< PreviousPARTNER CONTENT www.mepmiddleeast.com30 MEP Middle East | October 2025www.mepmiddleeast.com portfolio is the NeoFlow Pressure Regulating Valve, a lightweight polymer solution that delivers precise, reliable pressure control. By avoiding overpressure, NeoFlow lowers the risk of bursts, extends infrastructure life, and reduces costly repairs. Beyond individual products, GF off ers integrated pressure management systems that stabilise network pressure and limit damaging spikes. This holistic approach enables smoother operation, fewer leaks, and greater effi ciency across entire networks. EXTENDING THE LIFE OF INFRASTRUCTURE Addressing leaks isn’t only about controlling pressure. GF has developed materials and jointing methods to enhance water-infrastructure durability. Its corrosion-resistant polyethylene (PE) pipes last longer than traditional materials, reducing repairs and replacements. Reliable jointing technologies, including electrofusion and butt-fusion, create strong connections that minimise leakage. The MULTI/JOINT® 3000 Plus coupler from GF Waga illustrates this approach. Able to connect pipes of diff erent materials and diameters without welding, it off ers utilities a fl exible, cost-eff ective solution. By reducing required stock items, the system also cuts inventory costs while providing long-term reliability. At WETEX 2025, GF showed how innovation and sustainability tackle the growing global water-loss challenge HOW GF IS TACKLING NON-REVENUE WATER Around the world, utilities must do more with less. Populations are growing, cities are expanding, and water resources are shrinking. Yet up to a third of treated water is lost before reaching consumers, making non-revenue water (NRW) a major obstacle. Most networks here are under 20 years old and built with modern materials, but poor installation remains a key challenge. Outdated pipes and weak joints leak, raising water loss and maintenance costs. Sudden pressure changes cause bursts, and many utilities lack sensors to detect leaks quickly. Limited budgets delay technology upgrades, leaving teams to manage the rising risks with few resources. PRECISION CONTROL FOR GREATER STABILITY To address these challenges, a core element of GF’s GF offers integrated pressure management systems that stabilise network pressure and limit damaging spikes MEP_Oct2025_30-31_GF Corys_13722927.indd 3002/10/2025 18:32PARTNER CONTENT www.mepmiddleeast.comOctober 2025 | MEP Middle East 31www.mepmiddleeast.com NeoFlow Pressure Regulating Valve GF complements these with preventive asset- management tools. Proactive monitoring helps utilities spot weak points early, extending network life and reducing emergency interventions. SMART MONITORING AND REAL-TIME INSIGHTS Digitalisation is reshaping water management, and GF has integrated smart monitoring technologies into its portfolio. Sensors track pressure, fl ow, and water quality in real time. This data can feed into SCADA systems, giving utilities a central view of network performance and enabling faster responses. With analytics platforms, the data becomes even more powerful. Utilities can model network behaviour, predict likely leak points, and plan maintenance more effi ciently, resulting in quicker decision-making and a proactive approach to water loss prevention. COST EFFICIENCY AND SUSTAINABLE WATER SOLUTIONS Lowering costs and promoting sustainability are priorities for every utility. GF supports this by off ering versatile solutions like the MULTI/JOINT® coupler, which reduces stock needs and simplifi es procurement, while training and technical support enable teams to maintain networks more eff ectively, lowering maintenance expenses and boosting long-term reliability. At the same time, GF invests in R&D to deliver eco-friendly solutions—from lightweight polymer valves that reduce transport and installation carbon footprints to corrosion-resistant materials that extend service life. The company also addresses broader urban water challenges, helping cities adapt to climate change, reduce NRW, and secure reliable supplies for growing populations. KEY TRENDS IN WATER MANAGEMENT The future of water management is shaped by clear trends. Digital integration enables real- time monitoring and data-driven decisions. Lightweight polymers make systems easier to handle, quicker to install, and lower in emissions. Lifecycle-focused solutions extend infrastructure life while reducing the whole-of-life costs. Strong sustainability commitments push utilities to set ambitious environmental targets. HIGHLIGHTS FROM WETEX 2025 At WETEX 2025, GF showcased innovations refl ecting these trends. The NeoFlow Valve demonstrated precise pressure control and optimised network performance. Other highlights included sustainable solutions to reduce losses and integrated systems combining hardware, software, and services. The exhibition emphasised three messages: innovation is essential for tackling current and future water challenges; collaboration between utilities and technology providers is vital; and sustainability is non-negotiable. A CLEAR MESSAGE GF sends a clear message: innovation, sustainability, and reliability are the cornerstones of resilient water infrastructure. From advanced valves and durable pipes to smart monitoring and asset management, GF equips the industry with tools to secure water for the future. “GF addresses broader urban water challenges, helping cities adapt to climate change, reduce NRW, and secure reliable supplies for growing populations” MULTI/JOINT® 3000 Plus MEP_Oct2025_30-31_GF Corys_13722927.indd 3102/10/2025 07:13OPINION www.mepmiddleeast.com32 MEP Middle East | October 2025www.mepmiddleeast.com WHY AIR CONDITIONERS UNDERPERFORM WHEN YOU NEED THEM THE MOST By Dr Ali Nour Eddine, International Director, Eurovent Certita Certification Cooling is a critical consumer of building energy in the Middle East. The new Desert Certifi cation and the value of third- party accreditation can turn this challenge into a decarbonisation opportunity for stakeholders in the region. Every summer, households across the Gulf ask the same question: ‘Why does my air conditioner fail me when I need it most?’ The issue lies in how these systems were chosen. Most were certifi ed under T1 testing conditions, temperatures of just 35°C. Yet in the Gulf, summer peaks regularly climb above 45°C and very often touch 50°C. This gap between certifi ed performance and real-world operation drives consumer frustration, strains national power grids, and widens the gap in achieving energy-effi ciency targets. In this region, cooling is not a luxury, it is essential to survival and comfort. Air conditioning accounts for up to 80% of building energy use and more than half of national demand, making it the single greatest obstacle to sustainability goals. This dependence underscores the need for trust in HVACR systems. Certifi cation must guarantee not just theoretical performance, but reliable operation in extreme Gulf conditions. CERTIFICATION AS A FOUNDATION OF TRUST For decades, the Eurovent Certifi ed Performance (ECP) mark has provided this assurance in Europe. Backed by independent, third-party testing, it has become the gold standard, with more than three quarters of the European market relying on it to guide decisions. The strength of the scheme lies in its rigour: products are tested in accredited laboratories, results are publicly available, and entire ranges are validated, including software checks and factory audits. Certifi cation confi rms what marketing cannot. It ensures compliance with EU energy and safety standards, reduces regulatory risks, and allows specifi ers to select equipment with confi dence. In short, it is a mark of excellence that sets apart those manufacturers willing to prove their performance against the highest benchmarks. But the Middle East is not Europe. And herein lies the problem. THE LIMITS OF IMPORTED STANDARDS Equipment sold in the Gulf is still certifi ed largely according to European or American standards. In the GCC, HVAC systems face extremely high ambient temperatures. Yet most equipment is still certifi ed using standards that don’t refl ect regional conditions. The result? Certifi ed performances that fail to represent real-world operation. This “certifi cation blind spot” has profound consequences. Testing air conditioners at 35°C, when in reality they must operate at 45–55°C, leads to a 25–50% underestimation of energy consumption. A split unit rated at 3,000 kWh/year in Europe may consume closer to 4,500 kWh/year in the Gulf. For households, that is an extra $40–150 annually. Scaled across tens of millions of units, the cost is staggering: an additional 10TWh of electricity, or up to $1 billion each year. The implications are clear. National energy effi ciency programmes risk being systematically overstated. Consumers lose trust when their bills exceed expectations. Manufacturers risk reputational damage by selling products that underperform in practice. And governments, tasked with managing already strained power grids, are left with the burden of ineffi ciency. A SCHEME BUILT FOR THE DESERT This is why Eurovent has launched the Desert Certifi cation, a scheme designed for the climates of Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates. Unlike existing conventional certifi cation, it introduces testing at high-ambient conditions: T1 at 35°C, T3 at 46°C, and operability at 52°C. In the case of Kuwait, where conditions are even harsher, tests may be carried out at 48°C. Beyond static testing, the scheme introduces the Desert Seasonal Energy Effi ciency Ratio (DSEER), a seasonal metric based on four part-load conditions that mirror actual operation in the Gulf. Developed after years of collaboration with manufacturers, DSEER requires only two tests, one at full load and one at part load, to deliver an accurate and effi cient certifi cation process. Testing is carried out at accredited laboratories in Europe and in the UAE, ensuring consistency MEP_Oct2025_32-34_HVAC_13725352.indd 3202/10/2025 07:15OPINION www.mepmiddleeast.comOctober 2025 | MEP Middle East 33www.mepmiddleeast.com MEP_Oct2025_32-34_HVAC_13725352.indd 3302/10/2025 07:15OPINION www.mepmiddleeast.com34 MEP Middle East | October 2025www.mepmiddleeast.com while off ering faster turnaround and local support. Importantly, Eurovent Certita Certifi cation is also working closely with GCC governments to encourage acceptance of the scheme, paving the way for regional harmonisation. RAISING THE BAR FOR THE MARKET The timing of this initiative is critical. Goverments in the Gulf have tied their national visions and international climate commitments to ambitious energy effi ciency goals. Yet, for as long as certifi cation ignores local realities, these targets are at risk. Policymakers and industry leaders can no longer aff ord to overlook the mismatch between performance claims and real-world operation. If left unaddressed, the blind spot will continue to undermine energy effi ciency programmes, erode consumer trust, and negate billions invested in renewables and grid upgrades. By adopting the Desert Certifi cation as a baseline, governments can align policy with actual consumption, reduce the risk of blackouts through accurate grid planning, and strengthen the credibility of their sustainability agendas. For developers and building owners in GCC, the advantages are clear. A single, unifi ed metric across the GCC removes confusion caused by competing indices, streamlines procurement, and ensures that long-term operating costs refl ect real performance. For manufacturers, adopting the Desert Certifi cation provides a competitive edge— not only in the GCC but also in other hot-climate markets worldwide. Most importantly, it reduces the risk of equipment underperforming during peak seasons, a challenge many in the region know too well. With accurate performance data at high temperatures, consultants and end users can fi nally select products that truly meet their needs. A NEW BASELINE FOR A HOTTER FUTURE In the Gulf, the diff erence between 35°C and 46°C is not academic. It is the lived reality of every summer. Certifi cation schemes that fail to account for this diff erence are more than outdated, they are a liability. Desert Certifi cation off ers a new baseline, one that refl ects the true conditions of the region, safeguards consumers, supports governments, and rewards manufacturers willing to meet the challenge. If cooling is the Gulf’s greatest necessity, then credible certifi cation must become its greatest safeguard. The time to align performance with reality is now. High ambient certification is the need of the hour to align HVAC performance with the Gulf’s climate realities “Policymakers and industry leaders can no longer afford to overlook the mismatch between performance claims and real- world operation ” MEP_Oct2025_32-34_HVAC_13725352.indd 3402/10/2025 07:15Scan & DonateRETROFIT www.mepmiddleeast.com36 MEP Middle East | October 2025www.mepmiddleeast.com THE KEY TO UNLOCKING THE UAE’S NET-ZERO FUTURE By Marc Lynch, Associate, Cundall With half of Dubai’s building stock entering mid-life at the same time, deep retrofi ts are no longer optional. They are essential to protect asset value, deliver Grade A commercial real estate space, and secure the nation’s net zero ambitions. Retrofi tting is central to global net zero strategies. The International Energy Agency (IEA) estimates that at least 50% of existing buildings must be retrofi tted by 2040 if the built environment is to reach net zero emissions by 2050. For the UAE, the country’s meteoric urbanisation over the past 40 years has produced skylines of gleaming towers and vast master-planned communities. While these buildings may appear modern, much of this stock is now reaching a critical age. Around 30% of Dubai’s buildings were completed during the early 2000s construction boom, with another 20% dating back to the 1980s and 1990s. This means roughly half of the city’s stock is now between 25 and 40 years old, precisely the point at which major mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems approach the end of their lifecycle. The challenge is twofold: fi rst, to optimise relatively young assets before they drift into ineffi ciency and operational decline; and second, to plan deep retrofi ts for the fi rst generation of towers that fuelled Dubai’s dramatic growth. THE EMERGING RISK OF STRANDED ASSETS At 20-25 years, MEP systems are the fi rst to show their age. Chillers and air handling units lose effi ciency, controls become obsolete and electrical systems struggle to cope with evolving tenant demands. Plumbing and drainage networks develop leakage risks and ineffi ciencies. These pressures result in escalating operational costs and reduced reliability. Compounding the challenge, façades often underperform thermally, and interiors no longer meet contemporary standards for adaptability, sustainability, and well-being. The consequences extend beyond technical performance. Energy bills rise, while rental income and asset values stagnate or even decline as tenants gravitate to newer, higher-performing properties. The cumulative eff ect is the very real prospect of stranded assets, buildings that are increasingly expensive to maintain, diffi cult to lease, and unattractive to buyers. DEEP RETROFIT AS THE BLUEPRINT Deep retrofi t and asset repositioning provide a clear solution. This is far more than cosmetic refurbishment or replacing old for new; it is a holistic process that tackles building performance and market relevance together. It begins with comprehensive technical assessments of With about 50% of Dubai’s buildings now 25–40 years old, the case for deep retrofits is stronger than ever “The International Energy Agency estimates that at least 50% of existing buildings must be retrofitted by 2040 if the built environment is to reach net- zero emissions by 2050 ” MEP_Oct2025_36-37_Oped Retrofit_13724021.indd 3602/10/2025 07:17RETROFIT www.mepmiddleeast.comOctober 2025 | MEP Middle East 37www.mepmiddleeast.com Technology makes this process more precise and scalable. Energy audits create performance baselines, while digital twins, building automation, and real-time monitoring help track effi ciency gains and ensure accurate ‘as-built’ data for ongoing decision-making. With multi-disciplinary teams including MEP engineers, sustainability specialists, and asset managers, owners can map retrofi t interventions across 10-to-30-year horizons, phasing works to align with capital planning. DEEP RETROFIT IN PRACTICE: AL MARYAH TOWER The UAE already has a proven precedent. Al Maryah Tower in Abu Dhabi was once at risk of becoming a stranded asset. Instead, it underwent one of the region’s largest and most complex retrofi ts, including a complete HVAC overhaul, upgraded fresh air systems, and comprehensive building services improvements which included major life safety systems. The project was recognised as the Retrofi t Project of the Year 2025 at the MEP Awards and today stands as a scalable model for how the UAE can repurpose underutilised buildings, safeguard asset value, and advance its net zero commitments. ACT NOW TO PROTECT VALUE For owners, developers, and investors in the UAE, the message is clear. With a signifi cant portion of the nation’s building stock entering mid-life simultaneously, a coordinated retrofi t programme is essential. Deep retrofi t is not only a sustainability imperative but also a commercial necessity, ensuring buildings remain competitive, attractive to tenants, and aligned with the UAE’s net zero future. MEP systems, structure, façades, fi re safety, and vertical transport supported by lifecycle planning to prioritise upgrades. It includes modernisation of core systems to cut energy use and operational costs, alongside redesign of layouts and amenities to refl ect modern commercial and workplace needs. The benefi ts extend well beyond sustainability. Owners and investors see reduced emissions, lower operating costs, improved occupant experience, stronger rental demand, and enhanced asset values. Crucially, deep retrofi t is often signifi cantly more cost-eff ective than wholesale redevelopment. Deep retrofit is often significantly more cost-effective than complete redevelopment Marc Lynch, Associate, Cundall MEP_Oct2025_36-37_Oped Retrofit_13724021.indd 3702/10/2025 07:17OPINION www.mepmiddleeast.com38 MEP Middle East | October 2025www.mepmiddleeast.com Rising global temperatures, extreme heat events, coastal fl ooding, and increasingly volatile weather patterns are forcing architects, engineers, and urban planners to rethink how buildings are conceived, designed, and operated. In an era where climate unpredictability has become the new normal, resilience is no longer an optional feature in architecture; it is a necessity. The challenge lies in preparing for futures that cannot be precisely predicted. This is where technologies like Artifi cial Intelligence (AI) are demonstrating remarkable potential, off ering new ways to anticipate, adapt, and build structures capable of withstanding climate shocks. Traditionally, sustainable architecture has leaned heavily on passive design strategies optimising orientation, natural ventilation, shading devices, and energy-effi cient materials. While these remain critical, passive strategies alone cannot fully respond to the dynamic uncertainties of climate change. For instance, a building designed for today’s rainfall or heatwave intensity may be ill-equipped to handle the far more extreme conditions projected for 2050. AI brings a predictive layer to this equation. Machine learning algorithms can ingest enormous datasets, climate models, weather projections, urban density maps, soil profi les, and even socio- economic factors to simulate future conditions under diff erent scenarios. Instead of designing for a single expected climate outcome, architects can now stress-test their concepts across a range of possibilities, ensuring that buildings remain resilient under diverse futures. GENERATIVE DESIGN WITH CLIMATE FORESIGHT One of the most exciting applications of AI in resilient architecture lies in generative design. These tools use algorithms to generate multiple design options based on input criteria such as material effi ciency, energy performance, or daylight optimisation. Generative AI can propose solutions that are not just sustainable but resilient by integrating climate uncertainty data into these parameters. For instance, in coastal cities vulnerable to sea-level HOW AI IS SHAPING CLIMATE- RESILIENT ARCHITECTURE By Atousa Aslaminezhad, Assistant Professor, School of Energy, Geoscience, Infrastructure and Society at Heriot-Watt University Dubai MEP_Oct2025_38-39_AI op-ed_13711055.indd 3802/10/2025 07:18OPINION www.mepmiddleeast.comOctober 2025 | MEP Middle East 39www.mepmiddleeast.com rise, AI can model various inundation scenarios and automatically adjust structural foundations, elevation levels, or landscape features accordingly. Similarly, in regions facing prolonged heatwaves, AI-driven design can suggest building envelopes that dynamically balance insulation with ventilation. Rather than relying on reactive retrofi ts, resilience is embedded in the design from the very beginning. DIGITAL TWINS Resilient design does not stop at construction. Buildings must evolve alongside shifting environmental pressures, and this is where AI- enabled digital twins are revolutionising the industry. A digital twin is a virtual replica of a physical building that continuously collects data from sensors installed on the structure. By analysing real-time information, temperature fl uctuations, humidity, occupancy patterns, and energy use AI can forecast vulnerabilities and recommend interventions before they escalate into critical failures. Consider a high-rise in a rapidly warming city. Through its digital twin, AI could identify how heatwaves aff ect indoor comfort, adjust HVAC systems for effi ciency, or recommend facade upgrades for thermal performance. Over time, the digital twin learns from repeated climate stress events, refi ning predictions and ensuring the building remains resilient across decades of environmental change. Crucially, AI also enhances the resilience of MEP systems, which are the lifelines of any building. Predictive algorithms can anticipate mechanical breakdowns, optimise electrical loads during peak demand, and detect plumbing leaks before they compromise structural integrity. In climate- stressed regions, this means HVAC systems that adapt to extreme heat, power systems that balance renewable inputs with backup storage, and plumbing that conserves scarce water resources. By embedding AI into MEP infrastructure, architects ensure that resilience extends beyond the building shell into the systems that sustain everyday life. ANTICIPATING EXTREME EVENTS Beyond optimising daily performance, AI tools are proving invaluable in preparing for catastrophic events. Advanced predictive models can forecast the likelihood of fl oods, hurricanes, or wildfi res, and translate these risks into design guidelines. For instance, AI might recommend materials with higher fi re resistance in regions projected to face more frequent wildfi res, or guide architects in designing modular structures that can be easily repaired after storm damage. Some cities are already experimenting with AI to model storm surge behaviour, enabling architects to position critical infrastructure above predicted fl oodlines. This proactive integration of risk intelligence reduces long-term vulnerability, potentially saving both human lives and economic costs. While much of the focus is on buildings themselves, resilience is ultimately about people. Climate change disproportionately impacts vulnerable communities, making equitable design a priority. AI can analyse demographic, economic, and health data alongside environmental risks to guide decisions about where to place cooling centres, how to design aff ordable, resilient housing, or how to ensure accessibility during disasters. By incorporating social resilience into architectural resilience, AI ensures that future cities are not only structurally sound but also inclusive and adaptive to the needs of their most vulnerable residents. CHALLENGES AND ETHICAL CONSIDERATIONS Despite its promise, the adoption of AI in resilient architecture is not without challenges. High-quality data remains a bottleneck; inaccurate or incomplete datasets can lead to fl awed predictions. The carbon footprint of AI itself, particularly energy-intensive training models, must also be managed carefully to avoid undermining sustainability goals. Ethical concerns arise when overreliance on AI risks sidelining human creativity, cultural context, or indigenous knowledge systems that have long off ered resilient design practices. Therefore, AI should be viewed as a collaborator rather than a replacement, augmenting human expertise rather than dictating design outcomes. The convergence of AI and sustainable architecture represents a paradigm shift. By moving from static, one-size-fi ts-all design to dynamic, data-driven, and adaptive strategies, architects can fi nally confront the uncertainties of climate change with confi dence. The real power of AI lies not just in optimising for effi ciency but in preparing buildings and cities to thrive under conditions we cannot yet fully imagine. As global urban populations rise and climate risks intensify, the integration of AI into resilient architecture will defi ne the diff erence between structures that merely exist and those that endure. “Generative AI can propose solutions that are not just sustainable but resilient by integrating climate uncertainty data into these parameters” Atousa Aslaminezhad, Asst Professor, Heriot-Watt University Dubai MEP_Oct2025_38-39_AI op-ed_13711055.indd 3902/10/2025 07:18Next >