Visit details

The visit took place within the activities of the third parliamentary session of the eleventh legislative term of the council, as part of its ongoing efforts to follow up on government services and closely observe the role of institutions responsible for enhancing quality of life, monitoring food, environmental and construction material safety, and ensuring compliance with the highest international standards and specifications in the emirate.

The delegation was headed by Dr Hind Saleh Al Hajri and included Mohammed Saleh Al Ali, Humaid Obaid Al Hamoudi, and Abdullah Ali Al Bedaiwi. From the council’s General Secretariat, Somaya Al Hamoudi, Abdullah Al Sufouh, and Dr Islam Al Shawi also participated.

The delegation was received upon arrival by Khalid Mohammed Al Hamadi, Acting Director of the Central Laboratories Department; Dr Maryam Ahmed Al Ali, Head of the Food Laboratory Section; Engineer Aisha Mohammed Al Serri, Head of the Construction Materials Laboratory Section; Hessa Abdullah Al Souqi, Head of the Environment and Consumer Materials Laboratory Section; and Dana Hisham Al Junaibi, Head of the Veterinary Laboratory Section, along with several technical and engineering staff.

Inspection of laboratory systems

During the visit, the delegation received a detailed briefing from Khalid Mohammed Al Hamadi and the heads of departments on the responsibilities of the Central Laboratories Department and its pivotal role as a first line of defence in protecting the community. The department provides precise laboratory testing and proactive analytical services that support investment and real estate development sectors, while ensuring the safety of the food and environmental supply chain in the emirate.

The delegation also reviewed the work of the department’s technical sections, including the Food Laboratory, Construction Materials Laboratory, Environment and Consumer Materials Laboratory, and Veterinary Laboratory. They were introduced to the latest equipment and analytical technologies used in detecting pesticide residues, testing drinking water safety, assessing the quality and efficiency of concrete, steel, and structural insulation materials, and conducting rapid veterinary testing to ensure livestock are free from infectious diseases. They also observed automated work systems designed to ensure accuracy and impartiality of results.

Discussions and future initiatives

The visit included active discussions on advancing smart laboratory services and accelerating the issuance of technical reports through the use of artificial intelligence technologies. Council members also proposed several future initiatives aimed at further improving performance, including strengthening research partnerships with national universities and expanding international accreditations for laboratories to streamline inspection procedures for imported shipments.

Conclusion

At the end of the visit, the delegation praised the significant efforts of the Central Laboratories Department, commending the efficiency of its highly skilled workforce managing this advanced scientific system. They expressed appreciation for the strategic role of Sharjah City Municipality in adopting best practices that contribute to environmental protection and public health, reaffirming the council’s full support for providing all necessary resources and legislation to ensure the continued sustainability of this excellence in laboratory and regulatory services within the emirate.