The UAE has ranked fifth globally in the 2026 Quality Infrastructure for Sustainable Development Index among economies with a GDP between US$ 100 billion and US$ 1 trillion.
The index is issued by the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation in cooperation with the International Network on Quality Infrastructure.
The country also ranked first in the Middle East and North Africa region. The results were announced at the 2026 Global Quality Forum organised by UNIDO, coinciding with World Quality Day on November 12.
The index assesses five dimensions: standardisation, metrology, accreditation, conformity assessment and quality policy. The ranking reflects the strength of the UAE’s national ecosystem in supporting industrial readiness, economic resilience and investor confidence.
Dr Sultan Al Jaber, Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology, said the result demonstrates the effectiveness of national policies and reflects growing international confidence in the UAE’s industrial ecosystem. The Ministry’s work supports Operation 300bn and Make it in the Emirates.
Dr Farah Al Zarooni, Assistant Undersecretary for Standardisation Affairs, said the UAE has adopted around 29,000 standards, 92% of which are aligned with international standards. Industry participation in developing them rose from 17% in 2020 to 46% in 2025.
Hasan Jasem Al Nowais, Undersecretary of the Ministry, said the quality infrastructure ecosystem is a strategic enabler for national industry as it expands into global markets, including those of countries with Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreements with the UAE.
The Ministry also plays an active role in international standardisation through the Council of the International Organisation for Standardisation and the management board of the International Electrotechnical Commission. It takes part in more than 188 regional and international technical committees involving over 300 experts.
News Source: WAM
