Qatar-based GAB becomes the first accreditation body from the MENA region to sign APAC's MRA for GHG Accreditation
This development follows GAB's earlier success in 2024, when it became an MRA Signatory of both the Asia Pacific Accreditation Cooperation (APAC) and the International Accreditation Forum (IAF) for accreditation of Management System Certification Bodies. GAB's elevated status not only enhances its international recognition but also uniquely positions it as the first and only Accreditation Body Member in the MENA region to be part of APAC MRA group with a scope of GHG validation and verification.
Speaking about the latest milestone, Dr. Yousef Alhorr, Founding Chairman of GAB, said, 'By becoming APAC's MRA Signatory for the accreditation of GHG validation and verification bodies, we are directly addressing the increasing demand for robust and transparent GHG accounting, aligning with international frameworks. By ensuring that VVBs accredited by GAB operate under a rigorous, internationally recognized accreditation framework, GAB is steadily progressing towards its goal of empowering stakeholders in the MENA region and other neighboring countries. To this end, it will assure that GHG validation and verification processes operated under accreditation from GAB are technically sound and adhere to the international standards, fostering confidence and paving the way for a sustainable, low-carbon future.'
GAB's extended MRA signatory status will significantly benefit organizations and VVBs operating within the MENA region and neighboring countries. It will provide them with easier access to internationally recognized accreditation services for GHG validation and verification. GHG reports originating from VVBs accredited by GAB will gain greater acceptance within international markets that acknowledge the APAC MRA. This will ease trade barriers and enhance market access for organizations relying on these verified reports. Simplifying their selection process, organizations seeking GHG validation and verification services can now select GAB-accredited bodies with confidence, assured that these VVBs meet rigorous international standards. Ultimately, GAB's MRA status will empower organizations to accurately measure, report, and reduce their greenhouse gas emissions which will significantly contribute to broader global sustainability objectives and climate action initiatives within the region.
GAB's extended MRA signatory status will amplify its existing portfolio and influence within the accreditation landscape. Having already accredited five VVBs—two based in Qatar and three in India—under this expanded scope, GAB is demonstrating its growing capacity to support GHG validation and verification services. With many other applicant bodies currently undergoing rigorous review at various stages of GHG-related accreditation, this momentum suggests a substantial increase in GAB's accredited partners.
About GAB:
Global Accreditation Bureau (GAB) is the first and only accreditation body established in Qatar by GORD as an independent legal entity to provide accreditation services to third party conformity assessment bodies (also known as Certification Bodies). It is the first to start providing accreditation services as per ISO 17029:2019 & ISO 14065:2020 to organizations providing validation and/or verification of environmental information and greenhouse gas (GHG) assertions for organizations (ISO 14064-1 & ISO 14064-3) and projects (ISO 14064-2 & ISO 14064-3).
For more information, contact:
Hussam Othmany
Director, Marketing & Corporate Communications
email: h.othmany@gord.qa
Farwa Zahra
Senior Public Relations Specialist
email: f.zahra@gord.qa
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Zawya
4 hours ago
- Zawya
Nakilat and KEXIM launch first financing package for 25 Korean-built conventional LNG vessels
Doha, Qatar – Nakilat has launched the first financing package with the Export-Import Bank of Korea (KEXIM) for 25 conventional Korean-built LNG vessels that will be fully owned and operated by Nakilat. This initial financing launch follows the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Company and KEXIM and marks a significant milestone in the Company's strategic growth and international collaboration. The partnership represents a pivotal step in Nakilat's long-term strategy to expand its fleet with cutting-edge LNG carriers, and to support QatarEnergy's historic LNG shipbuilding program and its LNG expansion project. The agreement underscores the strong economic ties between Qatar and the Republic of Korea, while enabling Nakilat to secure financing for the construction of new vessels at leading Korean shipyards. Eng. Abdullah Al-Sulaiti, the Chief Executive Officer of Nakilat, stated: 'Through this partnership, Nakilat has secured vital financial resources for the fleet expansion, which reflects the strong belief in our financial stability and strategic operational capabilities. This collaboration highlights Nakilat's strong commitment to leveraging international partnerships to advance its global market position and support Qatar's position as a global leader in the LNG industry.' KEXIM's participation, as a Korean government-backed financial institution, represents a strong endorsement of Nakilat's project. It provides a layer of financial assurance, contributing to secure necassary funding for Nakilat's Ship building requirements despite global market volatility and geopolitical risks. Renowned for its rigorous standards, KEXIM undertakes thorough financial, technical, and legal due diligence before committing to any project. Its involvement serves as a catalyst, encouraging broader participation from other financial institutions in future debt tranches. This collaboration also builds on a strong precedent, as KEXIM was the initial financier for Nakilat's first round of fleet financing in 2006, which included 25 LNG carriers. This renewed partnership reflects a continued legacy of trust and cooperation. With the vessels being constructed in Korea, securing the initial financing package from KEXIM positions the project as a full-cycle, government-backed export finance initiative, reinforcing its credibility and attractiveness to investors. This not only strengthens Nakilat's financial foundation but also aligns with its vision to be a global leader in LNG transportation ABOUT NAKILAT Nakilat is a Qatari Public Shareholding Company which is originally listed on the Qatar Stock Exchange in 2005. As a shipping and maritime company, Nakilat provides an essential transportation link in the State of Qatar's LNG supply chain. Its LNG shipping fleet is one of the largest in the world, comprising of 69 LNG vessels. Nakilat also owns and manages one FSRU and two large LPG carriers. Nakilat operates the ship repair, industrial and offshore fabrication facilities at Erhama Bin Jaber Al Jalahma Shipyard in Ras Laffan Industrial City via strategic joint ventures: Qatar Shipyard Technology Solutions and QFAB. Nakilat also offers a full range of marine support services to vessels operating in Qatari waters. For more information, visit: For media inquiries, please contact: Mr. Shammi Mohan, Head of Public Relations smohan@
Zawya
4 hours ago
- Zawya
Lafarge Egypt marks the successful conclusion of major sustainability and cement industry events
Cairo: Lafarge Egypt, a member of Holcim Group and a leading provider of innovative and sustainable building materials, proudly concludes its platinum sponsorship of two significant industry events held in Cairo this June, the Sustainability & ESG International Summit 2025 and the Cementitious Materials Congress EMEA 2025. Organized by Industry Link, a European entity renowned for hosting impactful summits, these events were held for the first time in Egypt and the wider region, serving as strategic platforms to advance dialogue around decarbonization, green construction, and regulatory innovation in the cement industry. Participation in these summits embodies the Holcim Group's 'NextGen Growth 2030' strategy, which emphasizes sustainable construction through low-carbon solutions. This approach aligns with Egypt's Vision 2030, highlighting Lafarge Egypt's commitment to sustainability, innovation, and cross-sector collaboration to support national and regional climate goals. The events brought together a distinguished group of policymakers, industry leaders, and academic experts, calling for a unified roadmap for green transformation. A key consensus emerged around the need for transparent, standardized Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) reporting, now recognized as an essential business imperative rather than a voluntary initiative. Lafarge Egypt demonstrated how ESG is embedded across its operations, reinforcing stakeholder trust, improving performance, and showcasing a measurable commitment to decarbonization. Among the congress's most important outcomes was a unified call to accelerate the certification process for the supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs). This step is vital for reducing the industry's clinker factor, scaling the adoption of low-carbon alternatives, and supporting Egypt's climate ambitions. The events also spotlighted the importance of academic-industry collaboration to drive innovation in sustainable construction. A proposed consortium between leading cement producers and Egyptian universities to focus on developing the green SCMs, fostering a robust pipeline of next-generation, low-carbon building materials. In parallel, strong emphasis was placed on advancing circular economy practices. The sector reaffirmed its commitment to increasing the co-processing of waste as alternative fuels reducing dependence on fossil fuels while contributing to Egypt's waste management objectives. Additionally, the industry is accelerating the adoption of digital and AI-powered technologies, including smart plant operations and predictive maintenance systems, to optimize energy use, lower emissions, and scale green cement production. Through its sponsorship and strategic contributions, Lafarge Egypt, a member of Holcim Group, reaffirmed its leadership in shaping a more resilient, inclusive, and environmentally responsible construction sector. The company remains dedicated to fostering impactful dialogue, leading Egypt's transition toward a low-carbon built environment.
Zawya
a day ago
- Zawya
QIB expands its mobile app features to enhance customer experience
Doha, Qatar – Qatar Islamic Bank (QIB), Qatar's leading digital bank, has introduced a series of new features to its award-winning Mobile App and the QIB Lite App, further strengthening its digital offering and enhancing access to essential financial services for all customers. QIB has enhanced its Instant Credit Card feature by extending it to all eligible customers without requiring a salary transfer to QIB. The feature enables non-salaried customers to instantly apply for and receive a Credit Card via the QIB Mobile App, backed by a lien—a temporary hold—on a deposit or account balance. This update simplifies access to credit and offers customers greater flexibility and control over their finances. Additionally, QIB has expanded its Instant Cash Pickup service to include Pakistan through direct API integration with Habib Bank Limited (HBL) via both QIB Mobile App and QIB Lite App. The Cash Pickup service enables QIB customers to send money securely to beneficiaries in Pakistan, who can collect the cash instantly from any participating HBL branch. The new corridor builds on the existing Cash Pickup network covering Jordan, Egypt, and the Philippines, offering valuable remittance options to Qatar's expatriate communities. Among the newly introduced services, the Salary Advance feature is now available for eligible low-income earners (WPS) through the QIB Mobile App as well. Customers can instantly access up to 80% of their net salary in just a few steps. The service offers a one-time settlement in the following month and a fixed monthly profit rate of only 1%, making it a simple, fast, and affordable solution for customers needing short-term liquidity. The service is now available on both QIB Mobile App and QIB Lite App. Commenting on the launch, Mr. D. Anand, QIB's General Manager – Personal Banking Group, said: 'These new features reflect our ongoing efforts to build a more inclusive and responsive digital banking ecosystem. By listening to our customers and understanding their needs, we are continuously delivering solutions that improve financial access, convenience, and control. Whether it is helping customers bridge short-term expenses, access credit instantly, or support families abroad, QIB remains committed to customer-centric innovation. The continuous releases of new features is a testament to our promise to always expect more from QIB.' With over 320 features and an enhanced user interface, the QIB Mobile App has become the preferred banking channel for QIB customers. The app offers customers full control over their accounts, cards, financing, and transactions, and enables them to fulfil all their banking requirements remotely. Customers can also open new accounts, apply for financing or credit cards, and book deposits instantly and securely. Available on the App Store, Google Play, and Huawei AppGallery, customers can download the QIB Mobile App and self-register using their QID and PIN. For more information, please visit
