ISO Certification in UAE
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is widely known to have an especially sophisticated, distinct, and important economy among the GCC countries. Oman and Saudi Arabia are the adjacent neighboring countries, whereas Qatar and Bahrain are also in close proximity. Seven states constitute the Emirates: Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Ras al Khaimah, and Fujairah.
Abu Dhabi is the Emirates’ capital and most populated state, covering 86% of the total land area. The most modern state is Dubai, which only holds 5% of the country’s total land.
Traditionally, the UAE was rich in oil and gas resources but recently has started focusing on expanding its economy through tourism. Dubai is considered to be the region’s pivotal place for economic activities, with many worldwide brands establishing local offices there.
Scope of ISO certification in UAE
ISO Certification in the UAE has a broad reach. The country is making great efforts to standardize processes and adapt to the modern world.
Most major worldwide ISO certification bodies have local offices in the United Arab Emirates. The Emirates International Accreditation Centre (EIAC) mandates these bodies for ISO certification in the UAE.
EIAC is the UAE’s national accreditation agency. It provides ISO certifications in the UAE for various standards, including ISO 9001:2015 for Quality Management Systems.
It also includes ISO 14001:2015 for Environmental Management Systems. Additionally, it offers ISO 45001:2018 for Health and Safety Management Systems. ISO 22000:2018/HACCP certification is provided for food safety management systems. Finally, it provides ISO 27001 for Information Security Management Systems and ISO 22301 for Business Continuity.
EIAC must accredit all foreign ISO certification bodies before they can operate in the UAE. Local governments from various states work closely together to successfully oversee the operations of these Certification organizations. Dubai Municipality is known for its strong leadership and commitment to implementing best management practices.
Dubai is doing exceptionally well, particularly in the food sector. Every enterprise in the food supply chain in Dubai must register with the Food Watch program, and these companies provide regular updates on their actions in this initiative.
The Dubai municipality inspects food establishments regularly and grades them based on their compliance with food safety standards. A comprehensive Dubai food code is also required for all food enterprises in Dubai.
The Dubai municipality encourages food firms to obtain HACCP or ISO 22000:2018 certification for food safety. Before ISO 22000, companies were more familiar with HACCP. Authorities are now pushing ISO 22000 due to its association with other standards.
Sharjah also has good initiatives to standardize business procedures. All food firms are required to provide GHP training for employees and management.
Ajman Municipality has also taken appropriate steps to build management systems with organizations in recent months. It keeps track of all the bodies and auditors that give ISO certification in the UAE, allowing it to closely monitor their activities.
How to obtain ISO certification in the UAE
The process of gaining ISO certification in the UAE includes the following steps:
Gap Analysis: Evaluate current practices against ISO standard criteria.
Documentation: Compiling policies, procedures, and records.
Implementation: Establishing processes to satisfy ISO requirements.
Conduct internal audits: to discover opportunities for improvement.
External audit: conducted by an ISO registrar.
Certification: After successful auditing, the organization earns ISO certification in the UAE, which is valid for three years and requires ongoing surveillance audits.
How do you choose an accredited Certification Body in the UAE?
When selecting a certification authority in the UAE to audit your firm, consider the following:
- The EIAC should accredit any certifying body. Check the Accreditation Certification Bodies directory to see if the body’s name is included.
- Request that the certifying organization send the accreditation certificate. Check if the body has the proper certification scheme. You should approve it for the NACE codes that relate to your company. You can also look up accreditation certifications on the EIAC website.
- Request that the certifying body offer a sample certificate they will issue at the final evaluation. Make sure the certificate has the EIAC and IAF logos. If you find another logo on the certificate, be cautious. You may be dealing with a scammer who offers counterfeit certifications for money.
- Certification lasts three years. This period comprises the first accreditation and two annual assessments. After a three-year cycle, you must recertify for the following cycle.
- Payment in advance for three years of certification is against accreditation requirements, and payments should be made during the initial certification and surveillance audits.
- If you have any doubts, you can write to the certifying body for an explanation. If the body does not respond appropriately or is unable to explain events, you can contact their EIAC to take appropriate action against the certifying organization in that situation.
What is the Cost of ISO Certification in UAE?
The price of an ISO certificate is determined by the size of the organization, the complexity of the business, and the ISO certification businesses that are chosen in Abu Dhabi or Dubai. The cost may also vary depending on training needs, implementation, and auditing fees.
Why Choose Apex SC for ISO Certification in the UAE?
Apex SC offers comprehensive support for ISO certification in the UAE, including training in Dubai.
- ISO Lead Auditor Course in Dubai.
- ISO certification in Abu Dhabi.
- Conduct pre-assessment audits and gap assessments.
- Assist with selecting an accredited certification body.
- Ensure successful ISO certification audits.
Apex SC claims 100% success in acquiring ISO certification in the UAE, emphasizing cost-effectiveness, on-time delivery, and ongoing development. Our post-certification services help organizations stay compliant and benefit from ISO certification.
TUV Apex is your trusted partner for ISO 9001 certification in the UAE, ISO certification in Abu Dhabi, and ISO training services. Contact us immediately to begin your journey toward ISO certification in the UAE.
Get ISO Certified in the UAE Today!
Frequently Asked Questions
It is not mandatory, but it provides numerous benefits and enhances business operations.
Usually, the process of certification takes three to six months from the time of application depending on the size of the organization and the ISO standard required.
Yes, it is accessible to businesses of all sizes, and the investment often pays off through improved efficiency and credibility.
Yes, maintaining it involves periodic audits and compliance with standards’ updates.
Yes, APEX Certifications offers support for certification renewal, ensuring continued compliance with standards.