QCC Signs MoU with TRA for Developing ICT Infrastructure Standards and Specifications

Agreement Signed on Sidelines of Abu Dhabi Quality Forum 2014

Abu Dhabi-UAE: 28 April, 2014 - Abu Dhabi Quality and Conformity Council (QCC), the entity responsible for developing quality infrastructure and raising awareness on quality standards in Abu Dhabi, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the UAE Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA) for developing telecommunications infrastructure, specifications and standards on the side lines of Abu Dhabi Quality Forum (ADQF) 2014.

ADQF 2014 is currently underway under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Hazza bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the National Security Advisor and Vice Chairman of Abu Dhabi Executive Council.

The MoU was signed by His Excellency Hussain Salem Al Katheeri, Secretary General of QCC and His Excellency Mohamed Nasser Al Ghanim, Director General of TRA.

Under the terms of the MoU, QCC and TRA will collaborate in developing and updating a manual that outlines international quality standards and specifications for Abu Dhabi’s ICT infrastructure. The two sides will work to step up mutual coordination and communication to implement, follow-up and ensure the participation of telecom operators, municipalities as well as other concerned stakeholders and government departments in the development of the manual.

The MoU also calls for cooperation between QCC and TRA in the field of metrology, which is the science of measurements covering theoretical and practical aspects of measurement including quantity, unit systems and new measurement methods that support the quality of manufacturing processes.

Additionally, QCC and TRA will join forces in organizing workshops, seminars and training courses in quality-related areas. The agreement also mandates the two entities to exchange information and expertise in quality infrastructure and related areas of mutual interest.

Establishing a long term collaborative framework between QCC and TRA, the MoU is expected to accelerate the development of Abu Dhabi’s ICT infrastructure by putting in place relevant standards and specifications for buildings and utility lines. This will enable the emirate to upgrade its telecommunications infrastructure by conforming to the best international quality standards.

ADQF 2014 provides a creative platform for regional and international experts to promote cooperation, exchange knowledge and share best practices to advance Abu Dhabi’s quality infrastructure and enhance its leading position as a hub for quality and conformity.

The two-day conference that concludes today examines standards, measurements, testing capabilities and compliance schemes with the objective of boosting industrial growth in Abu Dhabi. The conference offers participants an opportunity to engage in in-depth discussions on industry best practices and their applications in Abu Dhabi. It also provides recommendations to overcome the challenges facing quality infrastructure in the emirate.

The Abu Dhabi Quality and Conformity Council was established in 2009 to represent the regulatory authorities in Abu Dhabi and raise the quality of the emirate’s exports and locally traded products. QCC works towards promoting a culture of quality, driving Abu Dhabi’s industrial development, supporting the competitiveness of its economy and protecting the rights of customers. These objectives are achieved through empowering regulators to establish and implement product safety, legal metrology and conformity schemes. QCC also sets guidelines and benchmarks to identify and verify that the products manufactured and traded in Abu Dhabi conform to the highest quality standards.