The General Directorate of Civil Defense in Dubai has announced the launch of Emirates Safety Laboratory (ESL) for commercial operations, following the successful completion of its operational trials.

The ESL conducted its first commercial testing on the assessment of equipment and building safety systems of NAFFCO, which was officially approved by the General Directorate of Civil Defense in Dubai. NAFFCO has become the first company to receive accreditation from Emirates Safety Laboratory.

Lt. Gen. Expert Rashid Thani Al Matrooshi, Director General of Dubai Civil Defense and Chairman of the Board of Directors of ESL, said that the Laboratory and Certification Body, the first government conformity assessment entities in the Middle East, have been launched as part of the organisation’s efforts to ensure the highest safety standards in the construction sector.

The ESL Laboratory uses the latest cutting-edge technology and best-in-class processes to ensure equipment used in construction comply with the high standards set in Dubai. ESL Laboratory and Certification, which have obtained international accreditation, will be the official authority to issue completion and compliance certificates for safety products in Dubai, Al Matrooshi added.

The launch of ESL will work to further enhance fire safety in Dubai and contribute to the Dubai Clean Energy Strategy 2050, which aims to transform the emirate into a global centre for clean and renewable energy by 2050.

The launch ceremony was attended by Brig. Expert Ali Hassan Al Mutawa, Assistant Director-General of Dubai Civil Defense for Fire and Rescue Affairs, and Khalid Al Khatib, CEO of NAFFCO.