UAE Hosts First Standards and Metrology Institute of Islamic Countries (SMIIC) in Abu Dhabi

Collaborative Session between QCC and Emirates Authority for Standardization and Metrology Calls for Set up of Experts Panel for Capacity Building

Abu Dhabi-UAE: 26 September, 2013 - The first meeting of the Standards and Metrology Institute for the Islamic Countries' (SMIIC) metrology committee that was jointly hosted by the Abu Dhabi Quality and Conformity Council (QCC) and the Emirates Authority for Standardization and Metrology (ESMA) was recently concluded in Abu Dhabi.

More than 40 representatives from standards and metrology institutions in Islamic countries participated in the two-day meeting that aimed to advance collective efforts in developing a solid infrastructure for the metrology sectors in Islamic countries.

The growing need for Islamic countries to implement effective and qualitative strategies in areas such as quality infrastructure, especially in scientific metrology and legal metrology, was one of the key issues highlighted during the discussions. The meeting additionally stressed on the need to unify efforts for eliminating the emerging challenges to free trade.

Participants at the meeting called for the setting up of an experts committee comprising a delegate from each country to provide technical support in building capacity. The experts concurred that such an exchange would help in the sharing of ideas and technology among calibration laboratories in different Islamic countries.

Dr Helal Humaid Al Kaabi, Executive Director of the Metrology Centre at QCC, said: “This meeting held in collaboration with ESMA reaffirms our commitment to establishing international partnerships in the field of metrology. It also validates our priority to continuously upgrade the application of these standards. The pilot meeting concluded with key outcomes that we are confident will contribute to shaping the metrology infrastructure in the UAE and the region at large.”

Mohammad Al Mulla, Director of Metrology Department at Emirates Authority for Standardization and Metrology (ESMA), and president of Gulf Metrology Association (GULFMET), highlighted the importance of holding SMIIC's development meetings in the UAE.

He said: “The UAE occupies a prime position among the Islamic countries of the world as a hub for free international trade practices and for endorsing best-in-class procedures and policies to support the national economy. The sustained efforts of all SMIIC stakeholders in organizing such meetings and training programs will facilitate skilled professionals to stay updated with industry advances.”

He added: “Islamic countries contribute almost 11 per cent of the world's GDP. This can be further driven with collaborative thinking in areas such as metrology and international standardization. Our participation comes as part of our long term effort to create a convivial trade climate that ensures the protection of trading rights and shapes a healthy dealer environment in the GCC region.”