buildings sector. The advocacy has been the fulcrum of The Client, Consultant, Contractor Conference, which over the years has seen stakeholders raise the need for greater accountability and ethicality in construction practices towards achieving socio-economic and sustainable development goals in an orderly manner.

Well done, Dubai! This is so much a step in the right direction.

Premium Story

CPI Industry launches Editorial Campaign on IEQ and fertility

Dr Iyad Al-Attar, who straddles the science and engineering of air filtration approaches and broader IAQ measures, to helm the project, CPI Industry says

Dr Iyad Al-Attar

DUBAI, UAE, 5 August 2025: CPI Industry, publishers of Climate Control Middle East magazine on the HVACR industry since 2005, launched an Editorial Campaign, titled ‘IEQ & Fertility’. Dr Iyad-Al-Attar, independent Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) and air filtration consultant, who straddles the science and engineering of air filtration approaches and broader IAQ measures, will helm the project, which aims to build a strong case on the indispensable nature of Indoor Air Quality and other IEQ features for the success of IVF procedures, a longstanding topic pregnant with emotion.

The growing scientific evidence on the adverse effects of air pollution on fertility demands urgent attention, Dr Al-Attar said. “While the challenges are substantial – encompassing scientific complexities, funding scarcity, economic resistance, political inertia and public awareness deficits – the potential of air filtration technologies offers a tangible pathway for protection,” he said. “I am proud to be addressing the IEQ and fertility nexus, in collaboration with Climate Control Middle East and CPI Industry, through an upcoming focused campaign on this mission-critical topic, and I invite government organisations, research institutions and industry leaders to join this timely initiative.”

Silica particulates captured by a typical air filter used in the HVAC air-handling unit in an IVF clinic

The success of the mission will require a global initiative that leverages interdisciplinary research, increased funding, robust governance, comprehensive monitoring, and sustained public awareness campaigns to ensure cleaner air for current and future generations, Dr Al-Attar said.

Over the years, Climate Control Middle East has produced several Editorial Campaigns, notably ‘IEQ in Schools’, ‘IEQ in Healthcare’, ‘District Cooling’ and the ongoing ‘Refrigerants Review’. Continuing the journalistic tradition, ‘IEQ and Fertility’ will aim to raise awareness among the public, policymakers and the scientific community about the importance of IEQ in reproductive health and the need for further research and regulatory considerations. The campaign will entail conducting comprehensive interviews with scientists from the fields of IEQ, IVF and human infertility to highlight the nexus among them. The campaign will also include organising workshops, seminars, awareness programmes and a dedicated conference to disseminate research findings and foster collaboration among various fields, such as building design, urban planning and city design. Further, it will include publishing a newsletter and peer-reviewed articles and developing evidence-based guidelines.

Surendar Balakrishnan

“A campaign as this touches a chord with couples wanting to raise a family and, at the same time, with scientists and IVF specialists long frustrated by middling success percentages,” said Surendar Balakrishnan, Editor, Climate Control Middle East. “Given the correlation between IEQ and fertility, uncompromisingly incorporating IEQ features in laboratories, procedure-rooms and other indoor spaces that couples inhabit could usher in greater reproductive health and a higher success rate with IVF procedures.”

 

 

 

For more details, contact: Nivedita Vijayan, Marketing Manager, CPI Industry, M: +971 55 95 29 639, E: marketing@cpi-industry.com

Premium Story

Ziehl-Abegg launches AI-generated podcast on ventilation

Company’s CEO says companies must create spaces for innovation

KÜNZELSAU, Germany, 4 August 2025: Ziehl-Abegg said that with its ‘Airstream Insights’, it is launching the world’s first fully AI-generated specialist podcast dedicated to ventilation technology. Making the announcement through a Press Release, Ziehl-Abegg said the English-language series will be released every two weeks and leverages the opportunities of digitalisation to present complex technology in a vivid, comprehensible and engaging way.

Rebecca Amlung discusses with Joachim Ley how the AI podcasts are now being rolled out globally

Ventilation technology is a crucial part of our daily lives – though it usually works unnoticed in the background – in data centres, where fans ensure reliable climate control; in greenhouses, where they regulate humidity; and in processes, such as banana ripening or pasta production, where they maintain stable, optimal conditions, Ziehl-Abegg said, adding that this is precisely where Airstream Insights steps in, providing insights into where ventilation technology comes into play and the pivotal role it plays in everyday life.

Joachim Ley, CEO, Ziehl-Abegg said: “The topic of artificial intelligence has dominated discussions for years. Now we are moving into concrete implementation. What matters is creating spaces where new ideas can grow and innovations can be tested. A good example is our innovative network, which actively fosters creative approaches.”

This network, Ziehl-Abegg said, includes successful initiatives, such as communication via TikTok, hosting open Social Media Days, organising international e-sports tournaments and launching the AI Communication Award. Also part of the network is Rebecca Amlung from Product Management, who produces internal training videos and is now conceptualising Airstream Insights, Ziehl-Abegg said.

With Airstream Insights, Ziehl-Abegg said, it is breaking entirely new ground in the international B2B market. To date, the company said, there is no comparable English-language specialist podcast worldwide focused on ventilation technology, fans and their applications that is exclusively AI-generated. By doing so, Ziehl-Abegg said, it is seizing a first-mover opportunity and positioning itself clearly as the industry’s innovation leader.

According to Ziehl-Abegg, the podcast caters to newcomers and experts, covering a wide range of topics – from fundamentals, such as the differences between traditional AC motors and modern EC motors, to in-depth expert discussions on communication protocols, such as Modbus. It also highlights the distinctive features and requirements of various applications, the company added.

Airstream Insights is fully conceptualised and produced using AI systems, Ziehl-Abegg said. Since deliberate post-editing is avoided, occasional variations in the pronunciation of technical terms may occur – authentic and characteristic of this innovative format. “We are aware that this type of podcast is only the beginning,” Amlung said. “But our goal is to gain experience and inspire others to embrace AI.”

Ley said, “That’s why this AI podcast aligns perfectly with our efforts to reward the best solutions for AI in communication through the AI Communication Award.”

The podcast, the company said, is available every other Wednesday on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and other major platforms.

Photo credit: ZIEHL-ABEGG/Rainer Grill