RIYADH/DAMMAM, Saudi Arabia, 22 March 2020: UL and GCC Electrical Testing Laboratories (GCC Labs) inaugurated their first joint-venture lab in Dammam, Saudi Arabia, under the patronage of His Highness Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman, the Saudi Minister of Energy, the former announced through a Press release. The new laboratory, Gulf Renewables Lab, aims to strengthen awareness, capabilities and certification within the renewable energy segment in Saudi Arabia and across the region, the release said.

According to the release, the laboratory, which is located in Dammam’s third industrial city, spans 7,000 square metres and will provide more than 50 standardised tests of renewable energy systems, according to GCC region, Saudi and international specifications, the release said. The release added that the joint venture is designed to support the region’s renewable energy market by utilising the resources and knowledge of both entities. It includes the localisation of technologies and the sharing of experiences in testing and certifying renewable energy systems, the release said.

Hamid Syed, VP and GM, UL, said: “This lab is the result of our commitment towards our customers to help them meet their renewable targets by offering a complete range of services via the new joint venture company. We are excited about developing new relationships through the extended client base. It is an important step in line with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 and will contribute significantly towards localising manufacturing and services and promoting alternative energy applications suitable for the climatic conditions in the GCC countries.”

Mahdi bin Nasser Al-Dossary, Chairman of the Board, GCC Labs, said, “The lab has succeeded in providing advanced services for major companies and authorities since its inception. UL is a key partner for us, and we appreciate their efforts, as their involvement was vital in accelerating the construction and operation of the new lab.”

The Gulf Renewable Labs will play a pivotal role in enhancing efficiency and quality levels, facilitating research and innovation, training local talent and building a knowledge- and technology-based economy, the release said. Eng Saleh Amri, CEO, GCC Labs, expressed his gratitude for the support of His Highness the Minister of Energy. “This success,” he said, “could only have been achieved with the consistent backing of the Saudi government along with the collective efforts of GCC Labs and UL over the last few years.”