ASTM International launched its first-ever chapter in the United Arab Emirates this week, with more than 100 leaders from industry, government, and academia attending the launch celebration.

Rashid bin Fahad, Ph.D., who is serving as the chapter’s first president, said, “This is an exciting development in the cooperation between the United Arab Emirates and ASTM International. We begin this chapter with a focus on construction, which reflects the world-class infrastructure here in the UAE.”

Taco van der Maten, ASTM International’s 2019 board chairman and marketing manager at Malvern PANalytical in The Netherlands, gave the keynote speech. “ASTM International and the Gulf have become partners in progress. Over 100 ASTM International members now serve across 26 technical committees, the largest representation in the Gulf,” he said. “This chapter will build on our momentum.”

“We are well-positioned to deepen ASTM International’s relationships in the UAE more than ever before,” said ASTM International President Katharine Morgan.

Abdulla Al Maeeni, director-general of the Emirates Authority for Standardization and Metrology (ESMA), and Shakir Farsakh, a principal commercial officer with the U.S. Commercial Service, also provided welcome remarks at the event, which took place at Dubai’s One and Only Royal Mirage hotel. The event was sponsored by Knauf Middle East.

According to the organizers, the chapter will increase UAE involvement in standards-related activities and events, including those focused on the region’s specific needs. Regular meetings and events will be scheduled to further collaboration, deepen technical understanding, reach out to university students, and advance emerging technologies and innovation. For example, a tour of the Abu Dhabi Quality and Conformity Council laboratory is being planned as the next chapter event on 13 November.