The Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology (MoIAT) on Thursday launched a workshop for factories and calibration laboratories in collaboration with the Sharjah Economic Development Department (SEDD). The workshop is aimed at increasing awareness on national legislation in metrology in the industrial sector and its impact on companies, as well as enhancing product quality and the competitiveness of factories in local and international markets.

The initiative aligns with MoIAT’s objectives to promote the ministry’s activities and services, as well as developing the measurement and calibration capabilities of the National centre of Meteorology (NCM).

The workshop, conducted in coordination with the Industrial Affairs Department at SEDD and the Emirates Metrology Institute, comprised an overview of the National Strategy for Industry and Advanced Technology and advanced national capabilities in measurement and calibration. The session also discussed key legislation and incentives that support the growth and competitiveness of national industries.

The workshop was delivered by Engineer Amina Al Bastaki, Director of the Metrology Department at MoIAT. Al Bastaki discussed the UAE’s metrology system structure, legislation and its membership in international metrology organizations and technical committees. Major factories in Sharjah participated in the workshop alongside measurement and calibration laboratories. Other participants included companies that implement quality systems in production lines, laboratories providing inspection and calibration services, food and beverage manufacturers, commercial companies, packaging and detergent factories, and representatives from the retail sector in the emirate.

Dr Farah Al Zarooni, Assistant Undersecretary for the Standards and Regulations Sector at MoIAT, stressed that organizing specialized workshops aligns with the ministry’s efforts to enhance awareness of national legislation on quality infrastructure. HE noted the UAE’s achievements in the field, which plays a vital role in enhancing national production efficiency and boosting the competitiveness of products in local, regional, and international markets.

HE added that the ministry is committed to implementing a methodology to raise awareness and enhance national capabilities in this domain, especially in collaboration with strategic partners such as SEDD and the Abu Dhabi Quality and Conformity Council. Al Zarouni noted that it is through such meetings that manufacturers’ input is considered and studied in line with the objectives of the National Strategy for Industry and Advanced Technology. She added that this supports the competitiveness of national industries and local products, while raising awareness of units which are compatible with international measurement systems.

Dr Al Zarouni stressed that partnerships between MoIAT and the public and private sectors, particularly in the field of quality infrastructure, support sustainable development and enhance the business environment in the sector. He noted the key role that the UAE plays as a logistics hub for production and exports in the region. She emphasized the system’s contribution to innovation and advanced technologies, which further enhances the quality of products and services in both local and international markets.

Saeed Mohammed Al Muhairi, Executive Director of the Metrology Institute which is part of the Abu Dhabi Quality and Conformity Council, stressed the council’s commitment to enhancing and developing the production capabilities of local industries through knowledge sharing among specialists and manufacturers.

Al Muhairi added that the institute’s services aim to provide measurement standards at the national level to ensure accuracy, a crucial technical requirement for industries. This contributes to enhancing competitiveness, building trust in the local economy, and promoting openness to regional and global markets.

HE stated that the institute offers metrology services to stakeholders and strategic partners in both the government and private sectors, in addition to extending its services to operators from other countries in the region. He added that this provides efficient and technically superior measurement and calibration services, contributing to the sustainability of the industrial sector and enhancing its role and impact on overall economic performance. HE also noted the institute’s calibration, intercomparison, training, research, and scientific studies services as well as technical consultations.

Maryam Nasir Al Suwaidi, Deputy Director of the Industrial Affairs Department at Sharjah Economic Development Department stressed that the workshop is part of the department’s plan to update manufacturers and suppliers on legal metrology procedures. She added that it also aims to familiarize them with the latest legislation that supports the industrial sector, as well as raise awareness among facility owners about the importance of compliance with the national metrology system and legislative framework.