Watch: UAE launches new lab to certify fire safety in construction

Dubai: UAE-based suppliers in the construction industry will have to get their products tested for fire safety at a new government lab, officials said at the Intersec trade show in Dubai on Sunday.

Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai Council for Border Crossing Points Security and Chairman of Dubai’s Supreme Committee of Crisis and Disaster Management, visited Dubai Civil Defence’s platform at Intersec, the annual trade show for security, safety and fire protection, at Dubai World Trade Centre.

He was briefed about Emirates Safety Laboratory, which will provide testing, inspection and certification solutions for the construction industry.

Brigadier Ali Al Mutawa, Assistant Director-General of Dubai Civil Defence for Fire and Rescue Affairs, said “the first-of-its-kind laboratory in the region” will ensure the safety and quality of various products, building materials and systems.

Approving installation

“The laboratory will boost the procedures of protecting lives and properties by providing smart solutions. Suppliers can test the products in the government lab to get an accreditation certificate. Our aim is to get the best fire-resistant materials, whether it is a door or cladding, and approve installation,” Brig Al Mutawa added.

The lab will provide tests for products like cladding material, electric cables, doors, decoration material and paints, he said. “The lab will be the official party to issue a certificate in safety products and make sure products are up to the necessary standards of safety and protection in fires.”

The 23rd edition of Intersec, running Sunday to Tuesday, is held under the patronage of Sheikh Mansoor under the theme ‘Uniting the world’s leading industry specialists for the safety and security of future generations’.

As part of the conference, a programme addressing the industry’s vital discussions will be delivered by six content pillars: Global Security Leaders’ Summit, Protecting Future Connected Cities and Citizens, Agile First Responders, Safeguarding Critical Infrastructure, Cyber Lab and KSA Focus Day.

What will the lab test?

• Customised fire testing

• Fire resistance

• Reaction to fire

• Façade testing

• Smoke/heat detector testing

• Certification

• Technical training

• Inspection and auditing

• Market surveillance

• Research and statistics

Comprehensive tour

Sheikh Mansoor toured Intersec accompanied by Helal Saeed Al Marri, Director-General of Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism. Sheikh Mansoor made his first stop at the Dubai Police stand, where he was briefed on its leading experience in the field of security services and in utilising the latest in smart technologies, as well as its efforts to provide innovative services to the public through Smart Police Stations.

Sheikh Mansoor then visited Dubai’s Security Industry Regulatory Agency’s stand, where he was briefed on its role in providing the highest levels of safety and security through implementing security systems and services that are in accordance with international best practices. He was also briefed on the agency’s Security-X programme, which utilises artificial intelligence to assess security consultants, engineers and security personnel.

As part of his tour at Intersec, Sheikh Mansoor toured the German pavilion, where he was briefed on the innovations provided by German companies in the field of emergency services, security and safety. He also toured the South Korea pavilion, where he learnt about the advanced security solutions and modern technologies being showcased in security risk management, cyberattacks and cybersecurity.

The tour included a visit to the pavilions of Czech Republic and France, where innovative biometric solutions to protect the identity of users are being displayed. Also being showcased are microfiber optical sensors used in infrastructure monitoring and maintenance, thermal imaging applications, as well as firefighting systems.

Vital discussions

The 23rd edition of the event features a programme that will address the industry’s most vital discussions. The ‘Global Security Leaders’ Summit’ features global security leaders who will discuss, debate, and exchange perspectives on global security challenges, strategic initiatives, and cooperation to foster safety and security of all. Topics will include responding to national shifts and crisis, the future of law enforcement, and leadership in civil defence among others.

A conference titled ‘Protecting Future Connected Cities and Citizens’ will bring together global government leaders, municipalities, policymakers, consultants and technology experts to communicate, share ideas and identify solutions required to create and maintain safe and resilient cities using the latest cutting-edge technologies and best practices from around the world.

Meanwhile, the ‘Agile First Responders Conference’ provides a direct reflection of the industry's most pressing issues. The conference will cover best practices, shared learnings, innovations, tactics and strategy for planning and preparedness, operations and emergency response, resilience and business continuity, planning and technical rescue while looking at the industries state of the art technologies to protect lives and assets.

At a conference titled ‘Safeguarding Critical Infrastructure’, experts will help identify potential threats to critical infrastructure, building security and smart construction. The conference has been designed to highlight defence, preparedness and response strategies for 11 critical infrastructure sectors.

Intersec also features the ‘Cyber Security Lab’, which will enable global and regional industry leaders to discuss critical aspects of the industry in a dynamic, knowledge exchange platform. The new Cyber Security Lab was developed to focus on investigative techniques, forensic capabilities, and public-private partnerships to prevent cross border digital terrorism.

Also being organised is the ‘Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Focus Day’, which is a focused programme presenting Saudi Arabian mega projects, planning and strategy. Project leaders, government stakeholders and experts will share exclusive insights into the current challenges and opportunities presented by the rapid expansion of the region’s largest market.

Intersec has attracted renowned international speakers from public and private sectors, including General (R) Sir Nick Carter, former head of the British Armed forces; Sir Alex Younger, former MI6 Chief of the Secret Intelligence Service; as well as FC, a renowned ethical hacker who will be speaking in the region for the first time.