ABU DHABI // A new system of measurement is to be introduced as the UAE prepares to phase out feet, inches and yards in favour of the metric system. Mohammed Saleh Badri, the acting director of the Emirates Authority for Standardisation and Metrology (ESMA), yesterday announced the shift from the imperial system to metres in all official transactions in the country, according to WAM, the state news agency. No date was given for when the change would come into force.
It follows the switch from gallons to litres at service stations, which started on January 1 this year. A massive media campaign on the merit of the conversion to the metre on the national economy will be undertaken, said the WAM report. "A national action committee, made up or representatives of all relevant entities, will be set up to develop a plan for streamlining the shift to the metre," said Mr Badri.
He was speaking at the end of a symposium organised by ESMA to discuss the replacement of feet and yards with the metre in official and commercial activities, especially the property sector. One metre is equivalent to 3.28 feet. The statement said the new system would ensure quality levels of measurement for national and local products. Countries which have adopted the metric system include Canada, Australia and Japan. In the United Kingdom, miles, yards, feet and inches continue to be used for road traffic purposes.
* The National
