UAE Achieves Fifth Place In Global Quality Infrastructure For Sustainable Development Index 2024

The UAE has achieved a significant milestone by ranking fifth globally in the Quality Infrastructure for Sustainable Development (QI4SD) Index this year. This marks a rise of six places since the index was introduced by the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO) in June 2022. The QI4SD Index evaluates how national quality infrastructure systems contribute to sustainable development goals.

The UAE's progress in the QI4SD Index highlights its leadership's vision and the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology's (MoIAT) efforts. These efforts include enhancing standards, regulations, conformity assessments, accreditation, metrology, and market surveillance. The National Committee for Quality Infrastructure has been established to oversee these advancements and provide strategic guidance.

Dr. Sultan Al Jaber, Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology, stated that the UAE's improved ranking reflects its leadership's vision to strengthen supply chains and promote economic diversification. He emphasised that this achievement aligns with global best practices and enhances international confidence in the country's quality infrastructure.

Omar Al Suwaidi, Undersecretary of MoIAT, noted that the National Strategy for Industry and Advanced Technology fosters industrial growth by creating an attractive environment for investors. This strategy strengthens supply chain sustainability and resilience while boosting national self-sufficiency.

Al Suwaidi further explained that the QI4SD Index results demonstrate national efforts to create a legislative environment that promotes trust, efficiency, safety, sustainability, and innovation. The ministry collaborates with strategic partners to update frameworks supporting industrial sector empowerment and adherence to quality standards.

Dr. Farah Al Zarooni highlighted 2024 as a year of achievements for Quality Infrastructure. The UAE secured several prestigious positions, including presidency of the Standards and Metrology Institute for Islamic Countries (SMIIC) from 2025-2027. Additionally, it gained membership on various international standardisation councils.

Commitment to Sustainable Development

Abdulla Al Yazeedi from the Abu Dhabi Quality and Conformity Council praised the UAE's first-place ranking in MENA and fifth worldwide in the Global Quality Infrastructure Index for Sustainable Development 2024. This accomplishment underscores the nation's dedication to enhancing quality infrastructure systems.

Al Yazeedi added that this achievement boosts investment attraction and trade promotion, significantly contributing to the national economy. Coordinated efforts in quality standards, metrology, laboratory development, and national policies have played a crucial role in reaching this milestone.

The UAE's commitment to SMART and Sustainable Quality Infrastructure supports regional innovation and fosters an environment conducive to business growth. With over 27,000 standards implemented by MoIAT so far, local industries are thriving while facilitating trade on a global scale.

With inputs from WAM