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The International Organization for Standardization unveiled the new ISO 9001:2026 quality management systems standard with an Arabic edition launched at the same time as the international version, the Qatar News Agency reported from Riyadh on October 5. This step expands availability of international standards in Arabic and aids organizations and experts in the Arab region in applying global best practices for quality management. It further reflects collaborative efforts and integration among Arab states in standardization work. The Qatar News Agency noted that the release builds on productive partnerships that enhance institutional capabilities throughout the area.
GCC Standardization Organization President Engineer Jabor Mohammed Al Naimi stated that the achievement marks a consequential step toward expanding access to international standards for users and stakeholders in Arab nations. Al Naimi added that it supports adoption of global best practices in quality management while improving institutional performance and strengthening competitiveness. The Arabic edition emerged from joint efforts by members of the Arab Translation Management Group responsible for overseeing translations of international standards into Arabic. The Egyptian Organization for Standardization and Quality holds the technical secretariat for the group with active participation from the GCC body as committee rapporteur.
According to the Qatar News Agency, ISO 9001 ranks among the world’s most widely used quality management system standards with the 2026 version representing its sixth edition. The update stems from a periodic review of the prior ISO 9001:2015 edition and introduces changes that enhance clarity of requirements along with ease of use in modern business settings. Greater focus falls on leadership, quality culture and ethical behavior while providing clearer guidance on risks and opportunities plus improved alignment with other management system standards.
The International Organization for Standardization first announced the core update to ISO 9001 in mid-September with Secretary-General Sergio Mujica highlighting how the standard has helped organizations build trust and deliver consistent value to customers worldwide. Mujica said in the ISO announcement, “I am delighted to announce today’s publication of the new edition of ISO 9001, a milestone that reflects both the enduring strength of this International Standard and its ability to evolve alongside the needs of organizations worldwide.” The revised standard adopts the latest harmonized structure for management system standards to simplify integration with related frameworks.
ISO data places the standard as the leading quality management tool applied across every sector of the global economy from manufacturing and technology to healthcare, education and government operations. The International Organization for Standardization noted that the 2026 edition introduces a new section to help users better grasp the intent behind requirements for more consistent application. Targeted revisions aim to improve usability without altering the standard’s established framework that organizations already employ.
The GCC Standardization Organization had previously adopted earlier versions of ISO 9001 as a Gulf technical standard and continues to promote its use among member states. Al Naimi emphasized that the Arabic translation project involved contributions from multiple Arab standardization bodies and specialized experts who reviewed drafts for linguistic and technical accuracy. This coordinated approach ensures the Arabic text maintains fidelity to the approved international content while making it accessible to a broader audience of Arabic-speaking professionals.
