UL and GCC Labs ink deal to establish façade testing in Saudi Arabia

Global safety science UL signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Dammam-based GCC Labs to localize fire and safety services and establish a façade testing lab in Saudi Arabia.

The MoU recognizes a mutual commitment between UL and GCC Labs to explore the development of an agreement to build the first façade and fire testing facility in Saudi Arabia along with other services, including training.

GCC Labs is a closed joint stock company that was formed by a group of governmental and commercial entities in Saudi Arabia and the larger Gulf region, to provide testing, inspection and certification services for electrical equipment.

“This MoU represents our strong commitment to expanding safety services in the Middle East. It would improve the façade fire-testing market by significantly increasing both the capacity and the quality of cladding and building systems,” Hamid Syed, vice president and general manager of UL Middle East, said.

“This new collaboration aims to improve fire safety testing and certification, which is to help ensure the safety of all buildings in the future,” Saleh Al Amri, CEO of GCC Labs, said.