The International District Cooling Conference (IDCC) is the region’s only dedicated platform for the district cooling sector, bringing together industry leaders, project owners, technology innovators, and policy makers to advance sustainable and energy-efficient cooling solutions across Saudi Arabia and the wider Middle East. Now in its second edition, the 2nd IDCC takes place on 21–22 June 2026 at the Jeddah Hilton, Saudi Arabia, collocated with the Ventilation Conference for an expanded scope of engagement.
The conference is held against a backdrop of extraordinary market opportunity. The district cooling market in the Middle East is projected to reach USD 15 billion by 2027 and is expected to double in size by 2030. In Saudi Arabia alone, cooling accounts for approximately 50% of total annual electricity consumption in buildings — rising to around 70% at peak demand, the highest rate of air conditioning use in the world. With a project pipeline worth USD 2.32 billion and landmark developments underway at NEOM, King Salman Park, Diriyah Gate, and beyond, the Kingdom is investing heavily in district cooling as a cornerstone of its Vision 2030 energy efficiency agenda.
IDCC 2026 will spotlight the sector’s most pressing priorities across two days of keynote presentations, high-level panel sessions, industry innovation showcases, and structured networking. Key focus areas include the integration of renewable energy and advanced digital technologies, water conservation and sustainable cooling practices, financing models and public–private partnerships, and the digitisation of operations, asset management, and maintenance. Sessions will also address decarbonisation pathways, the transition to low-GWP refrigerants, micro-district cooling for mid-sized urban developments, and the growing role of AI and predictive optimisation in running fully autonomous plants.
The conference brings together a distinguished roster of speakers and advisors from leading organisations including Emicool, Qatar Cool, Gas Chill, Dalkia EDF Group, Marafeq Qatar, City Cool, ASHRAE, grfn, Diriyah Company, and Alpin Limited, among others. The Advisory Board is chaired by Samer Abusaa, with knowledge partners including Euroheat & Power, AHRI, and AMCA.
Beyond the content agenda, IDCC serves as the go-to commercial platform for solution providers to connect directly with key project owners and stakeholders, positioning themselves as preferred partners and suppliers for upcoming district cooling projects. Exhibitors and sponsors gain access to a highly targeted audience of decision-makers, consultants, developers, and government representatives actively shaping the future of the sector.
The inaugural 2025 edition was met with widespread acclaim from participants across the industry, with attendees praising the quality of technical discussions, the relevance of the speaker line-up, and the caliber of networking opportunities. IDCC 2026 builds on that foundation to deliver an even more comprehensive and impactful experience.
For industry professionals looking to stay at the forefront of district cooling innovation in the region’s most dynamic market, IDCC 2026 is an unmissable event.
For more information visit www.internationaldcc.com
