Dubai will be officially recognised as the fifth quality hub of the world and the headquarters of the Middle East Quality Association, which will be officially launched on March 27th, 2006 at a signing ceremony to be held at the Burj Al Arab Hotel. This launch will be part of the First Middle East Quality Association symposium, hosted by e-TQM College as part of its 4th Annual Mega Week. 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 symposium is being held under the patronage of H.H Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai who will also grace the occasion with his presence.
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).
“Dubai being chosen as a quality hub signifies a new milestone in the development of total quality management in the Middle East. Dubai’s long standing commitment towards quality management principles have paid rich dividends, and this recognition will further boost our efforts in setting new benchmarks in TQM practices. This also reinforces e-TQM College’s role in the spread of total quality management principles in the Arab world by offering world-class educational programs in the field of Total Quality Management to the community as well as private and public sector employees. This recognition for Dubai as the fifth hub for Quality 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,” said Dr. Mansoor Al Awar.
“As we gear up to celebrate our fourth year in organizing Quality Management related events, we can be proud of the achievements of e-TQM College over the years, that drives us to stay committed towards our goal of spreading TQM knowledge to as many people as possible, through cutting edge innovation and well-planned educational programs. Moreover, we are glad that we have been able to play an important part in realizing the vision of H.H. Sheikh Mohammed of implementing the best practices of Total Quality Management among organizations from the public and private sector,” 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.
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.
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.
