The GCC Accreditation Center, joined with the Ministry of Commerce, Industry & Investment Promotion in the Sultanate of Oman, participated in the celebrations of World Accreditation Day under the theme “Accreditation Empowers Tomorrow and Builds the Future.”

The occasion also marked the announcement of opening the GCC Accreditation Center branch in Oman, aimed at bolstering the Omani Accreditation Center’s initiatives. Eng. Moteb Al-Mezani, GAC’s Director General, emphasized the branch’s support for Oman’s endeavors to enhance product quality and competitiveness, aligning with the Industrial Strategy 2040 vision.

He underscored collaborative efforts with Oman’s General Directorate of Standards and Metrology, emphasizing the center’s role in elevating Omani products’ quality through laboratory development and certification processes adhering to international standards.

Mr. Imad Al Shukaili, Director General of Standards and Metrology, highlighted the Ministry’s commitment to registering conformity assessment bodies and providing proficiency testing programs for laboratories, aiming to enhance efficiency and global recognition.

Dr. Saeed bin Sultan Al Busaidi, Director of the Accreditation Office, emphasized Oman’s awareness efforts on International Accreditation Day and highlighted the partnership with the GCC Accreditation Center in establishing a branch in Oman. This move aligns with the National Accreditation Center’s objectives and facilitates accreditation procedures for conformity assessment bodies.

The newly opened branch will facilitate Oman’s representation in regional and international accreditation forums, fostering mutual recognition agreements with national accreditation bodies worldwide. This will streamline certification processes and enhance product and service flow across borders.

A workshop titled “Empowering Laboratories” was organized to address challenges faced by the laboratory sector, emphasizing collaboration among stakeholders to simplify procedures and develop regulations. Representatives from testing and calibration laboratories, suppliers, and maintenance companies participated in identifying solutions to sectoral challenges.