DUBAI // The switch to the metric system will eliminate time-consuming conversions but might give flat hunters the impression that they are getting less space for their money, according to property industry workers. Following the recent shift from gallons to litres at petrol stations, the Emirates Authority for Standardisation and Metrology (ESMA) announced the introduction of the metric system to all sectors, starting with land and plots. Once the implementation is complete, measurements will be made using the metric system as opposed to feet, inches and yards.
"The next sector to start the shift will be land and plots," said Mohammed Saleh Badri, the acting director of ESMA. "We held initial discussions with the land department and other government agencies to set up this unified transition. Other areas will shortly follow." Some in the property sector said they favour the change, as it will allow developers and agencies to be more in tune. John Morgan, the director of P&T Architects and Engineers, Dubai, said the construction industry already uses mainly the metric system in the field.
"The government's decision to switch to the metric system is one we strongly support. The constant conversion can be time-consuming," said Mr Morgan, who has worked in the UAE for 20 years. "The transition period should not be a major disruption issue." David Shuin, the commercial manager for Sherwoods Independent Property Consultants, said the shift will help the UAE move forward. "Even though, from a marketing perspective, an apartment would sound bigger in feet, in reality the size is exactly the same," said Mr Shuin.
"This also makes the relationship between architects and ourselves easier, as we can take information directly from the plan." Mr Badri added that although the transition period will take some time, the move ultimately will be cost-effective. "Once we are in line with the international standard of measurement, issues such as trade will be easier. In a sense, we are also protecting the rights of the consumer with one unified system," he said. "We are very optimistic about this decision which will harmonise the UAE with the international system already in place."
The Government introduced the plan to standardise the metric system in the Emirates in 2006. The first phase was rolled out at petrol stations in April this year. After Ramadan, a formal committee of representatives from relevant governmental bodies across the Emirates will be created. Members will finalise the budget, the methodology and the time frame before going ahead with a road map. A media campaign set up by ESMA will then be launched towards the end of the year to educate consumers on how they will be affected.
However, there could be a natural period of confusion as various sectors apply the new system. Craig Plumb, the head of research at Jones Lang LaSalle, MENA, said the transition will be easier for those international companies already using the metric system. "Obviously this varies from company to company so any move from the government in terms of standardisation will be beneficial," he said. Other sectors that may be affected include the education sector, but since most schools already teach using the metric system, there should be no problem, according to Ghazaly Goghari, a part-time maths teacher.
"In the UAE, the majority of schools have aligned themselves with the Standard International unit so the change is already embedded in their system," said Mr Goghari. @Email:melshoush@thenational.ae