Oman Celebrates World Accreditation Day: How Commitment to Quality Standards Can Elevate Your Business
BUSINESS REPORTER
MUSCAT, JUNE 22
The Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion, through the Oman Accreditation Centre, celebrated World Accreditation Day 2026 on June 22, focusing on the theme “Innovation, Trust and Sustainability: The Power of Accreditation.” The event attracted numerous officials, experts, and representatives from both government and private sectors, emphasizing accreditation’s vital role in quality infrastructure and its contribution to economic development and sector competitiveness.
During the celebration, the Ministry reaffirmed its commitment to enhancing the national quality system and ensuring the reliability of services, products, and processes. This effort aims to boost confidence in inspection, testing, examination, and certification results, ultimately supporting the business and investment climate while facilitating trade, in alignment with Oman Vision 2040.
In his opening remarks, Dr. Said bin Sultan al Busaidi, Director of the Oman Accreditation Centre, highlighted the Ministry’s significant focus on the accreditation system as a cornerstone of quality infrastructure. He noted that accreditation is essential for fostering trust, stimulating innovation, and guaranteeing product and service quality, all in accordance with international best practices. Dr. al Busaidi stated that the Centre is dedicated to strengthening its regional and international presence and fulfilling the requirements for global recognition, which will enhance the international acceptance of national conformity assessment results, bolster Omani exports, and attract investment.
During the first half of 2026, the Centre registered over 202 conformity assessment bodies, including testing and calibration laboratories, inspection bodies, and certification entities. It also conducted assessments and accreditations of several national laboratories per the international standard ISO/IEC 17025, thereby improving the efficiency of the testing and inspection sector and strengthening confidence in its outcomes both locally and internationally.
The program also featured a visual presentation on World Accreditation Day 2026 by Nouf bint Abdulaziz al Balushi, Head of the Accreditation Department at the Oman Accreditation Centre. She discussed this year’s theme, elaborating on accreditation’s expanding role in promoting innovation, digital transformation, building trust among regulators, the private sector, and consumers, and supporting sustainability across key sectors.
Al Balushi further presented a working paper detailing the international recognition of the Oman Accreditation Centre. This addressed the Centre’s initiatives to implement the international standard ISO/IEC 17011 and the requirements set by regional and international accreditation organizations. The steps being taken aim to secure international recognition, which would enhance acceptance of national conformity assessment results in regional and global markets, thereby reducing the need for re-testing or re-certification.
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The emphasis on accreditation as a cornerstone of quality infrastructure presents a significant opportunity for businesses in Oman to enhance their credibility and competitiveness in the global market. This initiative not only fosters innovation but also builds trust among stakeholders, which is essential for attracting foreign investment. Smart investors and entrepreneurs should focus on aligning their operations with these accreditation standards to leverage the growing demand for quality assurance and gain a competitive edge in both local and international markets.
