Abu Dhabi Quality and Conformity Council earns BSI Kitemark for Innovation

The ADQCC becomes the first government entity in Abu Dhabi to receive ISO 56001 certification and the British Standards Institution's Kitemark for Innovation, cementing its commitment to embedding creative solutions into institutional practice.

Innovation has become the measure of institutional maturity, and few recognise this more keenly than Abu Dhabi’s governing bodies, which are weaving the principles of creative problem solving into the fabric of their work. The Abu Dhabi Quality and Conformity Council has now formalised this approach, becoming the first government entity in the emirate to receive both ISO 56001 certification for its innovation management system and the Kitemark for Innovation from the British Standards Institution, a distinction that speaks to rigorous international standards and genuine commitment to transforming ideas into measurable outcomes.

The recognition was marked at a Certificate Handover Ceremony in November 2026, attended by Abdulla Al Yazeedi, Acting Secretary General of the ADQCC, alongside members of the Council’s executive leadership and representatives of the BSI. The certification represents more than an accreditation; it reflects a deliberate institutional philosophy to build what Al Yazeedi described as an integrated innovation system that converts ideas into solutions, initiatives and projects delivering tangible value and sustainable impact.

The Council’s approach to innovation management aligns with its broader mission to strengthen institutional practices across recognised international frameworks. As the ADQCC works to deepen its readiness for the next cycle of the Abu Dhabi Award for Excellence in Government Performance, particularly within the innovation pillar, this certification provides both validation and momentum. Hamad Al Neyadi, Head of the Youth Team at the Council, emphasised how the achievement reinforces the adoption of global best practice in innovation management, whilst supporting young people in embedding a culture of development and creativity within the organisation. By fostering a work environment that transforms new ideas into initiatives serving the Council’s objectives, the ADQCC is cultivating institutional practices that respond to future priorities and enhance the emirate’s capacity to anticipate opportunities.

The Council’s commitment extends to investing in national talent and empowering its teams to adopt global best practice, ensuring that innovation becomes an integral part of institutional culture. This work complements the emirate’s broader efforts to develop solutions and practices aligned with future priorities. As the ADQCC has shown through its rigorous approach to quality and conformity, the adoption of international standards strengthens institutional readiness and contributes to improving quality of life across Abu Dhabi.

What it means for Abu Dhabi

The ADQCC’s achievement signals that Abu Dhabi’s government entities are embracing innovation not as an aspiration but as a structured discipline. By embedding international standards into its institutional practices, the Council demonstrates how creative problem solving can be systematised, measured and refined. This approach strengthens the emirate’s readiness to anticipate challenges and opportunities, ensuring that government institutions remain responsive to evolving priorities and community needs.

The certification also underscores Abu Dhabi’s commitment to nurturing talent and leadership within its institutions. By fostering an environment where young people and teams are empowered to contribute creative solutions, the ADQCC is building a culture of continuous improvement that extends beyond individual projects to shape institutional behaviour. This investment in innovation capacity positions Abu Dhabi’s public sector to lead in developing solutions and practices that enhance competitiveness and quality of life across the emirate.

Source: WAM