Dubai Municipality has launched what it describes as the world’s first smart self-service laboratory for testing the purity of precious metals, including gold, silver, and platinum. The autonomous device, revealed at GITEX Global 2025, is designed to operate without human intervention and delivers results in under one minute using spectroscopic analysis, X-ray technology, and artificial intelligence.

The Smart Gold and Jewellery Testing Lab is a product of collaboration between Dubai Central Laboratory and the Dubai Gold and Jewellery Group. The initiative supports Dubai’s broader strategy to position itself as a leader in advanced technology and as a global hub for precious metals trade.

Dr. Naseem Mohammed Rafi, Acting CEO of the Environment, Health and Safety Agency at Dubai Municipality, said the device was developed specifically for the municipality by a technical team from Dubai Central Laboratory. “This innovation establishes a new global standard for speed, precision, and reliability in laboratory testing for this sector,” she said.

The device’s design prioritizes both accuracy and safety, incorporating features such as remote monitoring, self-calibration, and automated maintenance. Eng. Hind Mahmoud Ahmed, Director of the Dubai Central Laboratory Department, said the lab system integrates fully with existing digital infrastructure and includes built-in emergency response capabilities.

The first unit will be installed at Dubai’s Gold Souk in Deira, with plans for wider deployment across other strategic locations. Dubai Municipality stated the project is part of a larger effort to enhance the emirate’s laboratory services, ensure product compliance, and protect consumer interests in line with international standards.

Photo credits: Government of Dubai Media Office

Oksana Bozhko

Oksana Bozhko is a Contributor to Dubai Voice.