Eurovent launches “Desert Certification” programme
DUBAI, UAE, 9 September 2025: Eurovent Middle East announced the launch of the “Desert Certification” programme, characterising the initiative as the first high-ambient temperature testing scheme of its kind in the Middle East. Making the announcement through a Press Release, Eurovent Middle East said the certification, overseen by Eurovent Certita Certification, covers air conditioners, VRF systems, chillers, rooftop units and IT cooling units, addressing the critical role of cooling in the region, where HVACR systems account for up to 80% of building energy use.
According to Eurovent Middle East, research by MarkNtel Advisors reveals that the GCC region HVACR market is projected to reach AED 32.8 billion by 20301, expanding at a CAGR of 4.67% between 2025 and 2030. Growth is fuelled by large-scale housing developments to major government investments in tourism, and increasing demand from the commercial, oil & gas and transport sectors, further cementing HVACR systems as a cornerstone of regional infrastructure development.
Eurovent Certita Certification is a globally recognised, independent certification body for the HVACR sector, Eurovent Middle East said, adding that its mission is to build trust by verifying product performance through impartial testing, factory audits and ongoing surveillance. The Eurovent Certified Performance mark already dominates in Europe with more than 75% market penetration and has steadily grown in the Middle East, Eurovent Middle East said. Products tested under the new scheme will carry a dedicated Eurovent Certified Performance mark in red, highlighting that they are “certified to high-ambient temperatures”, Eurovent Middle East said.
Ali Nour Eddine, International Director, Eurovent Certita Certification, said: “In the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region, HVAC systems face extremely high ambient temperatures, yet most equipment is still certified using European or American standards that don’t reflect regional conditions. The result? Certified performances that fail to represent real-world operation. That’s why we created the Desert Certification, a third-party, performance-based scheme tailored specifically to the harsh climate of the GCC [region].”
Markus Lattner, Managing Director, Eurovent Middle East, added: “We firmly believe that energy efficiency is a matter of national security, and as a regional chapter of the Eurovent Association, we are committed to supporting the local industry and broader national sustainability goals. Certified equipment ultimately consumes less energy, reduces emissions and contributes directly to a project’s green objectives. This scheme provides engineers, specifiers, architects and consultants with a reliable foundation of proven performance values at high-ambient conditions while offering a distinct competitive edge for manufacturers and brands.”
As part of the programme, Eurovent Certita Certification will collaborate with six accredited laboratories across Europe and the UAE to ensure consistent testing, faster turnaround times and local support for GCC region manufacturers, Eurovent Middle East said. Working closely with regional governments, Eurovent Certita
Certification also aims to secure official recognition of Desert Certification, enabling manufacturers to avoid multiple overlapping certifications while benefitting from a single, unified scheme, Eurovent Middle East said. Such recognition will strengthen local credibility, enhance international visibility and showcase true product performance in the region’s real operating environment, it further said. With rapid infrastructure development driving demand across Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the UAE, the introduction of the Desert Certification, Eurovent Middle East said, marks a milestone for the industry and the region at large.