UAE Ranks Fifth in Global Industrial Quality Index 2026

UAE Ranks Fifth Globally in Industrial Quality Infrastructure Index 2026

The UAE has secured fifth place globally in the 2026 Quality Infrastructure for Sustainable Development Index, strengthening its position as a leading regional centre for industrial development and advanced manufacturing.

The ranking, issued by the United Nations Industrial Development Organization in cooperation with the International Network on Quality Infrastructure, also placed the UAE first in the Middle East and North Africa.

The index assesses the systems countries use to maintain product quality, support industrial development and ensure that goods meet recognised technical requirements.

What the ranking measures

The assessment covers five areas: standardisation, metrology, accreditation, conformity assessment and quality policy.

These systems play an important role in ensuring that products meet safety and performance requirements before reaching consumers and international markets.

The UAE's position reflects continued efforts to strengthen its national quality infrastructure and improve the competitiveness of locally manufactured products.

Nearly 29,000 standards adopted

According to the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology, the UAE has adopted approximately 29,000 standards, with around 92 per cent aligned with international standards.

Industrial sector participation in developing standards also increased from 17 per cent in 2020 to 46 per cent in 2025.

Greater participation from manufacturers allows technical requirements to reflect industry needs while helping businesses meet expectations in domestic and overseas markets.

Supporting the UAE's industrial ambitions

The ranking supports the objectives of the National Strategy for Industry and Advanced Technology, also known as Operation 300bn, and the Make it in the Emirates initiative.

The government has been working to strengthen industrial capabilities, encourage investment and increase the contribution of manufacturing to the national economy.

A reliable quality infrastructure can also make it easier for UAE companies to access international markets, particularly where trading partners require products to meet specific technical standards.

Why this matters

Industrial standards are not simply technical requirements. They influence product reliability, consumer confidence, export opportunities and the ability of businesses to compete internationally.

The UAE's latest ranking highlights the role of regulation, technical expertise and cooperation between government and industry in building a competitive manufacturing sector.

The next challenge will be maintaining this progress while supporting new technologies, local production and the development of advanced industries.