As part of the Ministry of Interior's goal to establish the United Arab Emirates as a global leader in security and safety, with a focus on implementing top-tier fire safety standards for safeguarding lives and property, and ensuring the efficiency, effectiveness, and sustainability of fire prevention systems in buildings and structures, a decision has been taken. Effective from 01/01/2024, the Emirates Safety Laboratory (ESL) will be responsible for evaluating the Certificate of Conformity (COC). Additionally, it will grant Certificates of Conformity Assurance (Certification), which will be essential prerequisites for seeking product approvals from the General Directorate of Civil Defense/Dubai. This requirement covers diverse aspects including fire protection systems, firefighting equipment, façade systems and cladding materials, fire-resistant barriers, retardants, fire-resistant ceilings and roofing systems, and doors.

It's worth highlighting that, beginning from this specified date, the Emirates Safety Laboratory (ESL) will supervise the inspection and testing of the following systems, devices, equipment, and materials:

• Fire-rated doors.
• Cladding materials and facade systems.
• Ceiling and roofing systems.
• Fire-rated duct systems and pre-insulated duct systems.
• Wireless fire detection and alarm systems.
• Fire pumps integrated within buildings and facilities (subject to inspection prior to issuance of the certification of completion).