Ajman Free Zone gets ISO 9001-2001

Ajman Free Zone Authority has obtained the new ISO 9001-2000 requirements, making it the first state department in the emirate to achieve such certification.

The free zone claims to be the second-largest in the UAE, with the number of companies operating out of the complex having risen 15 per cent to 700 by end-2001.

Sheikh Ahmed bin Humaid Al Nuaimi, chairman, Ajman Economic Department, and of the authority, received the certificate from Jeff Gardine, regional manager, ABS International Group.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdullah Al Nuaimi, director general, Ajman Ports and Customs, and of the free zone, was also present on the occasion.

"We look forward to always provide the highest level of service to our clients, considering ISO standard 9001-2000 as the minimum acceptable conditions we should meet in the scope of our business," Sheikh Ahmed commented.

"The new standards comply perfectly with our philosophy of providing the highest level of services to our clients."

Sheikh Ahmed noted winning the certification flows directly from translating the policies and recommendations of His Highness Sheikh Humaid bin Rashid Al Nuaimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Ajman, and the stress on upgrading quality laid by Sheikh Ammar bin Humaid bin Rashid Al Nuaimi, Crown Prince of Ajman.

He added the certification process lasted an entire year and consisted of a five-stage schedule. The first comprised setting up a quality control department; the second entailed staff training; the third on documenting procedures; the fourth an extensive internal audit; and the final a rigorous check by external auditors.