Harsh Middle East climate demands innovative cooling solutions

The Middle East presents some of the most extreme climate conditions globally — not just in terms of temperature, but also with challenges like high humidity, dust, and saline air in certain coastal areas. These factors demand highly specialized Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) systems, an industry expert said.

Beyond environmental conditions, the region is undergoing rapid urbanization. Over the last 10 to 15 years, countries like the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Iraq, and Qatar have seen significant infrastructure growth — driven by both population expansion and landmark global events like the World Cup.

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“Here, cooling isn’t seasonal — it’s essential all year round. HVAC systems operate 24/7, especially during the peak summer months of July and August, where even a single day without cooling is unimaginable. Our goal is to balance this constant demand with sustainable performance, by offering customized, high-efficiency, and climate-adaptive HVAC solutions that ensure indoor comfort while meeting strict energy standards,” Ahmed Aqel, General Manager, Johnson Controls-Hitachi Air Conditioning, MEA, said in an interview.

Q: How do you see HVAC systems evolving to meet modern electrical and sustainability targets?

A: HVAC systems have undergone a major transformation in recent years. With the integration of Internet of Things (IoT) technology, artificial intelligence (AI), and advanced energy recovery solutions, today’s systems are far more intelligent, responsive, and energy-efficient. These innovations enable HVAC systems to automatically adapt to real-time conditions, optimize energy usage, and reduce operational costs. As a result, HVAC has become a critical component of sustainable building design and energy-conscious infrastructure planning.

Q: How is Johnson Controls–Hitachi supporting green building codes and regional sustainability frameworks?

A: Sustainability is deeply embedded in our operations. Globally and locally, we are fully aligned with energy efficiency regulations and green building codes. In the UAE, for instance, we comply with systems like Estidama Pearl Rating and Abu Dhabi’s Urban Planning Council (UPC) guidelines. Our systems are designed from the ground up to meet — and often exceed — these requirements.

We take a holistic design approach, focusing on seasonal efficiency, low emissions, and smart digital controls. One standout example is our leadership in inverter technology — Hitachi is one of the largest compressor manufacturers globally, and we’ve pioneered the use of inverter compressors to improve energy performance.

In addition, our solutions incorporate intelligent controls and energy recovery systems that deliver immediate energy savings while also reducing long-term environmental impact. It’s about enabling our customers to reduce carbon footprints while achieving operational excellence.

Q: What is your outlook for the region in terms of sustainable development and expansion plans?

A: The Middle East — and by extension, Africa — are critical markets for us. The region’s unique climate, cultural dynamics, and rapid pace of urbanization make it a key focus within our global strategy.

We’re investing heavily in next-gen HVAC technologies designed specifically for regional needs. This includes strengthening our local partnerships, expanding training initiatives, and scaling operations to align with national sustainability goals such as the UAE’s Net Zero 2050 initiative.

Our commitment is twofold: deliver high-performance, energy-efficient solutions while ensuring that these solutions are environmentally responsible. We believe that sustainable development isn’t just about new technologies — it’s about creating long-term value for communities, economies, and the planet.

Somshankar Bandyopadhyay

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somshankar@khaleejtimes.com

Somshankar Bandyopadhyay is a News Editor with close to three decades of experience. Currently, he manages the business section, ensuring that the top economic and business news of the day reaches its readers.