UAE picks agency to set metrology standards

abu dhabi - Stricter control and monitoring of the UAE markets has led to a significant decrease in fake products

The Emirates Standardisation and Metrology Authority (Esma) has authorised the Emirates Metrology Institute (EMI) as the national institute of standard measurement in the UAE.

At a press conference on Tuesday, the Esma and the Abu Dhabi Quality Conformity Council (QCC) signed an agreement that made the EMI the highest reference standard body in the country. The institute will provide a sophisticated infrastructure for measurement and calibration services to all economic sectors in the country.

The agreement was signed by Dr Rashid bin Ahmed bin Fahad, Minister of State and chairman of Esma, and Khalifa Mohammed Faris Al Mazrouei, chairman of QCC.

The standards used by EMI for the measurement of mass, volume, density, temperature, humidity, length angle, force, pressure, torque, electrical quantities and time frequency will be recognised as the national standards of measurement.

Bin Fahad said: "The signing of this agreement will support the development of measurement science locally, and ensure a diversified, productive and futuristic economy in the UAE."
He noted that the decision to authorise the EMI to act as the National Metrology Institute was taken following the technical assessment of the massive measurement capabilities available at EMI's laboratories.

Bin Fahad said stricter control and monitoring of the UAE markets has led to a significant decrease in fake products in the country. "A recent national study published in 2016 showed that the number of products that didn't meet standards has decreased from 48 per cent to five per cent over the past years," he said.

Mohammed Al Mulla, quality manager at EMI, said: "Strict monitoring through the use of scientific methods has helped gold traders and the UAE economy to save about Dh2.5 billion annually over the recent years."

Al Mazrouei said: "The EMI was set up to translate the vision of our wise leadership to enable the quality and metrology infrastructure in the country to support its industrial development and enhance the quality and competitiveness of national products in local and international markets."

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