Oct 9, 2025

Performance you can trust in extreme heat

In the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region, HVAC systems face extreme high ambient temperatures, yet most equipment is still certified using European or American Standards. While European and International Standards provide accurate and trusted benchmarks for temperate climates, additional testing is required for Gulf conditions. In response, Eurovent Certification has rolled out Desert Certification - a performance-based certification option available across several Eurovent Certified Performance programmes, tailored specifically to the harsh climate of the GCC.

The problem

Cooling is one of the biggest consumers of building energy in the Middle East, accounting for up to 80% of building energy use and more than half of national demand. In addition, system underperformance or failure can be a serious issue as summer temperatures rise - in this region, cooling is not a luxury, it is essential to survival and comfort. Yet, most air conditioners in the Gulf are certified under T1 conditions (35°C), while real summer temperatures regularly exceed 45-50°C.

It is vital that decision makers have access to independently verified performance data, across a range of conditions, to choose energy efficient products that perform. Everyone benefits from accurate data. Without it, end users can experience higher energy bills and poor system performance, Governments must tackle additional pressure on already strained power grids, and HVAC companies and building developers can be subject to complaints, call backs, regulatory non-compliance and missed sustainability targets.

This is why Eurovent Certification has been working closely with GCC Governments to harmonise certified data to Gulf conditions.

The solution

Desert Certification tests at T3 conditions and higher, complementing existing Standards by providing additional assurance where summer peaks reach 45-50°C. Designed specifically for Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE, the Desert Certification option tests products at T1 (35 °C), T3 (46 °C), and operability at 52 °C, with even harsher conditions for Kuwait. It also introduces the Desert Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (DSEER), a metric that reflects real-world, part-load conditions, providing more accurate data for specifiers, developers, and end users.

The Desert Certification option is available within the following Eurovent Certified Performance programmes:

• Air Conditioners
• VRF Systems
• Chillers
• Rooftop Units
• IT Cooling Units.

Tests are carried out in accredited laboratories across Europe and the UAE.

The result

The benefits of Desert Certification are wide-reaching: governments gain accurate data for policy and grid planning, manufacturers earn trust and a competitive edge, HVAC professionals can be confident when specifying and installing products, and building owners and developers can make investment decisions based on reliable performance data. Most importantly, consumers gain equipment that works when it’s needed most. By aligning certification with the realities of Gulf climates, the certification option sets a new standard for resilience, efficiency, and sustainability in one of the world’s hottest regions.

To find out more or apply for a programme, email the team.

View Desert Certification programme information