Subject:

As part of its integrated efforts in coordination with partners from government entities, the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology (MoIAT) has issued technical regulations for air quality measurements in the UAE, in line with Cabinet Resolution No. 86 of 2023. In cooperation with the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment and local environment authorities concerned with air quality measurements, the regulation is being enforced to verify the accuracy of air quality measurements conducted in environment monitoring stations and testing and calibration laboratories.

This regulation is one of the key elements whereby laboratories are mandated to obtain nationwide accreditation from national accreditation bodies in accordance with the ISO/IEC17025 international standard. The regulation also draws the participation of environmental monitoring networks and testing and calibration laboratories in running proficiency tests aimed at ensuring the consistency and efficiency of measurements across the country.

Through this project, MoIAT aims to support efforts to achieve the objectives of the National Air Quality Agenda 2031, and the UAE Air Quality Index that are supervised by the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment. The National Air Quality Platform represents a unified reference on the state of air quality in the country - collating information received from 67 measurement stations across the emirates.

Owners and supervisors across the country's environmental monitoring networks can access the network registration link and input the data required to complete their registration: https://form.typeform.com/to/yY7aYkqU

Objectives:

•         Raise awareness of the accuracy of environmental measurements in the areas of environmental monitoring and of the air quality used in environmental monitoring networks and measurement and calibration laboratories. Doing so contributes to making informed decisions that serve sustainable development programs and environmental protection goals.

•         Inform partners, target audiences, and society in general about the importance of the technical regulation for air quality measurements in the UAE.

•         Highlight the integrated efforts of MoIAT and its partners from federal and local government entities to enhance metrology control programs.

•         Improve the quality of healthcare for residents by adhering to international and national standards for pollution limits and permissible error limits regarding air quality measurements.

Results:

•         Enhance partner awareness of the importance of Cabinet Resolution No. 86 of 2023 on the technical regulations for air quality measurements.

•         Spotlight the registration and accreditation procedures for air quality measurement bodies, in line with the best international standards, to improve air quality.

•         Raise awareness of the mandatory registration of all environmental monitoring laboratories/networks at the ministry in accordance with MoIAT's procedures and requirements.