Dubai was today (Monday, March 27th, 2006), officially recognised as the fifth quality hub of the world and the headquarters of the Middle East Quality Association, which was launched today at the Burj Al Arab Hotel, Dubai. The announcement was made on the sidelines of the First Middle East Quality Association symposium, hosted by e-TQM College as part of its 4th Annual Mega Week. The event is sponsored by TECOM investment as the main sponsor and the Dubai Quality Group.
This recognition for Dubai is a reflection of the emirate’s commitment towards quality and also highlights the significant role played by the UAE and e-TQM College in propagating total quality management principles in the region.
The Middle East Quality Association will join the other four quality hubs namely: America - The American Society for Quality (ASQ); Europe - European Organisation for Quality (EOQ); Asia Pacific - Asia Pacific Quality Organisation (APQO) and Japan - Japanese Union of Scientists and Engineers (JUSE).
Dr. Mansoor Al Awar, Vice President, e-TQM College, “This recognition for Dubai marks the beginning of a new chapter for the region in the realm of total quality management. Dubai’s commitment to quality has been recognised globally, and as the fifth quality hub of the world, Dubai will pave the way for the rest of the region to achieve greater standards in quality. The creation of a hub for quality will contribute to economic growth and development in the MENA region, while facilitating free flow of information and exchange of ideas, experiences and best practices.”
“Dubai’s recognition as a quality hub follows the Burj Al Arab Quality Declaration, which was signed by Sheikh Mohamed bin Rashid Al Maktoum in March 2006. The Declaration comprises of 12-points on the standards for quality management in the Middle East. The e-TQM College had actively promoted the declaration in many countries around the world such as China, USA and Japan
also underlines the significant role played by e-TQM College in the spread of total quality management principles in the Arab world by offering world-class educational programs in the Total Quality Management, to the community as well as private and public sector employees. We are glad that a combined effort by the corporate sector, individuals and the government, has resulted in complementing the vision of H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, to place Dubai at the forefront of quality initiatives,” he added.
The mission of the Middle East Quality Association is to use quality as a catalyst for economic growth and development and for the betterment of living in the Middle East; to create opportunities for individuals and organizations through the advancement of total quality knowledge and by working collaboratively and through partnerships.
“The quality imperative has demonstrated its influence in all important geographical regions of the world, such as the Americas, the Asia Pacific region and Europe. Even newly emerging economies like China and India are strong advocates of quality and have clearly demonstrated the competitive power that comes from the adoption of quality principles. The establishment and hosting of Middle East Quality Association will further enhance Dubai’s reputation in this regard and reaffirm the commitment of the government in the promotion of partnerships and harmonious relationships with all countries of the world,” added Al Awar.
Middle East Quality Association’s primary objectives are to encourage the adoption of TQM at all levels in the Middle East region through awareness and education programs; promote common interests, share experiences and facilitate regular exchanges and the free flow of ideas amongst the region; to use the Middle East Quality Association as a catalyst for propelling quality in all spheres of life and help build a common purpose through quality amongst neighboring nations.
The Founding Members of the Middle East Quality Association comprises of 15 member countries and includes Dubai Quality Award – UAE, Dubai Quality Group – UAE, Sheikh Khalifa Excellence Award – UAE, Saudi Arabia Quality Council-Western Region – Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Bahrain Quality Society – Kingdom of Bahrain, Jordan Society Quality –Jordan, Lebanese Society for Quality – Lebanon, Iranian Society of Quality Managers – Iran, Quality and Productivity Society of Pakistan – Pakistan, KalDer-Turkish Society for Quality- Turkey, Libyan Quality Society- Libya, Productivity and Quality Institute – Egypt, Institute of Quality Malaysia – Malaysia and the Bangladesh Society for Total Quality Management – Bangladesh.
About e-TQM College:
e-TQM College is a Dubai-based institution that has pioneered e-learning in the Middle East by launching world-class online courses in Total Quality Management. Launched in September 2002, the college is the first of its kind in the world. It has been recognized by EFQM, a leading European body for quality management, and has been accepted as a key member of the British Quality Foundation. It aims to be the college of choice for Total Quality Management in the Arab world.
e-TQM College provides e-learning programs to private and public sector employees as well as members of the public. Courses include Foundation Diploma in TQM, Excellence Best Practice Series and Certificate in Quality in Policing.
