UAE Ranks Fifth Globally in 2026 Sustainable Development Quality Infrastructure Index

The United Arab Emirates has ranked fifth globally in the 2026 Quality Infrastructure for Sustainable Development (QI4SD) Index within the group of economies with a GDP between US$100 billion and US$1 trillion, according to Emirates News Agency (WAM). The ranking was issued by the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO) in collaboration with the International Network on Quality Infrastructure (INETQI).

The index evaluates national systems across five core dimensions: standardisation, metrology, accreditation, conformity assessment, and quality policy. The announcement coincided with World Quality Day, observed annually on 12 November.

WAM reported that the ranking reflects ongoing coordination led by the UAE Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology alongside federal, local, and private sector partners. These efforts align with the UAE's National Strategy for Industry and Advanced Technology, known as Operation 300bn, and the Make it in the Emirates initiative.

Dr. Sultan Al Jaber, UAE Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology, stated that the ranking demonstrates the effectiveness of the country's regulatory frameworks and standards ecosystem. He added that the achievement reinforces international confidence in UAE industrial products and facilitates their access to global markets.