The UAE has secured fifth place in the 2024 Quality Infrastructure for Sustainable Development (QI4SD) Index, rising six positions since its launch by the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO) in 2022. The index categorises the UAE within the ‘L’ group, alongside countries with GDPs between $100 billion and $1 trillion, including Switzerland, South Africa, Singapore, and Finland.
The QI4SD Index evaluates national Quality Infrastructure (QI) systems’ readiness to support sustainable development goals. The UAE’s rapid progress reflects strong leadership and advancements led by the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology (MoIAT) and its partners. These improvements span standards, regulations, conformity assessments, accreditation, metrology, and market surveillance.
Dr Sultan Al Jaber, Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology, highlighted the UAE’s strengthened supply chains, economic diversification, and global alignment of QI systems. He emphasised QI’s role in enhancing industrial competitiveness under Operation 300bn. Omar Al Suwaidi, Undersecretary of MoIAT, noted the UAE’s efforts to establish a robust business environment through sustainable supply chains and national self-sufficiency.
Dr Farah Al Zarooni, Assistant Undersecretary at MoIAT, outlined key achievements, including the UAE securing leadership roles in international QI bodies like SMIIC, ISO, and IEC. She underlined the implementation of over 27,000 standards to boost local industries and trade. Abdulla Al Yazeedi, Acting Secretary General of ADQCC, praised the UAE’s first-place MENA ranking, reinforcing its commitment to sustainable development, investment growth, and global competitiveness.
This recognition reaffirms the UAE’s strategic vision and leadership in advancing Quality Infrastructure, which plays a pivotal role in economic progress and industrial development.
