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The Second Gulf Metrology Forum took place in Dubai on 22–23 April, 2024. The event was hosted by the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology (MoIAT) in collaboration with the Gulf Association for Metrology (GULFMET) and the Abu Dhabi Quality and Conformity Council (QCC), represented by the Emirates Metrology Institute (EMI). The forum brought together over 200 local and international officials and experts.

Under the theme of “Metrology for Sustainability,” which ties in with the theme of World Metrology Day 2024, the two-day forum aimed to explore the role of metrology in enhancing industrial capabilities and supporting sustainability. It featured a series of panel discussions and technical presentations that addressed the latest developments in the field. The discussions focused on raising awareness of metrology's importance in supporting quality infrastructure in the industrial and technological sectors, as well as fostering innovation to enhance product competitiveness.

One key highlight of the forum was an emphasis on the need for international support of emerging national metrology institutes in Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states which will enable these states to expand their capabilities. The forum stressed that more training programs, scholarship opportunities for metrology specialists, and increased cooperation between education providers and metrology institutes is critical. Furthermore, there was a call to increase youth participation in metrological sciences and careers to support long-term sustainability and enhance community awareness of metrology's vital role in various sectors.

H.E Omar Al Suwaidi, Under-Secretary of the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology, expressed that the forum provided a unique platform to discuss the latest trends, challenges, and opportunities in the field of metrology. He emphasized the ministry's commitment to coordinating and cooperating with regional and international partners to enhance quality infrastructure, standards, technical legislation, conformity, and accreditation systems. Al Suwaidi highlighted the crucial role of accurate metrology results in promoting sustainable industries and supporting the UAE's strategic national vision for enhancing industrial sector output and implementing international best practices.

The forum featured sessions on the role of metrology in shaping a sustainable future, with the participation of notable individuals such as Dr. Farah Al Zarooni, Assistant Undersecretary for the Standards and Regulations Sector at MoIAT, Dr. Anna Cypionka and Dr. Martin J. T. Milton from the Bureau International des Poids et Mesures (BIPM), Professor Frank Härtig, President of the International Measurement Confederation (IMEKO), and Mr. Paul Dixon from the International Bureau of Legal Metrology (BIML).

Two Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) were signed during the event. The first MoU facilitated collaboration between GULFMET and IMEKO, focusing on the exchange of knowledge and expertise, research facilitation, and enhanced cooperation between specialists and experts. The second MoU focused on technical cooperation between GULFMET and the European Union Laboratory Association (EUROLAB) to promote cooperation among the main technical committees of both regions. This agreement aimed to enhance the competitiveness of the industrial sector through knowledge and expertise sharing.

Recognizing the importance of empowering youth in the metrology sector, a discussion session was dedicated to emerging professionals. The session provided a platform for young metrologists to share their views, experiences, and insights into the challenges and opportunities arising from rapid developments in the field. This initiative was aligned with the BIPM Young Metrologists 2050+ initiative.

Additionally, three workshops supported by the BIPM and the OIML were held alongside the forum. These workshops covered verification of prepackaging, chemical and biological metrology, and calibration of non-automatic weighing instruments (NAWI).

The Second Gulf Metrology Forum received support from international and regional metrology organizations, with the participation of the Directors of the BIPM and the BIML, the President of IMEKO, the Secretary-General of GSO, the President of EUROLAB, and the Directors of national standardization bodies from across the GCC, along with the UNIDO.

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