UAE Becomes First Arab Nation Elected to IEC Board

The UAE has achieved a historic milestone by being elected to the Board of the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) for the 2025-2027 term, becoming the first Arab nation to hold a seat on the IEC Board. The election took place at the IEC General Assembly in Edinburgh, United Kingdom, in October, with Farah Al Zarooni, Assistant Under-Secretary for the Standards and Regulations Sector at the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology (MoIAT), receiving unanimous support from IEC National Committee members.

This landmark achievement highlights MoIAT’s commitment to advancing the UAE’s quality infrastructure, including standards, regulations, and conformity schemes. As a key member of the IEC, representing over 170 countries and more than 30,000 experts, the UAE is well-positioned to contribute to global standardization, strengthening the competitiveness of locally manufactured products and enhancing supply chain sustainability.

Dr. Sultan bin Ahmed Al Jaber, UAE Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology, commented, “Becoming the first Arab country to be voted into the IEC Board is a testament to the UAE’s leadership and its dedication to elevating efficiency and performance across sectors. This accomplishment underscores global trust in the UAE’s regulatory framework and quality infrastructure.”

The UAE’s membership on the IEC Board follows its recent inclusion on the Board of the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) in September 2023. Dr. Al Jaber added, “This recognition from the international community reinforces the UAE’s efforts to establish its quality infrastructure as a pillar of industrial growth, in line with the National Strategy for Industry and Advanced Technology, Operation 300bn, and the Make it in the Emirates initiative.”

Representing the UAE at the IEC meetings, Farah Al Zarooni led a delegation that included stakeholders from Abu Dhabi Quality and Conformity Council, Abu Dhabi Department of Energy, ADNOC, DEWA, Space 42, Emirates Global Aluminium, and ABB. “Our work with both government and private sectors aims to boost industry’s competitiveness and sustainability through globally-aligned standards,” Al Zarooni stated. “With over 27,000 standards introduced, IEC Board membership will further integrate UAE standards on the global stage.”

The UAE also participated in the IEC Young Professionals Programme, with Emiratis Majed Bin Zawbaa from ABB and Maha Al Shehhi from DEWA among the nominees. Bin Zawbaa was elected as the IEC Young Professional Leader for Asia and the Middle East for 2024, reinforcing the UAE’s commitment to developing young talent in standardization.

The IEC, a leader in developing international standards for electricity and electronics, facilitates global trade by ensuring quality and safety across sectors. The UAE’s position on the IEC Board strengthens its role as a strategic partner in shaping the future of industry worldwide.