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Dr. Sheikha Najla Ali Al Mu'alla, Director of the Central Laboratories Department at Sharjah Municipality, emphasised that the department is working towards several strategic goals, including:
Establishing an electronic platform to facilitate requests from clients.
Deploying mobile laboratories specialising in food safety, environmental analysis, and veterinary testing.
Integrating artificial intelligence (AI) into analytical procedures and testing.
Introducing cutting-edge AI-powered equipment for precise analysis.
Participating in local and international conferences to share Sharjah’s successful experiences in public health through scientific research and publications.
Dr. Najla revealed that in 2024, the department analysed 15,000 samples across its food, environmental, consumer goods, and veterinary laboratories, along with conducting 85,000 tests in the construction materials laboratory. She stressed the importance of global and local memberships in risk assessment programmes, which help shape future strategies and support sample collection in coordination with regulatory authorities.
The municipality, through its Central Laboratories Department, is committed to implementing the directives of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, to ensure that all cities in the Emirate maintain high public health standards. The department focuses on air quality, water safety, and sanitation, working closely with strategic partners across the Emirate.
In 2024, the department actively participated in international conferences and workshops to showcase Sharjah’s public health initiatives. It was nominated among the top four global institutions for the UK-based Global Quality Award. Additionally, it presented research in Australia on zoonotic diseases and best practices in laboratory management for food and environmental safety.
On a local level, the department participated in GITEX, where its Smart Inspection System won Best Project in Sharjah, leading to its enhanced implementation in the construction materials laboratory, integrating AI for analysis and reporting. The department also played a major role in the Al Dhaid Honey Festival, where its food laboratory conducted 70% of the festival’s honey testing to ensure compliance with UAE standards.
Dr. Najla highlighted that the central laboratories conduct analytical testing, enabling the Health and Safety Control Department to decide whether a product can be sold, recalled, re-exported, or removed from the market.
The department collaborates with local and federal authorities, including the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment and the Ministry of Infrastructure, as well as global partners, to swiftly respond to alerts about product recalls in Sharjah’s markets.
The department also provides training programmes for university students, including master’s and PhD candidates, and supports graduation projects and research in food safety, environmental science, veterinary studies, and construction materials.
Additionally, the department focuses on developing staff expertise through continuous professional and academic education. Notably, Sharjah Municipality’s laboratories have maintained their international accreditation from the UK Accreditation Service (UKAS) for the 25th consecutive year.
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