The UAE has been ranked fifth in this year’s Quality Infrastructure for Sustainable Development (QI4SD) Index, climbing six places since the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (Unido) launched the index in June 2022. 

 

The QI4SD Index categorized the UAE in the 'L' group that includes countries with GDP between $100 billion and $1 trillion.

 

The QI4SD Index serves as a comprehensive framework converging multiple indicators that evaluate the readiness of national QI systems to contribute to sustainable development goals.

 

The rapid ascent of UAE in this index reflects the exceptional direction of its leaders and highlights the substantial advancements in its Quality Infrastructure driven by the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology (MoIAT) and its stakeholders, reported Wam. 

 

These advancements include improved standards, regulations, conformity assessment systems, accreditation, metrology, and market surveillance. 

 

In a bid to continue its progress in this field, the UAE has established the National Committee for Quality Infrastructure to oversee progress and provide strategic direction to activities related to the growth and development of QI.

 

Dr Sultan Al Jaber, the Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology, said: "The UAE’s latest ranking in the QI4SD Index reflects the vision of the leadership to make our country’s supply chains stronger and more sustainable, while advancing economic diversification."

 

"This milestone reaffirms how the UAE’s Quality Infrastructure is harmonized with regional and international standards and follows global best practices," he stated.

 

"The UAE’s ranking further reinforces international confidence in the country’s Quality Infrastructure, which is driving efficiency, competitiveness and productivity in the industrial sector. Quality Infrastructure is one of the pillars of the National Strategy for Industry and Advanced Technology, Operation 300bn. Robust Quality Infrastructure is vital for attracting industrial investments and enabling smooth trade by removing technical barriers," he added.

 

Omar Al Suwaidi, Undersecretary of MoIAT, said: "The National Strategy for Industry and Advanced Technology supports industrial growth and competitiveness. It is creating an attractive business environment for local and international investors through strengthening the sustainability and resilience of supply chains and enhancing national self-sufficiency."

 

Al Suwaidi said the results of the QI4SD Index reflect national efforts to create a legislative and technical environment that boosts trust, efficiency, safety, sustainability and innovation. 

 

"We are working with our strategic partners to continuously update frameworks to empower the industrial sector and support companies to conform with quality and sustainability standards," he stated.

 

Dr Farah Al Zarooni, the Assistant Undersecretary for Standards and Regulations of MoIAT and Chairman of the National Committee for Quality Infrastructure, said: "2024 has been a year of achievements for Quality Infrastructure. The UAE recently won the presidency of the Standards and Metrology Institute for the Islamic Countries (SMIIC) for 2025-2027."

 

The country was also elected to the board of directors of both the Standardization Council and the Accreditation Council, she stated. 

 

In addition, it secured membership to the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) Council as well as the Board of Directors of the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), she added.