Abu Dhabi launches professional framework to elevate animal welfare standards across the Emirate
The Abu Dhabi Quality and Conformity Council, collaborating with the Department of Municipalities and Transport, has introduced a comprehensive suite of professional conformity programmes designed to advance competency in the animal sector and reinforce commitment to animal welfare across the Emirate.
In a significant advancement for the animal affairs sector, the Abu Dhabi Quality and Conformity Council has unveiled a series of professional conformity programmes developed in partnership with the Department of Municipalities and Transport. Crafted through consultation with leading experts from government entities and the private sector, these initiatives establish a unified professional framework that elevates service quality whilst strengthening the principles of animal welfare throughout Abu Dhabi and the wider United Arab Emirates.
The programmes represent a strategic commitment to standardising professional requirements and competencies across the animal sector, ensuring that all practitioners meet rigorous international best practice standards. By establishing common requirements and procedures, the initiatives enhance quality, safety and compliance whilst reinforcing the regulatory oversight system that underpins the sector’s sustainability and the nation’s competitive standing in adopting globally leading practices in quality and conformity.
Eight Specialised Occupational Pathways
The conformity framework encompasses eight principal occupational roles: veterinarian, animal welfare specialist, animal care technician, and the managers and workers of retail establishments specialising in pets and ornamental birds and fish. Additionally, the programmes address the technicians and supervisors responsible for handling and restraining animals across diverse categories. Upon completion of structured training and examination, participants are awarded conformity certificates that attest to their attainment of the highest standards of professional competency.
The programmes prioritise the humane and safe treatment of animals, incorporating advanced standards that address every aspect of animal management: capture, restraint, transport, sheltering and care. The framework equally addresses retail operations and the comprehensive requirements of occupational health and safety, biosecurity, hygiene and meticulous documentation practices.
Strategic Impact and Institutional Collaboration
His Excellency Engineer Badr Khamis Al Shamili, Executive Director of the Conformity Services and Standards Sector at the Council, emphasised that the programmes reflect the institution’s dedication to strengthening professional competencies in priority sectors and improving service quality in alignment with Abu Dhabi Government’s vision of establishing a sustainable working system founded on quality and innovation. “The programmes represent an important step towards unifying professional standards for those working in the sector in a way that raises competency and compliance, strengthens animal welfare practices, and develops a more professional and sustainable working environment,” he observed.
His Excellency Fahad Ali Al Shehhi, Acting Executive Director of the Municipal Services Operations Support Sector at the Department of Municipalities and Transport, underscored the significance of this collaborative endeavour. “We are working to develop an integrated system for animal affairs in the emirate, focused on regulating activities, strengthening workforce capabilities, and improving service quality and compliance levels,” he stated. “Our cooperation with the QCC reflects the complementary legislative and technical roles of the relevant entities. It will help standardise practices, and enhance the effectiveness of oversight, whilst enhancing safety and biosecurity, supporting public health, community safety, and the sustainability of the sector.”
The programmes extend their benefits across the services economy by developing professional competencies and elevating professionalism throughout the sector, thereby cultivating public confidence in the services provided and establishing unified professional references. This collaborative framework contributes meaningfully to public health, environmental safety and service quality, positioning Abu Dhabi as a leading model in developing sophisticated quality and conformity systems.
Source: Abu Dhabi Media Office