Abu Dhabi-UAE. 6 November 2023: The UAE has participated in the 26th Standards and Metrology Institute for Islamic Countries (SMIIC) Board of Directors Meetings and the 18th General Assembly Meetings, which took place from October 30 to November 1, 2023, in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The meetings were held with the participation of delegations from over 45 countries from the Islamic world, as well as regional and international organizations, with the aim of supporting an integrated framework for quality infrastructure and standardization for member states and enhancing access to global markets. 
 
His Excellency Omar Al Suwaidi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology (MoIAT) and Dr. Farah Al Zarooni, Assistant Undersecretary for the Standards and Regulations Sector at MoIAT represented the UAE at the meetings, as part of its membership in the Board of Directors of SMIIC, Standardization Management Council (SMC) and Multilateral Agreement Council (MAC) 2022-2024. 
 
Quality Infrastructure 
 
His Excellency Omar Al Suwaidi, Undersecretary of MoIAT, said: “The UAE is deeply committed to contributing to the pillars of the quality infrastructure through its active role, as part of a comprehensive strategic vision for sustainable economic growth under The National Strategy for Industry and Advanced Technology. This is in line with the strategy’s objective to enhance confidence in the quality infrastructure ecosystem under the ‘Make it in the Emirates’ initiative, and the ministry's efforts to create an attractive business environment for investors.” 
 
He added: “The quality infrastructure ecosystem is being developed in integration and collaboration with regional and international organizations and bodies, with the firm belief in its ability to play a vital role in the performance of the industrial and advanced technology sector. This contributes to unifying industrial production by aligning technical regulations, standards, measurements, accreditation, and conformity assessment programs with their international counterparts. It also removes technical barriers, promoting trade. We also participated in decision-making and provided recommendations to support collaboration, meet the needs of member countries, and facilitate international trade as well as expand access to global markets.”
 
The UAE was elected to become a member of the Board of Directors of SMIIC, Standardization Management Council (SMC) and Multilateral Agreement Council (MAC) for 2022-2024. It achieved first place in the Middle East and North Africa region and 11th place globally in the Quality Infrastructure for Sustainable Development (QI4SD) Index. This index is issued by the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) and the International Network on Quality Infrastructure. It outperformed countries such as Portugal, Singapore, Finland, Denmark, and Belgium. This achievement supports the development of vital and priority industries, as well as establishing more regional and international partnerships, ultimately enhancing the competitiveness of UAE products across markets.