UAE Achieves Historic Milestone As First Arab Nation On International Electrotechnical Commission Board

The UAE has achieved a significant milestone by being elected to the Board of the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) for the 2025-2027 term. This makes it the first Arab nation to join the Board. The election occurred during the IEC General Assembly in Edinburgh, UK, in October. Farah Al Zarooni, Assistant Under-Secretary for the Standards and Regulations Sector at the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology (MoIAT), received unanimous support from all IEC National Committee Members.

The UAE's involvement with the IEC is crucial as it joins 170 countries in a standardisation platform that includes over 30,000 experts globally. This membership allows the UAE to exchange knowledge and best practices in standardisation, boosting local product competitiveness and supply chain sustainability. Dr. Sultan bin Ahmed Al Jaber, Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology, remarked on this achievement: "Becoming the first Arab country to be voted into the IEC Board is a significant achievement for the UAE and is in line with the vision of the UAE’s leadership, as well as its commitment to supporting capacity building, raising efficiency and enhancing performance in all sectors."

Dr. Al Jaber highlighted that this accomplishment aligns with the UAE’s strategic goals under its National Strategy for Industry and Advanced Technology, Operation 300bn, and Make it in the Emirates initiative. He stated that "This accomplishment reflects the international community’s acknowledgement of the UAE’s efforts to build its quality infrastructure system into one of its key pillars of industrial growth." The membership will enhance UAE industries' competitiveness globally while strengthening its role as a major partner in shaping future industry standards.

In September 2023, it was announced that the UAE had also secured a position on the Board of the International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO). This further underscores global confidence in the UAE's regulatory framework and quality infrastructure leadership. Dr. Al Jaber added that this recognition supports local industries, small and medium enterprises (SMEs), and products by facilitating trade with other nations.

Farah Al Zarooni led a delegation from various sectors including representatives from Abu Dhabi Quality and Conformity Council (ADQC), Abu Dhabi Department of Energy, Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC), Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA), Space 42, Emirates Global Aluminium (EGA), and ABB at the IEC meetings. She stated: "The ministry works alongside partners from local government and private sector to enhance efficiency, productivity, sustainability and competitiveness of industry through creating standards and regulations that comply with best international practices."

The ministry has introduced over 27,000 standards so far. Al Zarooni emphasised that membership on the IEC Board will bolster efforts to align UAE standards globally. This integration aids in opening new markets for UAE products by harmonising them with international standards.

Empowering Youth Through IEC Initiatives

The UAE also participated in the IEC Young Professionals Programme during its involvement at the General Meeting. This programme focuses on developing skills among youth in standardisation fields. Each year, two young Emiratis are nominated to participate; Majed Bin Zawbaa from ABB and Maha Al Shehhi from DEWA were selected this time. Bin Zawbaa was elected as a leader for Asia and Middle East region for 2024.

The IEC plays an essential role internationally by setting standards for electricity, electronics, and related technologies. Its mission is to facilitate global trade through international standards ensuring quality and safety across industries worldwide.

With inputs from WAM