UL Solutions, a global leader in applied safety science, and GCC Technical Services Company (TS Co.), a leading integrated testing, inspection and certification service provider in the Middle East, have announced an enhanced strategic partnership aimed at advancing fire safety across the Gulf region.
As part of this collaboration, TS Co., an affiliate of GCC Labs, has been officially recognised as part of the UL Witness Test Data Program (WTDP) for fire safety. Under this programme, TS Co. will carry out critical fire safety tests at its laboratories in Dammam, Saudi Arabia, under the direct supervision of UL Solutions engineers on-site. UL Solutions will assess the laboratory, review the test data and use the verified results to grant certification and authorise the use of the UL Mark.
This locally based testing approach removes the need to ship product samples abroad, significantly reducing potential time-to-market for manufacturers throughout the region.
“This important step in the evolution of our collaboration with TS Co. will allow UL Solutions to effectively utilise their Dammam facility, strengthening fire safety and conformity services throughout Saudi Arabia and the greater Gulf region,” said Patrick Abgrall, director and regional general manager of the Built Environment group at UL Solutions.
Headquartered in Dammam, TS Co. supports major manufacturing industries in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), which includes Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, as well as in neighbouring markets. The company provides testing and certification services for fire safety to help demonstrate the safety, reliability and efficiency of equipment.
The expanded partnership comes at a pivotal moment as Saudi Arabia accelerates its Vision 2030 agenda, a national strategy driving large-scale development. Landmark projects include the futuristic city of NEOM, tourism destinations such as the Red Sea and THE RIG as well as the New Murabba project, which will establish a modern downtown in Riyadh.
Meanwhile, preparations continue for global events with new World Cup stadiums and Expo venues. Together, these giga-projects represent investments exceeding $1.5 trillion and demand adherence to the highest international fire and life safety standards. The collaboration between UL Solutions and TS Co. will be vital in meeting these requirements through advanced, locally delivered fire safety testing and certification.
“By combining UL Solutions' global leadership in safety science with our deep regional expertise, we are creating an unparalleled value proposition for the market,” said Khalaf Masaeed, Chief Executive Officer of TS Co. “This alliance will streamline product evaluation and certification, ensuring that the ambitious construction projects in our region are built with materials and systems that meet the highest international safety standards.”
