Muscat: The Public Authority for Special Economic Zones and Free Zones (OPAZ) has earned the globally recognized international standard for Quality Management System certification ISO 9001:2015, marking a new achievement that reflects the OPAZ’s continued commitment to applying best institutional practices, enhancing the quality of services provided to investors, and strengthening the competitiveness of special economic zones, free zones and industrial cities, as well as their role in attracting investment.

The ISO 9001:2015 international standard is based on seven core quality management principles covering internal organisation and relationships with service beneficiaries, including investors and suppliers. It aims to support organisations in improving performance and delivering products and services that meet stakeholder expectations and comply with legal and regulatory requirements. The standard is also considered an effective risk management tool, as it helps identify critical points that may affect quality and enables appropriate measures to be taken. In addition, it enhances professionalism and credibility, strengthens market position, improves competitiveness at both the local and international levels, and prepares organisations for further success and growth in a dynamic business environment.

Haitham Al Shukaili, Director of the Quality and Innovation Department at OPAZ, stated that the OPAZ worked to meet the requirements of this international certification as part of its efforts to enhance the services provided to investors at both the OPAZ’s headquarters and the Special Economic Zone at Duqm (SEZAD). He explained that ISO 9001:2015 contributes to raising quality standards and strengthens institutions’ ability to deliver services that exceed beneficiaries’ expectations, positively impacting satisfaction and loyalty, while also improving operational efficiency through enhanced internal processes and streamlined procedures.

He affirmed that earning ISO 9001:2015 certification for an authority overseeing economic zones represents a strategic achievement with far-reaching impact, reinforcing the OPAZ’s commitment to building trust with investors, partners and government entities, and demonstrating its capability to manage economic zones efficiently and professionally.

Al Shukaili added that the implementation of the quality management system delivers multiple benefits to the OPAZ’s work environment by focusing on improving processes and procedures, fostering an institutional culture that supports innovation, motivates employees, and increases operational efficiency. Comprehensive documentation and guidelines have also been made available to staff to clarify the standards and procedures required for system implementation and to support understanding of assigned roles and responsibilities.

He further noted that the training workshops and meetings held over recent months to establish and activate the quality management system have enhanced employee awareness of the importance of quality and compliance with standards. He emphasised that the OPAZ’s attainment of ISO 9001:2015 certification is the result of collective effort by all employees and underscores their shared commitment to excellence and sustainable development.