Dubai Civil Defence (DCD) and Bodycote Testing Group (UK,) a business division of Bodycote International, has signed a contract to set up and operate the first fire testing laboratory to serve the GCC and wider region.

Based in Dubai, the laboratory is part of a Centre of Excellence for fire safety and prevention.
The centre’s new services comprise enhanced mechanisms for assuring product conformity and proper fire protection product installations. It will also deliver internationally-accredited laboratory testing services.
The laboratory services will be launched early in 2008, upon completion of the purpose-built fire testing laboratory facility. To be managed and operated by Bodycote Warringtonfire Middle East, the facility will offer fire testing of products, building materials and assemblies to the latest international and European standards.
“Dubai Civil Defence is working within its strategic plan that aims at enhancing the various civil defence services including implementation of high standards of fire safety,” says Brigadier Rashid Thani Al Matrooshi, director of Dubai Civil Defence.
According to him, the agreement, was a significant part of the department’s strategic plan. “We have contracted with a leading company that has considerable expertise in fire testing and managing testing laboratories. In partnership with Dubai Civil Defence, the centre will render services to the UAE, the GCC countries and the region at large,” he says.
“Setting up this state-of-the-art fire safety Centre of Excellence represents a significant long-term investment by Bodycote Testing Group in the UAE and an important part of Bodycote’s continued commitment to the region,” says Robert Jackson, regional director of Bodycote Testing Group. “We are excited about the opportunities this local facility will offer to the regional industry and proud to offer our support to the local fire authorities in the GCC and the Middle East.
“The centre will be developed to provide additional technical support not only to DCD, but also to other regional authorities in assessing fire protection products, fire protection contractors and fire protection product installations and will help in the continuous improvement of DCD’s services,” says Jackson.
“The creation of the centre is a perfect example of how the public and private sector can work together in partnership with a common goal of improving awareness and safety standards and protecting the massive investment being made in the whole region,” he adds.
Bodycote Testing Group is one of the largest suppliers of laboratory services with over 110 laboratories globally including eight major multi-disciplined laboratories in the Middle East.
Bodycote Warringtonfire is the world’s leading fire testing, fire safety consulting, product certification, contractor certifications, inspection and training service provider.