GCCLAB

The Gulf Association for Laboratories (GCCLAB) is an open network for laboratories and supporting companies operating in the GCC member states. It was established as an initiative of the GSO and the recommendations of the first GCC conference for Laboratories proficiency (Dubai, 13 March 2013). It is the result of a strategic vision that places laboratories at the core of GSO’s concerns to enhance the Quality infrastructure in Gulf Countries.

Representing the professional and commercial interests of laboratories at the local, regional and international levels.
Work to exchange views locally, regionally and internationally on topics of mutual interest (laboratory management, quality assurance in laboratories, proficiency testing, …).
Encouraging laboratories in Member States to obtain accreditation from the Gulf Accreditation Center (GAC).
Introducing laboratories locally, regionally and internationally while highlighting their role in the field of international trade;
Participate in the preparation and review of local, regional and international standards.
Encouraging laboratories to perform Gulf Conformity Assessment Procedures to products and commodities in accordance with Gulf technical regulations and standards.
Building the technical capacity of the emerging laboratories in the Member States to increase the efficiency of their work and reach their accreditation through the provision of courses and consultations from the competent bodies in the Member States.
Establish a local, regional and international network of scientific and technical contacts to deal with the professional and commercial interests of the members.
Strengthen cooperation between members and benefit from their experiences and coordination and integration among them.

The General Assembly: It includes one representative for each of the participating members and is chaired by the Chairman of the Board.

The Board of Directors: composed of 12 members elected by the General Assembly of members belonging to the full membership category. Currently chaired by His Excellency the Secretary General of Gulf Standardization Organization, in addition to the Secretary of the Assembly representing the GSO.

Current Board of Directors Composition:

Chairman: H.E. Mr. Saud Al-Khusaibi, Secretary General of GSO;
Vice-Chairman: Mr. Abdul Aziz Al Obaidan, Chief Executive Officer (INCO Industrial Laboratories);
Treasurer: Mr. Khalid Mohammed Al-Aqeel, Director of Government Relations (MOAYANA);
Member: Eng. Ahmed Dhib Yaghi, Director of Quality Management (the Arab Company for Laboratories and Soil);
Member: Mr. Saleh Al Rumaihi, Director of Central Laboratories Department (Ministry of Environment of Qatar);
Member: Dr. Mustafa Qassem, Former Executive Director of Laboratories (Food Sector)-(Saudi General Authority for Food and Drug Administration);
Member: Eng. Adel Osamah Sayed, Quality Manager of Al Borg Medical Laboratories.
Member: Eng. Faisal Basaleem, – CleanAir Arabia.
Member: Mr. Walid Mahfouz, Director of Operational Excellence and Development (Bureau Veritas).
Member: HE Mr. Fadi Dokdouq, Director of Laboratory Center (TUV Rheinland Laboratories).
Member: Mr. Hossam Magdy Ahmed, Director of Laboratory and Product Development (Carrier Middle East).
Member: Abdullah Abdulrahman Alhamoudi, Representative of MOTABAQAH.
Member: Representative of Gulf Standardization Organization (Secretary of the GCCLAB).

Steering committee.
Government Laboratories Committee.
Private Laboratories Committee.

Membership categories

The membership is divided to:

Full membership
Affiliate membership
Individual membership
Honorary membership

All branches of any organization can join the GCCLAB separately provided that these branches fulfill the membership qualifications and pay the fees.

Qualification for membership

Qualification for Full Membership:
- Governmental Laboratories in Member States that have been working in laboratory activities for more than 2 years.
- Private Laboratories in Member States that have been working in laboratory activities for more than 2 years.
- The laboratory must have the Independency, Integrity and Impartiality. (ISO/IEC 17025 or ISO/15189)
- The laboratory must have a Quality Management System conforming at least to ISO 9001 or similar.
- The laboratory must have the trend to be accredited to ISO/IEC 17025 or ISO 15189.
Qualification for Affiliate Membership:
- Governmental Laboratories in Member States that have been working in laboratory activities for less than 2 years, or did not fulfill the full membership requirements.
- Private Laboratories in Member States that have been working in laboratory activities for less than 2 years, or did not fulfill the full membership requirements.
- Entities in Member States that supply supporting services to the private or governmental laboratories.
Qualification for Individual Membership: Natural persons from Member States or abroad who are interested in laboratory activities, and who are approved by the Board.
Qualification for Honorary Membership: Natural or legal persons who provide a valuable service to GCCLAB, whether material or moral, and who are selected by the Board.

Membership Benefits

Membership Benefits for Full Membership:
- Candidacy for membership of the Board and Committees and Working Groups;
- Voting to elect the Board members;
- Vote on the resolutions of the General Assembly;
- Obtain a certificate of GCCLAB membership;
- Be included in the GCCLAB members manual;
- Get discounts to advertise in the website of GCCLAB;
- Get the publications of GCCLAB;
- Get three free seats per year to participate in the training and technical courses, and then getting discounts for the fourth participant and above;
- Get discounts for GSO and international standards.
Membership Benefits for Affiliate Membership:
- Voting to elect the Board members;
- Vote on the resolutions of the General Assembly;
- Obtain a certificate of GCCLAB membership;
- Be included in the GCCLAB members manual;
- Get discounts to advertise in the website of GCCLAB;
- Get the publications of GCCLAB;
- Get discounts to participate in the training and technical courses;
- Get discounts for GSO and international standards.
Membership Benefits for Individual Membership:
- Obtain a certificate of GCCLAB membership;
- Get the publications of GCCLAB;
- Get discounts to participate in the training and technical courses;
- Get discounts for GSO and international standards.
Membership Benefits for Honorary Membership:
- Take part as an observer to General Annual Meetings;
- Obtain a certificate of GCCLAB membership.
- Be included in the GCCLAB members manual.