Victaulic - Experts & Thought Leaders

Dubai is set to become the focal point of the Middle East’s building services sector as it hosts the MEP International Conference MENA (MEPIC 2025) from 27–28 October 2025. The two-day event will bring together top MEP professionals, government authorities, developers, and technology innovators to explore solutions driving sustainable, energy-efficient, and digitally integrated buildings across the region. MENA construction market Organized by GM Events, MEPIC 2025 is a timely response to the region’s rapid urban growth and increasing focus on sustainability, efficiency, and smart infrastructure. With the MENA construction market expected to reach over USD 1.3 trillion by 2030, and buildings accounting for up to 40% of energy consumption in urban centers, there is a critical need for advanced MEP systems, innovative technologies, and knowledge-sharing platforms. Cutting-edge solutions in HVAC The conference will feature high-level keynote sessions, technical presentations, and interactive panels led by international and industry pioneers including Vince Arnold, President, The Chartered Institute of Building Services Engineers (CIBSE), Nabil Shahin, Managing Director at AHRI, who will spotlight innovations in HVAC; Mohamed Amer, Regional Director – MENA at ICC, sharing insights on codes and compliance; Mohd Imran Shaikh, Director of MEP at Ramboll and CIBSE UAE Chair, discussing sustainable MEP design strategies; and Jaydeep Anand, Co-founder & Chief Sustainability Officer at FIVE Holdings, highlighting approaches to energy optimization and green building. The MEPIC exhibition will showcase Eurotubi, Victaulic, Gulfoflex, and SKM Air Conditioning, presenting cutting-edge solutions in HVAC, plumbing, fire safety, energy management, and smart building technologies. Attendees will gain hands-on exposure to innovations that enhance efficiency, reduce operational costs, and support sustainability goals. Adoption of advanced technologies Key conference themes include net-zero and energy-efficient MEP designs, smart building and IoT integration, BIM coordination, fire and life safety compliance, and retrofitting solutions.  With governments across the GCC aiming to reduce carbon emissions and improve energy efficiency, events like MEPIC play a crucial role in driving industry knowledge, accelerating adoption of advanced technologies, and supporting sustainable urban growth. Next generation of sustainable buildings “MEPIC 2025 is the region’s definitive platform for MEP leaders and innovators to connect, collaborate, and shape the future of building services,” said the organizers, adding “With major urban development projects underway, this conference will provide actionable insights and showcase the technologies that will define the next generation of sustainable buildings in the MENA region.”

Imagine trying to replace miles of heating pipes in a busy hospital without disrupting patient care. That was the task facing mechanical and electrical engineering contractor FP Hurley & Sons at Warwick Hospital. The solution? A shift away from traditional welding in favor of the Victaulic grooved mechanical pipe joining system – a move that proved instrumental in overcoming logistical hurdles and ensuring quick and seamless project delivery. Major infrastructure upgrade The project, which commenced in September 2023, has been an 18-month endeavor “Executing a major infrastructure upgrade in a live hospital environment comes with considerable challenges,” explains Euan Jones, contracts manager at FP Hurley & Sons. “Minimizing disruption to patients and staff while maintaining an efficient workflow required innovative approaches, particularly in our piping solutions.” The project, which commenced in September 2023, has been an 18-month endeavor. The decarbonization initiative has included the installation of water source heat pumps, solar PV panels, window replacements, and enhanced thermal insulation, all working in unison to modernize the hospital’s heating infrastructure. Minimal disruption Traditionally, pipework installers have relied on welding, a process that demands skilled labor and extensive safety measures, including permits and fire watches. In contrast, grooved mechanical pipe joining is a straightforward process, where the pipe ends are grooved, a coupling with a gasket is fitted over the joint, and two bolts secure the connection. A simple visual check ensures proper installation, making it both efficient and reliable. By eliminating welding, FP Hurley & Sons removed fire hazards and fumes, reduced the project’s carbon footprint, and significantly cut installation time – by up to 80%. Grooved mechanical system Victaulic’s grooved mechanical system also provided a cleaner workspace and allowed for easy route modifications Victaulic’s grooved mechanical system also provided a cleaner workspace and allowed for easy route modifications; crucial in an environment where existing infrastructure posed significant spatial challenges. The pipe simply needs to be cut to the new length required and then joined with a coupling as usual. A prime example of this adaptability was in the hospital’s Emergency department, where initial plans to trench underground were reconsidered due to the disruption it would cause to ambulance services. Instead, an innovative above-ground solution was devised, rerouting the pipework to ensure uninterrupted emergency operations, and which Victaulic solutions were easily modified to. Grooved mechanical pipe joining method Furthermore, the grooved mechanical pipe joining method also facilitated the use of lightweight stainless-steel pipe, providing significant logistical advantages for the large diameter pipework. This enabled easier handling and transportation within the hospital, reducing manual handling risks and improving site safety. The specific pipe joining solution employed was Victaulic’s StrengThin 100 system, the industry’s first grooved mechanical pipe joining system to perform up to 16 bar on thin wall stainless steel pipe. This eliminated the challenges associated with welding thin wall stainless steel, including the need for pickling or passivating the joints or the risk of overheating the pipe. Lightweight StrengThin 100 system “Given the extensive external large-diameter pipework in the existing building, our lightweight StrengThin 100 system provided both ease of installation and significant labor savings, making it a win-win for everyone involved,” says Jeff Morris, Victaulic sales engineer, who has been working closely with FP Hurley & Sons since early 2023 in designing and implementing the optimal piping system for the hospital’s retrofit. Euan adds: “With a traditional iron pipe system, the sheer weight of the pipe would have been a real issue in carrying it through a live hospital, up staircases and above operating theatres. It would have been really problematic.” Exceptional support Euan also highlights the exceptional support provided by Victaulic throughout the Warwick Hospital initiative Euan also highlights the exceptional support provided by Victaulic throughout the Warwick Hospital initiative. “Whenever we encountered challenges, the Victaulic team was on hand to assist,” he explains. “When our grooving machine required a replacement, we had a new one on site within 24 hours. Their responsiveness and commitment have been invaluable.” Jeff also emphasizes the strong partnership with FP Hurley & Sons and the extensive support Victaulic has provided. “We don’t just supply a product and walk away,” he says. “We offer full design assistance, on-site training, and installation inspections to ensure success.” Future-proofing piping systems The project ultimately underscores the advantages of using Victaulic solutions in complex healthcare infrastructure projects. With nearly two kilometers of heating mains installed, feeding eleven plant rooms and removing multiple gas-fired boilers, the project has made significant strides in reducing Warwick Hospital’s carbon footprint. The integration of Victaulic’s solutions not only delivered efficient and emission-free installation but has also contributed to the long-term sustainability and operational resilience of the hospital’s heating system. They allow for easy maintenance access and infinitely reconfigurable piping systems as building needs change over time. Made from recycled materials Victaulic’s products, made from 98% recycled materials, support a circular economy, as, at the end of their lifecycle, they can be disassembled, repurposed, or melted down for reuse, ensuring they contribute to both immediate and long-term sustainability goals. “We’re incredibly pleased with how this project has progressed,” adds Euan. “Victaulic solutions have played a crucial role in ensuring we delivered an efficient, safe, and future-proofed system. Given the success of this installation at Warwick Hospital, we look forward to implementing similar solutions on future projects.”

Saudi Arabia’s construction sector continues to expand at an unprecedented pace, with more than $400 billion worth of projects in the pipeline under Vision 2030. Against this backdrop, the 2nd MEP International Conference (MEPIC 2025) will take place on 10–11 September 2025 at JW Marriott Riyadh, in Riyadh, KSA, bringing together regional and international stakeholders to discuss the evolving role of mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) systems in shaping the Kingdom’s future built environment. Maintenance of MEP systems The conference will convene over 250 senior professionals, including project owners, developers, architects The conference will convene over 250 senior professionals, including project owners, developers, architects, engineers, and contractors. Discussions will focus on how smart building technologies, sustainable practices, and automation are redefining the design, implementation, and maintenance of MEP systems across giga- and mega-projects, such as NEOM, Red Sea Global, Diriyah Gate, King Salman Park, and Qiddiya. Key Topics on the Agenda Advancing energy-efficient MEP solutions for high-performing buildings Integration of smart controls with next-generation HVAC systems Modular and prefabricated MEP systems in modern construction Building codes, sustainability certifications, and compliance The role of BIM and digital engineering in transforming MEP practices Fire protection, safety systems, and green MEP innovations Advanced systems and technologies for the built environment The two-day program will feature eight panel discussions, keynote sessions, and an exhibition of 25+ solution providers The two-day program will feature eight panel discussions, keynote sessions, and an exhibition of 25+ solution providers, including WSP, KEO, Dar Al Riyadh, SEPCO, El Seif, and pioneering facility managers showcasing advanced systems and technologies for the built environment. “MEPIC 2025 will serve as a platform for government agencies, developers, consultants, and solution providers to align on strategies that will accelerate Saudi Arabia’s journey toward sustainable and intelligent infrastructure,” said Leila Masinaei, Managing Partner – The Great Minds Group. Leila Masinaei adds, “The conference will highlight innovations in MEP systems that not only improve efficiency, but also ensure the Kingdom meets its ambitious sustainability targets.” Sponsors & Partners The conference is supported by pioneering global and regional players, including Midea, Akel, Daikin, GF Piping Systems, Mekar, Climatech, Victaulic, Rheem, General, Alwasail, Evapco, NAFFCO, ASHRAE Saudi Arabia Chapter, Alessawi, Gulf O Flex, Armstrong, and Tyne Gulf. Opportunities Business Growth: With the Saudi Arabian MEP services market projected to nearly double to USD 27.5 billion by 2030, the conference offers unmatched opportunities for solution providers to capture market share. Sustainability Leadership: Demand for smart and green MEP systems is expected to reduce energy consumption by up to 40% in new developments, aligning with Vision 2030’s environmental goals. Strategic Partnerships: Previous editions of MEPIC facilitated collaboration between 200+ senior decision-makers and 20+ solution providers, and MEPIC 2025 will build on this momentum to forge stronger government–industry alliances. Innovation Showcase: From modular and prefabricated systems to advanced fire safety and smart HVAC, MEPIC provides a stage for global and regional innovators to present cutting-edge solutions to decision-makers.

An expansive construction boom is underway in Saudi Arabia, amplified by the Saudi Vision 2030 initiative promoting global engagement, enhanced quality of life, and economic diversification beyond petroleum. Mega-projects pioneering the way include The Line, a linear smart city that is only 200 meters (220 yards) wide, towers 500 meters (550 yards) above sea level, and stretches 170 kilometers (105 miles) from the Neom 26,500-square-kilometer (10,200 sq. miles) urban area across desert valleys to the Red Sea.  sports and tourism investment An unprecedented investment also includes sports and tourism and has attracted the attention of major players in the construction industry, who are gathering at the Big 5 Construct Saudi exhibition in Riyadh. The event enables attendees to connect with government representatives and other visitors involved in Saudi Arabia’s gigantic construction projects.  HVAC systems HVAC systems play a major role in the construction boom, including the construction of new district cooling plants Given the hot climate, HVAC systems play a major role in the construction boom, including the construction of new district cooling plants and an enormous number of data centers, which require extensive cooling systems to operate. HVAC R Expo is one of the “Big 5” categories at the exhibition, enabling companies access to top contractors, project managers, distributors, and engineers involved in growth opportunities across the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia.  Victaulic’s grooved solutions Victaulic, the mechanical pipe joining specialist, is a major supplier playing a role in the Saudi expansion, which also includes a future Vision 2040 plan that will begin in 2027. Active in the Saudi market for 25 years, Victaulic’s grooved solutions are used throughout the burgeoning Saudi construction industry, including in the commercial, fire protection, water, oil and gas, and mining sectors.  multitude of applications Victaulic’s prefabrication and modularization services accelerate the installation process even further In the HVAC sector specifically, Victaulic solutions serve a multitude of applications from district cooling to data centers to cooling systems for large skyscrapers. Victaulic’s grooved couplings can be installed quicker than traditional welded or flanged joints and without specialist labor. By reducing the work carried out on the job site, Victaulic’s prefabrication and modularization services accelerate the installation process even further. This is important for keeping up with the fast pace of construction projects in Saudi Arabia while ensuring the highest quality and reliability.  Sustainability Sustainability is another priority for Vision 2030 projects in the Kingdom. Because there is no welding required to join pipes with Victaulic’s technology, energy consumption and emissions are significantly reduced during the installation process. The couplings themselves are made from 98% recycled content in electric induction furnaces that emit 85% less CO2 per ton than a traditional blast equivalent. And they are infinitely reconfigurable, reusable, and recyclable as buildings are extended or repurposed in the future.  one-stop solution provider Cooling such a tall building involves multiple chiller stations connected with building riser solutions (pipes) At the Big 5 event, Victaulic aims to showcase its abilities as a one-stop solution provider for pipe joining. However, given the raft of high-rise construction in Saudi Arabia, particularly in Riyadh and Jeddah, cooling systems for tall buildings will naturally be in focus. For example, the Jeddah Tower, currently under construction, will be 1 kilometer (3,280 feet) tall and become the tallest building in the world when it is completed. Cooling such a tall building involves multiple chiller stations connected with building riser solutions (pipes) that run the entire span of the building. use of expansion joints Traditionally, in a tall building, thermal expansion and contraction require the use of expansion joints that accommodate the impact of changing temperatures on the pipes. Victaulic’s couplings, however, are inherently flexible to a degree, which eliminates the need for space-consuming expansion loops or expansion joints that can fatigue over time. This improves the reliability of the system as well as keeping shafts as narrow as possible to maximize sellable floor space.  investment focus Continuing investment by banks and trust funds in key Saudi projects encourages Victaulic Continuing investment by banks and trust funds in key Saudi projects encourages Victaulic to continue its commitment to the region. “This region has committed to continuous investment,” says Zeyd Ammoura, Victaulic Division Manager for the Middle East, Africa, and Turkey. “These projects translate into a massive need for products, and they have a vision as more investment focuses on the region. Our vision is to walk parallel hand-in-hand with the Saudi 2030 vision.” Reason for Big 5 exhibition participation “They need a lot of data centers, and they need a lot of district cooling plants,” adds Ammoura, “so that's also something that is getting a lot of our attention. And that's one of the major reasons we are going to be participating in the Big 5 exhibition.” While historically population centers in Saudi Arabia were mostly concentrated, the new vision includes development throughout the large country including areas where infrastructure did not previously exist and must be created. Thousands of new cooling systems will be needed for the new buildings, data centers, stadiums, and other facilities. Infrastructure development Investment is also being made to expand the infrastructure to accommodate future waves of construction In addition to near-term construction projects, investment is also being made to expand the infrastructure to accommodate future waves of construction. “They are building now to serve expanded projects in the future,” says Ammoura. “Saudi Arabia is our top priority for the next five to 10 years in the region.” Air conditioning (AC) usage A stadium, planned as part of The Line, will host the 2029 Asian Winter Games, the 2034 FIFA World Cup, and other big events. With scorching summers and limited natural cooling, Saudi Arabia has the highest air conditioning (AC) usage globally. This intense cooling demand accounts for nearly 50% of the country's annual electricity consumption, reaching 70% during peak periods. These factors drive the need for district cooling systems, which distribute cooling capacity in the form of chilled water or other medium from a central source to multiple buildings through a network of underground pipes for use in space and process cooling.  Reducing fossil fuel use Victaulic is furnishing a large exhibition booth at the Big 5 event to highlight their technical solutions Saudi Arabia is seeking to reduce its dependence on fossil fuels for energy production, and district cooling systems can be powered by renewable energy sources like solar, further contributing to sustainability.  In addition to promoting its profile at Big 5 Construct Saudi, Victaulic is increasing its number of local employees and is looking into opening a local facility in the area to support the big growth in business. Victaulic is furnishing a large exhibition booth at the Big 5 event to highlight their technical solutions. piping and flow control systems Ammoura says that Victaulic’s capabilities expand beyond the manufacture of piping and flow control systems. The company also pledges to be a delivery partner and engineering company that builds solutions. “We help to design and optimize the project and help to build better construction,” says Ammoura. Victaulic has participated in many Saudi district cooling plants so far and plans to continue to be a part of building engineering and construction capacity.  BIM (building information modeling) Victaulic utilizes BIM to provide 3D visualization of systems before they are built and installed Victaulic utilizes BIM (building information modeling) to provide 3D visualization of systems before they are built and installed. The company’s virtual design and construction department works with companies and allows customers to “walk through a project” virtually and optimize design and innovation, thus taking out the guesswork before a needed change becomes overly expensive and delays the project.  reassurance and reliability “The challenges in any project cycle, regardless of scale, means owners, general contractors, and construction teams require reassurance and reliability from designated partners, and Victaulic has expanded offerings to become a comprehensive one-stop solutions provider, including design, fabrication, spooling, and quality control." "We are committed to being a partner for our customers and contributing to Saudi Arabia’s construction boom as efficiently, reliably, and sustainably as possible,” Ammoura says.

How grooved solutions have been making contractors and engineers reimagine the way they construct risers in vertical buildings? Enter into the right pub, or head to a city’s museum or town hall, and you can often find a picture of how the surrounding area used to look. An image from twenty years ago and the difference isn’t too vast. Fifty years back and there’s a definite change. A picture from over a hundred years ago and it’s practically unrecognizable. And what’s the common theme running through these images? Cities are getting taller. As more people migrated to urban areas, developers saw the need to go higher. But with this comes its own unique set of challenges. How can the safety of ground floor be transferred to, in the most extreme case, level 163? Grooved mechanical pipe joining solutions When it comes to high-rise buildings, there are a number of potential challenges for a piping engineer To find out how grooved mechanical pipe joining solutions are helping developers & engineers go higher, we spoke to Matthew Strohm, Director of Product Development (Piping System Design) at Victaulic. When it comes to high-rise buildings, there are a number of potential challenges that a piping engineer will need to take into consideration, most of which relate to thermal movement and the resulting forces on the building. Other issues such as seismic activity and building creep (the natural movement of a building due to settlement) also need to be taken into account. Compensating for thermal expansion and contraction Specifically related to piping systems and subsequently, pipe joining solutions, is the unique problem of having to compensate for thermal expansion and contraction, while at the same time, accommodating for higher pressure. Change in pipe diameter is not an uncommon concern for engineers, however, providing a solution which could operate at a pressure gauge of 25 bars, or the fluctuating temperature of water, presents its own challenges. It’s with these issues in mind that engineers choose their joining solutions, which is why these are the very criteria we set our Victaulic pipe joining solutions against. Grooved vs. Traditional Pipe Joining For decades, the traditional solutions for joining pipes have been welding, threading or flanging. These are good solutions to choose from, but there is a distinct lack of flexibility in a solution that fuses or flanges system components together. This is where flexible grooved couplings come in. They are solutions that allow controlled linear and angular movement at each joint to accommodate not only for thermal expansion and contraction, but also building sway and creep. So how do flexible grooved couplings manage this? It’s essentially down to the design of their components. The dimensions of the pipe coupling housing key is narrower than the pipe groove, allowing room for movement. Furthermore, the width of the pipe coupling housing allows for pipe end separation, which in turn allows the grooved pipe joint to accommodate movement. Benefits of Grooved couplings There are many benefits of grooved couplings, with space-saving being a key advantage on projects, both large and small There are many benefits of grooved couplings, with space-saving being a key advantage on projects, both large and small. As many project managers and engineers know, saving on space can be the key to unlocking extra value above initial planning. Additionally, grooved couplings are perfectly placed to accommodate for piping movement, whereas welded joints that in their very nature are designed to be fixed in place, need to have an area of space to allow for a welded expansion loop or alternatively, enough space to allow the star-pattern tightening of a flanged flex connector. Saving time, money and labor Besides the savings on space, grooved connections offer contractors savings in three key areas: time, money and labor. The installation-ready design of Victaulic’s grooved couplings allow for an easier installation, meaning a process which might take 30 minutes through a welded solution for instance, can now take just five minutes. As any contractor will testify to, this is valuable time that can be used for other parts of the project. With a reduction in time comes savings in cost and labor. Naturally, less labor is used for the same job and in the case of grooved couplings, less skilled labor is required (in comparison to the high skill level needed for welded joints). It’s these aspects that will ultimately deliver contractors with valuable project savings. Grooved connections offer savings in three key areas: time, money and labor Mechanical riser solutions There are 3 ways to accommodate for thermal movement within risers using a grooved mechanical system: The first method is called top of riser free-floating method and involves installing rigid couplings on the riser and two flexible couplings on the horizontal adjacent piping at the top of the riser, which can reduce the need for riser clamps or other structural during installation and allows the system to move freely within the design tolerances. The second method involves working with grooved expansion loops that help to save up as much as 2/3rd of the size of welded U-shaped expansion loops and avoids forced welded pipe deflection. While welded expansion loops require eight welded joints to assemble, the forces exerted on the joint are far greater than those applied on a grooved expansion loop, and generate greater stress, which ultimately requires larger anchors and guides in order to direct the movement. The third method is working with grooved expansion joints instead of traditional in-line expansion joints, which typically have wear parts and manufacturer-recommended maintenance cycles of five years, which also poses problems due to riser accessibility once the construction is complete. Grooved expansion joints like the Victaulic Style 155 are maintenance-free for the life of the system. Importance of anchors In a system using only flexible joints, risers are installed with anchors at the top and bottom and the piping guided every other length to prevent angular deflection at the joints within the piping run. Anchors distribute the movement forces across the structure and also provide the important task of directing pipe movement. At the pipe anchor location, there will be no differential movement between the piping and the building structure, which forces the pipe to thermally expand or contract from that location. This allows the design engineer to control how and where the movement in a system occurs and to provide the best solution to accommodate that movement. A10 Grooved Riser Anchors upgraded A good manufacturer will always listen to customer demand, especially in an evolving market A good manufacturer will always listen to customer demand, especially in an evolving market. Off the back of strong feedback from contractors, Victaulic recently upgraded its A10 Grooved Riser Anchors to a standard product. With the primary functions of carrying the weights and forces that act downward to the base of the riser and connecting the riser to the rest of the structure, the anchor has been providing sturdy support for some of the tallest buildings around the world. Future trends for high-rise buildings One trend already taking place, and I expect to continue, is contractors bringing riser experts into the project at an earlier stage. It just seems to make logistical sense to operate in this fashion. it’s a more efficient use of time to collaborate early in the process. I believe contractors and engineers will seek assistance from companies such as us to help design blueprints together, working in tandem to produce the right solution. Vertical buildings are on the rise. For generations, people have been moving to urban areas, putting greater demand on housing residents and employees. Through the use of grooved coupling solutions as an alternative to traditional methods, contractors can benefit from greater flexibility, reliability, ease of installation and ultimately and most importantly, speed of the installation process.