In a significant achievement, the UAE has ranked fifth globally in the 2024 Quality Infrastructure for Sustainable Development (QI4SD) Index, marking a notable leap of six places since the index was first launched by the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) in June 2022.

This remarkable progress highlights the UAE's growing commitment to sustainability and industrial growth, and its dedication to creating a resilient infrastructure that supports long-term development goals. The QI4SD Index evaluates the preparedness of a country’s national Quality Infrastructure (QI) systems to foster sustainable development and align with global sustainability objectives.

What is the QI4SD Index?

The QI4SD Index was established by UNIDO to assess how effectively nations’ quality infrastructure systems can support sustainable development goals (SDGs). This includes evaluating how well national systems for standards, metrology, accreditation, and conformity assessment align with sustainable development principles.

Countries are classified within various groups based on their performance, and the UAE has secured a place in the 'L' group, which includes global leaders such as Switzerland, Singapore, and Finland. This ranking underscores the UAE’s rapid progress in developing systems that support a sustainable future.

The UAE’s Remarkable Progress

The UAE’s climb in the QI4SD Index reflects the vision and leadership that have been driving the country’s industrial and technological transformation. The Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology (MoIAT) has played a pivotal role in this success, implementing strategies that enhance efficiency, safety, and sustainability across various sectors.

Dr. Sultan Al Jaber, Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology, pointed to the UAE's focus on creating sustainable supply chains and diversifying its economy as key drivers of this achievement. He stated, “The UAE’s latest ranking demonstrates our leadership’s vision to create sustainable supply chains and bolster economic diversification.”

Key Initiatives Driving Success

Several key initiatives have contributed to the UAE’s success in the QI4SD Index:

• National Committee for Quality Infrastructure: The establishment of this committee has strengthened the country’s commitment to quality infrastructure and its integration into global systems.
• Over 27,000 Standards and Regulations: The UAE has implemented an impressive number of standards and regulations aimed at boosting industrial growth, safety, and sustainability across the country.
• International Collaboration: The UAE actively participates in global bodies like the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), ensuring that its quality infrastructure systems align with global best practices.

These initiatives have not only enhanced the efficiency of UAE industries but also positioned the country as a leader in innovation and competitiveness on the world stage.

Building a Future-Ready Economy

Dr. Omar Al Suwaidi, MoIAT Undersecretary, emphasized that the continued development of Quality Infrastructure (QI) systems is essential for fostering innovation, improving global competitiveness, and attracting investments. The QI systems are key to supporting sustainable industrial growth, driving economic diversification, and reinforcing the UAE’s global standing as a hub for industrial innovation.

Furthermore, Dr. Farah Al Zarooni, Assistant Undersecretary for Standards and Regulations, highlighted the country’s leadership roles in key global quality organizations, positioning the UAE as a proactive participant in shaping global standards for sustainability.

What Does This Mean for the UAE’s Future?

This new ranking is not just a testament to the UAE’s commitment to sustainability and industrial excellence—it also lays the groundwork for future growth. By continuously enhancing its Quality Infrastructure, the UAE is not only boosting its global competitiveness but also ensuring the sustainability of its industrial practices.

The UAE's dedication to sustainability, innovation, and quality infrastructure continues to be a key factor in attracting international investment and ensuring that the country remains at the forefront of global development. As the UAE’s economy diversifies and evolves, its robust QI systems will continue to support sustainable growth, while also positioning the country as a leader in global industrial transformation.