The UAE has positioned itself fifth worldwide in the 2026 Quality Infrastructure for Sustainable Development Index (QI4SD) among economies with GDP ranging from $100 billion to $1 trillion, published by the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) alongside the International Network on Quality Infrastructure (INETQI).
The ranking indicates the robustness of the UAE's national framework for standards, metrology, conformity, and accreditation, along with its contribution to enhancing industrial preparedness, reinforcing economic resilience and competitiveness, attracting investments, and increasing confidence among investors and trading partners.
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Aligning with World Quality Day, observed on November 12 each year, the UAE's position showcases the continuous initiatives by the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology, in partnership with federal and local governmental bodies and the private sector, to advance the goals of the National Strategy for Industry and Advanced Technology (Operation 300bn) and Make it in the Emirates.
Dr. Sultan Al Jaber, Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology, stated that this accomplishment was driven by the vision and guidance of the UAE’s leadership to establish a competitive and advanced industrial sector supported by a cohesive and developed national ecosystem for standards, metrology, accreditation, and conformity assessment. This aids in enhancing the quality and competitiveness of UAE goods and easing their entry into international markets.
This will bolster investment, facilitate the expansion of industrial exports, and strengthen the UAE’s role as a worldwide center for industry and cutting-edge technology, while furthering the aims of Operation 300bn and Make it in the Emirates, enhancing industry's share of GDP and fostering economic diversification.
Hasan Jasem Al Nowais, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology, stated that national initiatives persist in creating an ecosystem that boosts the preparedness and competitiveness of the UAE’s industrial sector while enhancing its attractiveness to investors.
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The outcomes were revealed at the 2026 Global Quality Forum hosted by UNIDO. The UAE was also placed at the top in the Middle East and North Africa region. This illustrates the nation’s advancement and the success of national strategies in creating a cohesive and highly effective quality framework that acts as a crucial foundation for industrial competitiveness, enhances the robustness of the national economy, and eases entry for UAE products into local and global markets.
The Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology is enhancing the UAE’s role in global standardization by actively engaging in the Council of the International Organization for Standardisation (ISO) and the management board of the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC). This allows the UAE to influence global standards, adapt to technological and industrial developments, and enhance its position in standards that affect worldwide trade and industry.
The Ministry collaborates with its government and private-sector partners to take part in over 188 regional and international technical committees, engaging more than 300 experts. This facilitates the exchange of knowledge and skills, involvement in establishing standards, and fortifies the UAE’s industry to address changing technical and technological needs while enhancing the competitiveness of its products in international markets.
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The Sustainable Development Index for Quality Infrastructure is a global benchmarking model created by UNIDO in partnership with the International Network on Quality Infrastructure to evaluate the preparedness of national quality systems and their role in fulfilling the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.