Navigating the refrigerant phase down takes centre stage at GCC region workshop

DUBAI, UAE, 25 November 2025: The Air-Conditioning Heating and Refrigeration Institute (AHRI) said it organised a joint workshop with UNEP’s OzonAction Compliance Assistance Programme (CAP), West Asia, at HVACR World Expo in Dubai to address refrigerant phase down pathways for the GCC region. Making the announcement through a Press Release, AHRI said the workshop brought together representatives from National Ozone Units (NOUs) across West Asia, members of AHRI’s Refrigerants Work Group, industry leaders, OEMs and international and regional experts.

The association said the workshop followed an AHRI Leadership Roundtable held on 24 November 2025, where senior executives discussed global and regional regulatory developments including international policies, standards and building codes. AHRI said the discussions focused on the role of regulations in guiding the industry’s transition toward long-term alternative technologies including refrigerants.

AHRI said the timing of the event was significant for West Asia, particularly the Gulf countries, as they advance sustainable cooling and climate action under the Kigali Amendment. The association added that the region faces both challenges and opportunities in meeting international commitments, improving energy efficiency and progressing towards national targets.

AHRI said the workshop comprised eight sessions examining global best practices on low-GWP refrigerants, updates required for regional codes and safety standards, industry readiness across the GCC region and the role of recovery recycling and reclamation in a circular refrigerant economy. AHRI said participants also took part in a floor tour of HVACR World to engage with manufacturers and innovations shaping sustainable cooling in the region.

AHRI said opening remarks were delivered by Khalid Klaly, Montreal Protocol Regional Coordinator, West Asia, UNEP OzonAction and Nabil Shahin, Managing Director, AHRI MENA. The association said both speakers highlighted the importance of government–industry collaboration in navigating the refrigerant transition under the Kigali Amendment.

AHRI said subsequent sessions addressed the Kigali Amendment, global safety standards, low-GWP refrigerant adoption, codes and standards, market challenges in the GCC region, refrigerant management and reclamation, industry preparedness and testing and evaluation of alternative refrigerants. AHRI said the sessions included presentations and panel discussions featuring representatives from academia, government, industry associations and manufacturers. AHRI said the workshop concluded with a shared commitment to strengthen regional cooperation, align policies, update national frameworks and expand training and capacity-building efforts. AHRI added that participants expressed broad support for the proposed Middle East Refrigerant Transition Task Force as a voluntary regional technical advisory mechanism.