PCFC Central Laboratory Expands Testing Capacity to Support Dubai’s Environmental Goals
The Ports, Customs and Free Zone Corporation's Central Laboratory has increased its analytical output, conducting 2,459 tests in the first half of 2026 as part of wider efforts to strengthen environmental monitoring across Dubai.
The Central Laboratory operated by the Ports, Customs and Free Zone Corporation (PCFC) has demonstrated sustained growth in its testing capacity, completing 2,459 laboratory analyses during the opening six months of 2026. This represents a notable increase from 2,368 tests conducted during the corresponding period in 2025, reflecting the laboratory’s expanding role in environmental stewardship and regulatory compliance across Dubai’s port and free zone operations.
Abdulla Mohamed Belhoul, Chief Executive Officer of the Department of Planning and Development (Trakhees), emphasised that the laboratory’s performance underscores the department’s comprehensive regulatory approach, which extends considerably beyond conventional licensing functions to encompass robust support for safe and sustainable development throughout its jurisdiction. The laboratory continues to refine its analytical capabilities, maintaining alignment with exacting standards of quality and operational excellence whilst incorporating advanced technological systems that enhance both precision and efficiency.
During the first half of 2026, the facility provided services to 334 customers and conducted 1,566 regulatory tests designed to monitor environmental conditions and verify adherence to approved standards. The most extensively utilised analytical services included stack emissions analysis, sewage tank aeration evaluation, comprehensive assessment of swimming pool and potable water quality, wastewater and harbour water examination, alongside specialist marine analyses encompassing phytoplankton, zooplankton and benthic organism examination.
The laboratory’s 2025 performance was equally impressive, delivering 4,385 tests and analyses across 46 specialised categories, including environmental, chemical, metals, microbiological, marine and water-quality testing. Stack emissions analysis proved the most frequently requested service, with 1,021 analyses completed, whilst benthic organism analysis in sediment samples recorded 118 assessments.
The laboratory has contributed meaningfully to Dubai’s Air Quality Strategy 2030, with stack emissions testing and air-quality monitoring supporting significant environmental achievements. Within PCFC’s Jebel Ali jurisdiction, 2025 results demonstrated substantial reductions in harmful pollutants: 179 tonnes of sulphur dioxide against a 21-tonne target, six tonnes of non-methane volatile organic compounds against a 0.6-tonne target, and 596 tonnes of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) against a 71-tonne target.
Beyond air-quality monitoring, the Central Laboratory supported Dubai’s ambitious reef restoration initiative, providing marine analysis and biodiversity assessment services. Throughout 2025, the laboratory analysed 126 phytoplankton samples, 150 zooplankton samples and 114 benthic organism samples, directly contributing to efforts to restore marine biodiversity and enhance the sustainability of Dubai’s coastal ecosystems.
Salem AlHammadi, Director of the Environment, Health, Safety and Sustainability Department at Trakhees, highlighted the laboratory’s continued investment in technological advancement. The facility now operates with the EXO multiparameter sonde for monitoring water-quality indicators at varying depths, continuous 24-hour noise monitoring systems, and the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS), which automates analytical processes whilst improving operational efficiency, data accuracy, integrity and traceability. The laboratory maintains accreditation from the Emirates International Accreditation Centre (EIAC) in accordance with ISO/IEC 17025 standards and operates under rigorous technical supervision.
Source: WAM