Seminar
Reviews Role of Accreditation in Boosting Oman’s Rating in Quality
Infrastructure Index

Muscat,
16 Feb 2026 (ONA) — The “Empowering the National Accreditation System
and Achieving International Recognition” seminar, organized by the
Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion in Muscat today,
reviewed the role of accreditation in elevating the Sultanate of Oman’s evaluation
in the International Quality Infrastructure Index and the significance of
securing such recognition.

The
seminar highlighted several themes in the field of accreditation, most notably
the Omani Accreditation Center, its committees, and its role in serving
conformity assessment bodies in the Sultanate of Oman. It also addressed the
role of accreditation in raising Oman’s rank in the International Quality
Infrastructure Index, which is issued by the United Nations Industrial
Development Organization (UNIDO), alongside the importance of obtaining
international recognition and enhancing the technical competence of technical
assessors during accreditation processes for laboratories and other related
entities.

Imad
Khamis Al Shukaili, Director General of Specifications and Measurements at the
Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion, stated that the seminar
underscores the Ministry’s commitment to promoting an accreditation culture
among government and private entities.

He
explained that accreditation is a fundamental pillar of quality infrastructure
worldwide, noting that approximately 100 national accreditation bodies globally
have achieved international recognition. These bodies undertake a pivotal role
in ensuring the competence and integrity of assessment and conformity
activities, including laboratories, inspection bodies, and certification
bodies.

He
noted that the Ministry has adopted several initiatives to develop this sector,
launching nine initiatives covering various standardization fields such as
specifications, conformity, metrology, laboratories, and accreditation. Among
these is the initiative to establish the Omani Accreditation Center, for which
a specific roadmap has been prepared—spanning from its establishment to
achieving international recognition.

He
added that various training programs related to different accreditation fields
have been implemented to qualify Omani assessors in testing and calibration
laboratories, inspection bodies, and certification bodies for products,
management systems, and Halal products. Furthermore, a Quality Manual for the
Omani Accreditation Center has been prepared in accordance with international
specifications and requirements.

He
mentioned that through this national project, the Ministry seeks to enhance the
efficiency of the national accreditation system and secure international
recognition for the center, fulfilling the objectives of Oman Vision 2040,
which emphasizes quality, excellence, and innovation as key enablers for
sustainable development.

This
system will serve as an economic tool directly contributing to accelerating the
access of Omani products to international markets, increasing export volume,
reducing export costs, raising the competitiveness of national products, and
diversifying export markets to reduce reliance on specific markets.

He
stated that the next phase of the project to develop the standards and
metrology system will focus on improving the manufacturing sector, food and
pharmaceutical industries, minerals and precious metals, construction
materials, energy, and the environment. He also noted that work is currently
underway to approve the National Halal System and finalize the National Quality
and Standardization Strategy, which serves as a roadmap for developing the
institutional quality infrastructure in the Sultanate of Oman, enhancing Omani
product competitiveness, and supporting exports.

For
his part, Khalid Abdullah Al Saadi, Director General of the GCC Accreditation
Center, explained that the Omani Accreditation Center represents a milestone in
Oman’s quality journey. He described it as a fundamental pillar for empowering
the national economy, enhancing its confidence, and opening new horizons for
Omani products and services in global markets.

He
added that the GCC Accreditation Center has become a regional platform hosting
world-class expertise leading the helm of quality and accreditation on the
international stage, noting that this expertise is not exclusive to the center
but is a wealth of knowledge that the center seeks to localize and invest in
across all GCC countries to achieve global leadership.

—Ends/AG