Dubai Municipality has opened a new laboratory focused on detecting foodborne viruses, expanding its testing capabilities at the Dubai Central Laboratory.
The ViruGenetics Lab is the first facility of its kind in the UAE, set up to strengthen food safety controls and support public health monitoring. It uses genomic testing methods to identify viral contaminants in food, allowing faster and more precise analysis.
The lab can process around 60 samples a day, with capacity rising to 100 during emergencies. Officials said the faster turnaround time will help inspectors act more quickly and base decisions on verified data.
The facility relies on digital PCR technology, a molecular testing method used to detect viruses such as norovirus and hepatitis A and E. The system is designed to handle complex food samples, including dairy, seafood, juices and fresh produce, without losing accuracy.
All testing follows ISO/IEC 17025 standards, covering quality and reliability in laboratory work.
Hind Mahmoud Ahmed, Director of Dubai Central Laboratory Department, said the lab is part of a wider plan to build specialised testing facilities using advanced technology, adding that it supports Dubai’s position in food safety oversight.
Beyond routine testing, the lab will also work with universities and research centres. The aim is to build a national database of foodborne viruses and support research, while providing authorities with genetic data to track risks in the food supply chain.