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CASTEL INTRODUCES 3030 SERIES SAFETY VALVES FOR HFO, HYDROCARBON REFRIGERANT SYSTEMS DANFOSS LAUNCHES COOLTRAIN FOR DATA CENTRE LIQUID COOLING APPLICATIONS April 2026 INTERPRETATION Navigating Dubai Law No. (3) of 2026 Dr Samiullah Khan, Tanmyah Farnek Q&A ‘Continuity-ready FM is not an option’ Jamal Abdulla Lootah, Cleanco Group PERSPECTIVE Lingering lack of coordination between mech, arch teams Amir H Greiss, SharpMinds Consulting Engineers EDITORIAL CAMPAIGN IEQ & FERTILITY Q&A ‘Hybrid cooling is now a pragmatic default strategy’ Ehab Ibrahim, Meinhardt MENA US$ PUBLICATION LICENSED BY IMPZ US$ PUBLICATION LICENSED BY IMPZ US$ PUBLICATION LICENSED BY IMPZ US$ PUBLICATION LICENSED BY IMPZ ccme.news/digital A fundamental element of design approach, says Dr Marcus George, CEO, ECCE Dubai The inclusion Safe Spaces of NEWS AESG launches Structural Design and Engineering Division EIA report alleges illegal refrigerant trade in Italy Empower reports AED 3.42 bn in revenues for 2025 IQAir: ‘Only 14% of global cities met WHO PM2.5 guideline in 2025’ Sensitron previews new gas detection control panel Tabreed shareholders approve FY 2025 dividend Vertiv launches wall-mounted cooling system for small data rooms14 May 2026 | 5pm GST (GMT+4) WEBINAR FILTRATION & FERTILITY KEY HIGHLIGHT: Participation of specialists in reproductive health, IVF, air filtration and broad IEQ/IAQ from around the world, including Germany, Greece, Jordan, Kuwait, UAE, United Kingdom and the United States EXPECTED ATTENDEE PROFILE: Health Sector Policymakers and Quality Control Specialists HVACR Standardisation and Certification Bodies Clinical Fertility Specialists HVAC and Filtration Professionals Owner and Investor Engineering representatives of Fertility Clinics and other Healthcare Facilities IVF Technology and Equipment Manufacturers Healthcare Architects MEP Consultants and Contractors General Consultants and Contractors Facility Management ProfessionalsVOL. 21 NO. 04 APRIL 2026 16 10 08 06 18 22 www.ccme.news 3 EDITORIAL CAMPAIGN: IEQ & FERTILITY PERSPECTIVES Breathing life Nick Agopian, President, Reviveaire, discusses the role of advanced air-handling in IVF outcomes IAQ within IEQ: Towards more comprehensive standardisation frameworks Context-specific standards are crucial for guiding the appropriate selection, operation and maintenance of air filtration systems, says Fadia Abdel Ghani, Head of the Engineering Industries Division, Jordan Standards & Metrology Organization REGULARS Regional News Global News eDItor'S note Opportunity in adversity Q&A ‘Hybrid cooling is now a pragmatic default strategy’ Ehab Ibrahim, Managing Director, Meinhardt MENA, discusses integrated design and hybrid cooling strategies as key aspects to improving efficiency, reliability and and long-term flexibility in data centres COVER STORY The value of Safe Spaces Dr Marcus George, CEO, ECCE, says it is important to pay attention to details like blast-resistant walls, early-detection systems and structurally isolated rooms equipped with independent MEP systems 20 INTERPRETATION Navigating Dubai Law No. (3) of 2026 Dr Samiullah Khan, Head – Sustainability, Tanmyah Farnek says, the law redefines how buildings are perceived, managed and sustained Q&A ‘In the present regional market, continuity-ready FM is not an option’ Jamal Abdulla Lootah, Group CEO, Cleanco Group, discusses Dubai Law No. 3 of 2026 – the new building safety framework PERSPECTIVE Still a lack of coordination between mechanical and architectural teams Architecture and engineering must be approached in a unified manner rather than as a sequential process, says Amir H Greiss, CEO, SharpMinds Consulting Engineers 04 26 32April 2026 4 C OVID-19 was an unprecedented event – so unsettling that it forced even seasoned veterans in the HVACR industry to revisit and rethink MEP design, installation and FM practices. It also birthed ASHRAE Standard 241, in 2023, as an initiative to minimise the spread of bio-aerosols in the built environment. With pandemic-level preparedness as its key objective, an important outcome of the Standard was the Building Readiness Plan – a structured framework for implementing the requirements of the Standard. The heavy downpour in April 2024 in the UAE and other parts of the GCC region was another massive wakeup call to closely look at how well prepared urban ecosystems in the region are to face potentially calamitous events. This time, the focus was on preventing flooding and on safeguarding multi-sector building assets. It forced not only the HVAC industry but also civil and structural engineering communities to acknowledge that existing infrastructure and buildings need to be fortified to withstand the new normal, and to re-evaluate the data and incorporate additional risk factors, using exaggerated figures as the new baseline for designing flood relief, plumbing and drainage systems. It introduced a need for creating ‘basis of design’ for extreme weather events. At a granular level, it triggered the need for carefully choosing building materials, and taking a close look at gravity discharge and the sizing of pumps with a significant safety factor, where necessary. The geopolitical flareup in the GCC region since February 28 is forcing the HVACR industry to examine another type of resilience. It is more than nudging multiple stakeholders to evaluate how well prepared are multiple building and installation types to face the threat of missile and low-cost aerial attacks. The scope for protection is vast, including data centres, airports, utilities and oil & gas facilities. The response would need to involve cross-disciplinary engineering approaches, hitherto spoken of only in the contexts of energy efficiency, water-use optimisation and IEQ. If mitigating climate change is the need of the hour, fortifying our buildings, be it in the form of incorporating safe houses or blast-resilient walls, is as much an urgent imperative that we can afford to ignore only at our peril. Krishnan Unni Madathil Auditor, Bin Khadim, Radha & Co. Chartered Accountants, carrying out an analysis of the market, writes on business opportunities for the HVACR industry. Dan Mizesko President, Dalkia US Chiller Services, writes on issues relating to chilled water systems, including operation & maintenance. Nabil Shahin Managing Director, AHRI MENA, writes on HVACR- specific regulation issues. Dr Iyad Al-Attar Independent air filtration consultant, writes on specific science and technology issues relating to Indoor Air Quality, including airborne particles. Angela Fandino Director, Energy Sustainability at Engineering Sustainable Futures, writes on engineering approaches, and business and financial models that enable a green urban ecosystem. Editor Surendar Balakrishnan surendar@cpi-industry.com Associate Editor Karu Suren karu.suren@cpi-industry.com Online & Social Media Abdul Hakeem marketing@cpi-industry.com Editorial Assistant Arushi Menon features@cpi-industry.com Advertising Enquiries Frédéric Paillé +971 50 7147204 fred@cpi-industry.com Judy Wang Our representative in Asia (except India) +852 307 80 826 judywang2000@vip.126.com Deep Karani Our representative in North America +1 365 885-6849 deep.karani@cpimediagroup.com Design Head Ulysses Galgo design@cpi-industry.com Webmaster Chris Lopez chris@cpi-industry.com Database/Subscriptions Manager Purwanti Srirejeki purwanti@cpi-industry.com Published by Founder, CPI Media Group Dominic De Sousa (1959-2015) Co-Founder & Commercial Director Frédéric Paillé fred@cpi-industry.com EMPANELLED COLUMNISTSCo-Founder & Editorial Director Surendar Balakrishnan surendar@cpi-industry.com Head Office PO Box 13700, Dubai, UAE Web: www.cpi-industry.com Printed by: Jaguar Printing Press L.L.C © Copyright 2026 CPI Industry. All rights reserved. While the publishers have made every effort to ensure the accuracy of all information in this magazine, they will not be held responsible for any errors therein. Visit our website: climatecontrolme.com/digital Also available at Get the next issue of Climate Control Middle Eastearly! Surendar Balakrishnan Editor @BSurendar_HVACR Opportunity in adversitywww.refrigbuyersguide.com FOR ADVERTISING OPPORTUNITIES EMAIL: advertising@cpi-industry.com THE LARGEST DATABASE OF REFRIGERATION PRODUCTS & SUPPLIERS IN THE MIDDLE EAST Refrigeration BUYERS’ GUIDE 2026 Your reference hub to the refrigeration industry in the Middle East LOOKING FOR REFRIGERATION PRODUCTS? NOW WITH 20% DISCOUNT ON ALL ONLINE ADVERTISING PACKAGES!April 2026 6 INTERPRETATION Dr Samiullah Khan of Tanmyah Farnek says the law redefines how buildings are perceived, managed and sustained T HE skyline of Dubai stands as a global testament to architectural ambition and engineering prowess. Yet, as this urban masterpiece matures, the narrative must evolve – from the triumph of “completion” to the rigorous discipline of “longevity”. His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and the Ruler of Dubai, has issued Law No. (3) of 2026 on the quality and safety of buildings. This legislation is not a routine regulatory update; it is a forward- looking mandate that redefines how buildings are perceived, managed and sustained. It aims to ensure the quality, safety and sustainability of buildings by maintaining structural integrity, reducing accidents, protecting lives and property and preserving the emirate’s unique urban identity. It fundamentally changes building compliance from a one-time design milestone to a continuous, full-cycle operational responsibility. A paradigm shift The new Law applies universally to all buildings across Dubai, including private development zones and free zones, such as the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC). Crucially, it governs all structures, whether built before or after the law’s enactment. This marks a transition from a one-time compliance milestone into a continuous, lifecycle operational obligation. Key provisions for building www.ccme.news 7 Development Goals (UNSDGs), particularly: • SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure The mandated digital systems foster technologically advanced, resilient infrastructure. • SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities Enhanced safety standards and lifecycle management directly contribute to safer, more inclusive urban environments. • SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production Shifting from demolition-driven development to lifecycle optimisation minimises waste and maximises resource efficiency. Enforcement, penalties and appeals The legislation enforces compliance with strict penalties. Violators face fines ranging from AED 100 to AED 1,000,000, which double to a maximum of AED 2,000,000 for repeat offenses within two years. Relevant authorities hold the power to: • Suspend building permits. • Halt government or private transactions related to the building, including those with the Dubai Land Department. • Suspend lease certifications for units until violations are rectified. The technical roadmap to compliance The Law takes effect 60 days after its publication in the Official Gazette, giving building owners, contractors and engineering offices a one-year grace period to achieve full compliance. Compliance should not be viewed as an administrative burden, but as a critical investment in the resilience, sustainability, and long-term value of real estate assets. owners—including unit owners under Law No. (6) of 2019 on Joint Property Ownership in Dubai—include: • Quality and Safety Certification: Owners must hire a licensed engineering office to conduct a comprehensive structural and technical inspection. A certificate will only be issued once the building meets all defined standards. • Certificate Validity: The certification remains valid for 10 years for buildings less than 40 years old, and five years for buildings 40 years or older. Renewal conditions will be determined by the Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai (TEC). • Mandatory Maintenance: Owners must carry out periodic maintenance for buildings under 20 years old and rectify any defects threatening structural safety, lives or surrounding properties. Owners must also ensure maintenance continues uninterrupted even after the certificate is obtained. The Role of Dubai Municipality To oversee these standards, Dubai Municipality is tasked with developing a centralised digital building management system and unified database. The Municipality will conduct periodic assessments, investigate incidents, implement corrective actions and promote the use of modern technologies. Meeting these stringent standards at scale necessitates the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the Internet of Things (IoT). By deploying predictive analytics against real-time sensor data, property managers can detect micro- deviations in MEP systems, resolving issues before they escalate into structural failures. Tenant rights and urban circularity The Law also provides clear directives regarding end-of-lifecycle structures. If a building is approved for demolition, the eviction rules set out in Law No. (26) of 2007 on Regulating the Relationship between Landlords and Tenants apply. Importantly, tenants who vacate under this Law retain priority to return to the building after reconstruction or repairs at the originally agreed rental value, unless mutually agreed otherwise. This approach pioneers a model of urban circularity – prioritising the optimisation and retrofitting of existing assets over the traditional cycle of demolition and rebuilding. Aligning with the UNSDGs The law serves as a localised accelerator for the United Nations Sustainable CPI Industry accepts no liability for the views or opinions expressed in this column, or for the consequences of any actions taken on the basis of the information provided here. FeatureRequirement Applicability All buildings in Dubai (Mainland, Private Developments and Free Zones (DIFC, etc.)) Certification Mandatory Quality and Safety Certificate issued by licensed engineering firms Grace Period Compliance must be achieved within one year of the law's effective date (announced March 10, 2026) Certificate Validity 10 years for buildings < 40 years old; five years for buildings ≥ 40 years old Maintenance Compulsory periodic maintenance for buildings under 20 years old to ensure structural integrity Digital Oversight Creation of a Unified Building Database managed by Dubai Municipality for real-time monitoring Penalties Fines from AED 100 to AED 1,000,000, doubling to AED 2,000,000 for repeat violations Essential technical summary of the law If you are preparing your compliance strategy, these are the core mandates extracted from the enactment: The writer is Head - Sustainability, Tanmyah Farnek. He may be contacted at samiullah.khan@altanmyahfarnek.comApril 2026 8 Jamal Abdulla Lootah , Group CEO, Cleanco Group, in conversation with Surendar Balakrishnan of Climate Control Middle East magazine W hy does continuity-ready facilities management matter more during today’s regional developments? In the present regional market, continuity-ready facilities management is not an option, it is an operational necessity to be able to adapt in real time. Organisations are navigating rapid urban developments, evolving regulatory frameworks, and growing safety and resiliency demands. Facilities are no longer just static assets but also dynamic environments that must remain operational under any condition. At Cleanco, we recognise that FM services require a level of excellence beyond the ordinary. We combine the expertise of over 12,000 personnel and our decades of industry experience to support both public and private sector clients. We help ensure operational continuity with proactive planning, personnel training and adherence to international safety and environmental standards. Moreover, we remain agile with our ability to escalate operations during high-risk or high-demand periods and efficiently de-escalate them when conditions stabilise. Dubai Law No. 3 of 2026: What does the new building safety framework mean for FM leaders and building operators? Dubai Law No. 3 of 2026 marks a pivotal shift towards increased accountability, transparency and standardisation in ensuring safety. It establishes a strong Q & A regulatory framework to ensure that all developments across the emirate adhere to stringent quality, safety and sustainability standards. For industry players, this indicates a transition from reactive maintenance to structured, compliance-driven operational models. Furthermore, the law highlights the significance of maintaining systems at peak performance through regular inspections, personnel training and document processes. From compliance to continuity: How is proactive maintenance becoming a frontline priority in Dubai? As organisations recognise compliance alone is no longer sufficient, proactive maintenance is emerging as a key priority. There is a growing shift towards strategies that enable companies to forecast any potential risk and adjust maintenance intensity to match evolving operational requirements. In line with this approach, the priority has now moved to anticipating risks, preventing failures and ensuring uninterrupted operations, rather than relying on reactive measures. How can healthcare facilities strengthen hygiene, waste handling and operational resilience under higher- readiness conditions? Healthcare facilities operate in high-stake environments, where hygiene and waste management are critical to patient safety and public health. Boosting operational resilience in such fields requires a combination of advanced sanitation practices, rigid protocols, the ability to respond quickly to changing risk levels and prompt staff training. In line with this, it is important to provide specialised disinfection, sanitisation and waste management services tailored to the highest hygiene standards. This also needs systems that can immediately escalate operational protocols, like accelerated disinfection cycles, stricter waste segregation and improved monitoring, while ensuring adherence to industry standards. Beyond cleaning, why is resilient FM now central to safe, uninterrupted hospital operations? In the healthcare sector, facility management is not only about cleaning, as it is a pivotal enabler of safe and uninterrupted operations. From maintaining important infrastructure www.ccme.news 9 to adhering to stringent hygiene protocols, FM services play a key role in patient care. It is important to integrate soft and hard services, from sanitation and waste management to maintenance and engineering, to establish an operational framework. Through such strategic measures, it is possible to help hospitals operate efficiently without disruptions, even in high-demand scenarios. What does Dubai Law No. 3 signal for inspections, system performance and accountability across high- occupancy buildings? As mentioned earlier, Dubai Law No. 3 represents the beginning of a rigorous and structured approach to inspections, system performance monitoring and accountability, especially in high-occupancy buildings, where risks are higher. For FM service providers, this means implementing robust inspection regimes, real- time monitoring systems and clearly defined responsibilities. Over the years, we have demonstrated a strong commitment to ensuring transparency and adherence to international standards by consistently tracking system performance and aligning with regulatory expectations, enabling safer and reliable building operations. How are strategic FM partnerships helping organisations strengthen building safety, service continuity and healthcare readiness? Currently, strategic FM partnerships are becoming vital as organisations aim for end-to-end solutions that combine expertise, scalability and innovation. Clients increasingly prefer integrated partners who can manage diverse aspects of facility operations seamlessly, rather than fragmented service delivery. This level of agility is essential for ensuring safety and continuity. CPI Industry accepts no liability for the views or opinions expressed in this Q&A, or for the consequences of any actions taken on the basis of the information provided here.Next >