Oman Celebrates World Accreditation Day 2026, Noting Role in Quality and Vision 2040

The Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion, represented by the Omani Accreditation Center (OMAC), observed World Accreditation Day 2026 in Oman. The event focused on the theme 'Innovation, Trust, and Sustainability: The Power of Accreditation'. This celebration supports the business and investment environment, facilitating trade movement in alignment with Oman Vision 2040. Dr. Said Sultan Al Busaidi, Director of the Omani Accreditation Center, stated, "The Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion accords great importance to the accreditation system as one of the essential pillars of the quality infrastructure." The event represents efforts to develop the national quality system and enhance the competitiveness of the Omani economy. This annual observance serves as a critical platform to show the significance of accreditation in fostering economic growth and ensuring consumer confidence.

Accreditation's Core Importance

Accreditation serves as one of the fundamental pillars of the quality infrastructure. It is considered a key element in building trust, stimulating innovation, and ensuring the quality of products and services in accordance with international best practices. The World Accreditation Day event contributes to raising the level of confidence in the results of examination, testing, inspection, and certification. This enhanced confidence is vital for both domestic markets and international trade. A key simulation during the event aimed to introduce evaluation and accreditation procedures and enhance awareness of accredited international practices. This focus shows the essential role accreditation plays in supporting strong quality standards across various sectors, thereby strengthening the national quality system. The full approach taken by OMAC ensures that Omani products and services meet global benchmarks, facilitating their acceptance in international markets.

OMAC's Growth and Operations

Dr. Said Sultan Al Busaidi serves as the Director of the Omani Accreditation Center (OMAC). During the first half of 2026, OMAC registered more than 202 conformity assessment bodies, demonstrating an expansion of its operational scope. These registered bodies encompass various types of organizations, including testing and calibration laboratories, inspection bodies, and certification bodies. The registration of these diverse entities notes OMAC's broad reach and its commitment to integrating different aspects of quality assurance under a unified framework. Additionally, the center conducted evaluation and accreditation operations for a number of national laboratories, ensuring their compliance with the international standard ISO/IEC 17025. This rigorous process of evaluation and accreditation is key for maintaining high standards and ensuring the reliability of results produced by these laboratories.

Event Program Notes

The ceremony’s program featured presentations on World Accreditation Day 2026, international recognition of the Omani Accreditation Center (OMAC), and the role quality and accreditation play at Nama Water Services. A presentation also covered the regulatory framework governing testing and calibration laboratories, providing attendees with insights into the legal and operational requirements for these critical facilities. A specialized session titled 'From Registration to Accreditation: An Integrated National Framework to Enhance Laboratory Quality and Efficiency' was also part of the program, offering a detailed look at the journey of conformity assessment bodies from initial registration to full accreditation. The event concluded with a practical simulation demonstrating laboratory assessment operations. This simulation focused on procedures aligned with the international standard ISO/IEC 17025, providing a hands-on understanding of the accreditation process. The full program aimed to educate and engage stakeholders on the multifaceted benefits of accreditation.

Broader Economic Impact

The Omani Accreditation Center (OMAC), under the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion, contributes to Oman's economic development by fostering trust in products and services. This work aligns with Oman Vision 2040, enhancing trade and investment by ensuring that Omani goods and services meet internationally recognized quality benchmarks. Accredited bodies, including those working with Nama Water Services, ensure quality standards, supporting overall economic growth and competitiveness. OMAC's efforts are integral to creating a strong quality infrastructure that not only protects consumers but also empowers Omani businesses to thrive in a globalized economy. The emphasis on innovation, trust, and sustainability through accreditation is a strategic move to secure Oman's economic future.