Abu Dhabi Quality and Conformity Council (QCC) Market Research Report

Background

Established in 2009 under Local Law No. (3), the Abu Dhabi Quality and Conformity Council (QCC) is a government entity dedicated to enhancing the quality of exports and locally traded products in Abu Dhabi. The Council's mission is to lead, facilitate, and develop an efficient, effective, and globally integrated quality infrastructure that promotes a culture of quality, enhances industrial development and competitiveness, and ensures consumer safety. QCC's vision is to develop Abu Dhabi's quality infrastructure to enable global distinction of the Emirate.

Key Strategic Focus

QCC's strategic focus encompasses six key areas:

1. Developing Standards and Specifications: Establishing comprehensive guidelines to ensure product and service quality.
2. Capacity Building of Metrology Systems: Enhancing measurement systems to support accurate and reliable assessments.
3. Strengthening Testing Infrastructure: Expanding and improving laboratory capabilities for diverse testing needs.
4. Launching Conformity Schemes: Implementing programs to certify products and services meet established standards.
5. Protecting Consumer Interests: Ensuring the safety and rights of consumers through rigorous monitoring and enforcement.
6. Ensuring Fair Trade: Promoting equitable market practices to foster a competitive business environment.

These initiatives aim to bolster Abu Dhabi's competitiveness, attract investments, and support national industries in global markets.

Financials and Funding

While specific financial details are not publicly disclosed, QCC operates as a government entity funded by the Abu Dhabi government. Its budget supports various initiatives, including the development of quality infrastructure, laboratory services, and conformity programs. The Council's strategic partnerships with private sector entities, such as the collaboration with G42 Healthcare, aim to enhance service delivery efficiency and achieve financial savings.

Pipeline Development

QCC has undertaken several significant projects to enhance Abu Dhabi's quality infrastructure:

Nutrition Label Initiative: In collaboration with the Abu Dhabi Public Health Centre, QCC launched the "Nutri-mark" label to promote healthier eating habits by providing clear nutritional information on food products. The initiative is set to begin implementation in mid-2025, initially covering oils, dairy products, beverages, bakery products, and baby food.

Personnel Certification Program: Partnering with Union Assessment and Certification, QCC facilitates the issuance of Certificates of Conformity for 72 professions across various fields, aiming to develop a skilled and highly trained workforce in Abu Dhabi.

Technological Platform and Innovation

QCC leverages advanced technologies and methodologies to enhance its services:

Central Testing Laboratory (CTL): Established by merging nine government laboratories, the CTL offers comprehensive testing services, including radiation and environmental checks, for food and beverages, water, building materials, pharmaceuticals, medical devices, cosmetics, and agriculture.

Emirates Metrology Institute: Serving as the national reference for measurement, the institute provides calibration, merit testing programs, consulting, and training services, ensuring measurement accuracy across various sectors.

Artificial Intelligence Integration: Through partnerships with entities like G42 Healthcare, QCC integrates AI-powered solutions to enhance laboratory testing services, improve efficiency, and expand capabilities in life sciences.

Leadership Team

H.E. Dr. Hilal Humaid Al Kaabi: Secretary-General of QCC. Under his leadership, QCC has launched a new corporate identity and initiated various strategic projects to enhance Abu Dhabi's quality infrastructure.

H.E. Engineer Bader Khamis Al Shemili: Executive Director of the Conformity and Standards Services Sector and Chairman of the Standard Technical Committee. He has played a pivotal role in developing technical standards and guidelines, including the "Nutri-mark" label initiative.

Leadership Changes

In September 2022, QCC launched a new corporate identity, marking a new phase in the entity's role and responsibilities within the Abu Dhabi government framework. This rebranding reflects the Council's commitment to continuously improving the Emirate’s quality infrastructure to achieve excellence and global leadership.

Competitor Profile

Market Insights and Dynamics

The quality and conformity sector in Abu Dhabi is integral to the Emirate's economic development, ensuring that products and services meet international standards. The market is characterized by collaborations between government entities and private sector organizations to enhance quality infrastructure and support industrial growth.

Competitor Analysis

Tawazun Quality and Conformity (TQC): A specialized company dedicated to testing and evaluating military and defense equipment and products using advanced technologies and laboratories. TQC aims to ensure the highest standards of quality and safety for defense products, aligning with global benchmarks.

Intertek: A global leader in quality solutions, Intertek has partnered with QCC to support the quality program for the Emirate of Abu Dhabi. The partnership includes advisory services for developing effective quality conformity schemes and operational management services for QCC's testing and certification resources.

Strategic Collaborations and Partnerships

QCC has established several strategic partnerships to enhance its services:

Union Assessment and Certification: Collaborated to issue Certificates of Conformity for 72 professions, fostering the development of a skilled workforce in Abu Dhabi.

G42 Healthcare: Partnered to enhance laboratory testing services, integrating AI-powered solutions to improve efficiency and expand capabilities in life sciences.

Tawazun Quality and Conformity (TQC): Signed a Memorandum of Understanding to strengthen scientific and technical cooperation, focusing on knowledge exchange and expertise sharing in standards and technical conformity assessment.

Operational Insights

QCC's strategic initiatives, such as the establishment of the Central Testing Laboratory and the Emirates Metrology Institute, position the Council as a leader in quality infrastructure services. By integrating advanced technologies and forming strategic partnerships, QCC enhances its operational efficiency and service delivery, contributing to Abu Dhabi's economic development and global competitiveness.

Strategic Opportunities and Future Directions

QCC is poised to capitalize on several strategic opportunities:

Expansion of Conformity Programs: Developing new conformity schemes to cover emerging industries and technologies, ensuring that Abu Dhabi remains at the forefront of quality and safety standards.

Integration of Advanced Technologies: Leveraging artificial intelligence and machine learning to enhance testing and certification processes, improving efficiency and accuracy.

Strengthening International Collaborations: Building partnerships with global quality and conformity organizations to exchange knowledge and best practices, further enhancing Abu Dhabi's quality infrastructure.