GCC Accreditation Centre

What GCC Accreditation Centre does

GCC Accreditation Centre (GAC) is an intergovernmental accreditation body established under the Gulf Cooperation Council in 2013 and headquartered in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. It provides accreditation services for conformity assessment bodies (CABs) across the GCC and internationally, covering testing laboratories (ISO/IEC 17025), medical laboratories (ISO 15189), calibration laboratories, inspection bodies (ISO/IEC 17020), product, management system, and personnel certification bodies (ISO/IEC 17065, 17021-1, 17024), halal certification bodies (GSO 2055-2), validation and verification bodies (ISO/IEC 17029), and technical assessment for notification purposes. As of late 2025, GAC has accredited 470+ bodies across 20+ countries and achieved IAF Multilateral Recognition Arrangement status in December 2024. Its core technology consists of digital portals — the CAB Workspace, Assessor Workspace, and an online training registration platform (system.gac.org.sa) — supporting application management, assessment workflows, and training enrollment, with no proprietary AI or machine-learning systems disclosed.

The organization generates revenue through recurring accreditation fees for conformity assessment schemes plus a secondary stream of paid training programs priced at 1,000–4,500 SAR per participant, with courses delivered both online and in-person across Riyadh, Jeddah, Kuwait, Muscat, Dubai, Qatar, and online channels. Its go-to-market combines direct-to-consumer digital channels (website applications, self-serve portals, newsletters) with event-driven acquisition through hosting and participation in major international accreditation forums (APAC, IAF/ILAC, International Halal Forums). GAC serves a horizontally segmented customer base spanning testing, calibration, medical, inspection, certification, and halal industry verticals across the GCC and beyond. In 2025, GAC expanded physically with a new Oman Branch in Muscat and gained a leadership position when its representative was elected Chair of the Global Accreditation Cooperation — the first from the Arab world.

Name

GCC Accreditation Centre

Legal name

GCC Accreditation Centre

Website

https://gac.org.sa

Company type

Private

Founded year

2013

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

251–500 employees

Short description

GCC Accreditation Centre is an intergovernmental accreditation body under the Gulf Cooperation Council, headquartered in Riyadh, that accredits testing, medical, calibration, inspection, certification, and halal conformity assessment bodies across the GCC and internationally under ISO and GSO standards.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Accreditation Services

NAICS

Testing Laboratories and Services (54138), Regulation, Licensing, and Inspection of Miscellaneous Commercial Sectors (92615), All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services (541990)

SIC

Services-Testing Laboratories (8734), Services-Medical Laboratories (8071)

akta.pro primary industry

Standards, Metrology & Accreditation Bodies (BPAIAOAC)

Keywords

• Accreditation services
• Conformity assessment
• ISO standards compliance
• Halal certification accreditation
• Laboratory certification

Headquarters

HQ city

Riyadh

HQ country

Saudi Arabia

HQ region

Middle East

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure, Others

Revenue model

1. Accreditation Services: GAC provides accreditation services for conformity assessment bodies across multiple schemes including testing laboratories, medical laboratories, calibration laboratories, inspection bodies, certification bodies, and halal certification bodies. Revenue is generated through accreditation fees.
2. Training Programs: GAC offers specialized training services in the field of accreditation to support building technical capacities. Courses cover various ISO standards and accreditation requirements, priced between 1,000-4,500 SAR per course.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

GCC Accreditation Centre (GAC) provides accreditation services to conformity assessment bodies (CABs) across the Gulf Cooperation Council region, including testing laboratories, medical laboratories, calibration laboratories, inspection bodies, certification bodies (product, management system, and personnel), halal certification bodies, and validation/verification bodies. It applies international ISO/IEC standards and regional GSO standards to assess and formally recognize the competence of these bodies. GAC also offers specialized training programs in accreditation and conformity assessment topics, delivered online and in-person across GCC locations.

Product overview

GCC Accreditation Centre (GAC) operates as a multi-economy accreditation agency serving Gulf Cooperation Council countries, providing accreditation services for conformity assessment bodies including testing laboratories, calibration laboratories, medical laboratories, inspection bodies, certification bodies (product, personnel, and management systems), and Halal certification bodies. The portfolio includes 14 distinct accreditation services aligned with international ISO standards (ISO/IEC 17025, ISO 15189, ISO/IEC 17020, ISO/IEC 17065, ISO/IEC 17021-1, ISO/IEC 17024, ISO/IEC 17029) and regional standards (GSO 2055-2). Supporting the core accreditation services are training programs (offered online and offline), the CAB Workspace portal for conformity assessment body registrations, and the Assessor Workspace for assessment management. GAC has achieved IAF MLA international recognition and maintains partnerships with ILAC, IAF, APAC, ARAC, and IHAF. The organization opened an Oman Branch in 2025 to expand regional service delivery.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Testing Laboratory Accreditation Accreditation services for testing laboratories according to ISO/IEC 17025:2017, ensuring competence in testing and calibration operations. Targeted at testing laboratories seeking international recognition.
• Medical Laboratory Accreditation Accreditation services for medical laboratories according to ISO 15189:2022, focusing on quality and competence requirements specific to medical testing. Targeted at medical laboratories requiring quality and competence demonstration.
• Calibration Laboratory Accreditation Accreditation services for calibration laboratories according to ISO/IEC 17025:2017, ensuring measurement traceability and competence. Targeted at calibration laboratories.
• Inspection Body Accreditation Accreditation services for inspection bodies according to ISO/IEC 17020:2012, covering various types of bodies performing inspection activities. Targeted at third-party inspection bodies.
• Product Certification Bodies Accreditation Accreditation services for product certification bodies according to ISO/IEC 17065:2012, covering products, processes, and services certification. Targeted at product certification bodies.
• Management System Certification Bodies Accreditation Accreditation services for management system certification bodies according to ISO/IEC 17021-1:2015. Targeted at management system certification bodies.
• Personnel Certification Bodies Accreditation Accreditation services for personnel certification bodies according to ISO/IEC 17024:2012. Targeted at personnel certification bodies.
• Halal Certification Bodies Accreditation Accreditation services for Halal certification bodies according to GSO 2055-2:2021 standard. Targeted at halal certification bodies seeking regional recognition.
• Validation and Verification Bodies Accreditation Accreditation services for validation and verification bodies according to ISO/IEC 17029, ensuring competence in greenhouse gas validation/verification and other conformity assessment activities. Targeted at validation and verification bodies in environmental, developmental, and financial sectors.
• Technical Assessment for Notification Purposes Technical assessment services conducted in partnership with GCC Standardization Organization (GSO) for product notification according to technical regulations for Toys and Low Voltage Electrical Equipment. Targeted at notification bodies requiring technical assessment for GCC market access.
• Training Services Specialized training services in accreditation field to support building technical capacities. Courses offered both online and offline, covering various ISO standards and conformity assessment topics. Pricing ranges from 1,000-4,500 SAR per participant. Targeted at quality professionals, laboratory staff, auditors, assessors, and certification body personnel.
• Assessor Qualification Qualification and recruitment of skilled assessors in all areas of accreditation from around the world, with preference for GCC country nationals. Targeted at assessor candidates seeking qualification to perform accreditation assessments.

Quantifiable outcome

• 470+ accredited bodies across multiple countries
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers8 records

Segments7 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

Eleven partnerships are on record, tiered regional, international and core.

• Muscat MunicipalityregionalStrategic or Co-development Partner · 4 December 2024GAC signed a cooperation agreement with Muscat Municipality to enhance quality and sustainability. The agreement reflects a shared vision of improving municipal service quality and achieving sustainable development goals.
• Vietnam Accreditation BodyinternationalStrategic or Co-development Partner · 23 October 2024GAC signed an MoU with Vietnam's accreditation body at the International Halal Forum in Vietnam, with the presence of Vietnam's Prime Minister and Minister of Science and Technology. The partnership aims to explore halal system collaboration between the two regions.
• Azerbaijan Accreditation CenterinternationalStrategic or Co-development Partner · 26 September 2024GAC signed a cooperation agreement with Azerbaijan Accreditation Center at the Second Azerbaijani-Gulf Economic Forum in Baku. The agreement supports the forum's goals of developing trade relations and exploring investment opportunities between GCC and Azerbaijan.
• Emirates International Accreditation Center (EIAC)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 17 July 2024GAC collaborated with EIAC and ENAS to host the APAC 2024 Annual Meetings in Dubai, the first APAC meeting in the Middle East. This partnership involved hosting over 65 accreditation bodies with 250+ attendees, demonstrating regional cooperation among GCC accreditation bodies.
• Emirates National Accreditation System (ENAS)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 17 July 2024GAC partnered with ENAS and EIAC to host the APAC 2024 Annual Meetings in Dubai. The event was the first APAC meeting in the Middle East and UAE, showcasing GCC unity in accreditation matters.
• Belarusian Certification CenterinternationalStrategic or Co-development Partner · 7 May 2024A Belarusian delegation visited GAC to bolster cooperation on halal certification. The meeting discussed activating existing cooperation agreements and exploring new collaboration opportunities in halal certification body accreditation.
• Uzbekistan's Accreditation Center (O'ZAKK)internationalStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 May 2024GAC signed an MOU with Uzbekistan's Accreditation Center (O'ZAKK) to strengthen regional cooperation and enhance joint efforts in accreditation. The partnership aims to leverage shared expertise for mutual benefit.
• Oman Ministry of HealthregionalStrategic or Co-development Partner · 27 February 2024GAC signed a cooperation program with Oman Ministry of Health to forge a partnership aimed at elevating healthcare standards. The collaboration focuses on enhancing healthcare quality infrastructure through accreditation.
• Omani Environment AuthorityregionalStrategic or Co-development Partner · 26 February 2024GAC signed a cooperation program with Omani Environment Authority for environmental safety. The partnership aims to advance environmental standards and promote sustainable practices through accreditation mechanisms.
• Ministry of Public Works (Kuwait)regionalStrategic or Co-development Partner · 15 February 2024GAC signed an MoU with Kuwait's Ministry of Public Works to enhance quality infrastructure capabilities. The partnership aims to strengthen joint efforts in quality and accreditation within the construction and public works sector.
• Federal Service for Accreditation (Russia)internationalStrategic or Co-development Partner · 20 May 2023GAC signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Federal Service for Accreditation of the Russian Federation to enhance cooperation in accreditation. An annex to the MoU was also signed to further define collaboration areas.

Scale indicators5 records

Recent moves8 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• A2LA (American Association for Laboratory Accreditation): US-based non-profit accreditation body focused on testing and calibration laboratories (ISO/IEC 17025) and inspection bodies (ISO/IEC 17020). A2LA overlaps directly with GAC's core testing/calibration accreditation services and competes for international CAB clients in the testing space.
• Emirates National Accreditation System (ENAS): UAE's national accreditation authority covering testing, calibration, inspection, and certification body accreditation. ENAS operates in the same GCC geography as GAC and co-hosted the APAC 2024 meetings, representing a competing national-level accreditation alternative within the same region.
• Emirates International Accreditation Centre (EIAC): UAE-based accreditation body operating in the same GCC region with overlapping scope across testing, calibration, medical, and certification body accreditation. EIAC co-hosted the APAC 2024 Annual Meetings with GAC and competes for cross-GCC CAB accreditation contracts.

Broad incumbents

• DAkkS (Deutsche Akkreditierungsstelle): Germany's national accreditation body and one of the largest accreditation bodies in Europe, covering testing, medical, calibration, inspection, and certification body accreditation. DAkkS is an IAF MLA and ILAC MLA signatory, representing a high-prestige incumbent peer in the global accreditation landscape.
• JAB (Japan Accreditation Board): Japan's national accreditation body covering testing, calibration, medical, and certification body accreditation under ISO standards. JAB is an established APAC-region peer with IAF MLA recognition, comparable in scope to GAC's regional accreditation footprint.
• ENAC (Entidad Nacional de Acreditación): Spain's national accreditation body operating across testing, calibration, medical, inspection, and certification body accreditation under ISO standards. ENAC is an IAF MLA and ILAC MLA signatory, serving as a relevant European incumbent peer for GAC's international expansion ambitions.
• COFRAC (Comité Français d'Accréditation): France's national accreditation body, providing multi-scheme accreditation across testing, medical, calibration, inspection, and certification bodies. COFRAC is a major European IAF MLA signatory and represents a comparable multi-scheme accreditation peer to GAC.
• ANSI National Accreditation Board (ANAB): US-based accreditation body providing ISO/IEC 17025, ISO 15189, ISO/IEC 17020, and ISO/IEC 17065 accreditation across a wide range of conformity assessment bodies. ANAB is a major IAF MLA signatory and competes globally with GAC for multinational CAB accreditation.
• UKAS (United Kingdom Accreditation Service): One of the world's longest-established accreditation bodies, offering comprehensive accreditation across testing, calibration, medical, inspection, and certification bodies under ISO standards. UKAS is a benchmark global accreditation peer and a recognized IAF MLA signatory that competes for international CAB accreditation.

Emerging players

• NABCB (National Accreditation Board for Certification Bodies, India): India's accreditation body for certification bodies (management systems, product, personnel) operating under APAC and IAF MLA frameworks. NABCB overlaps with GAC's certification body accreditation schemes and represents an emerging-market peer with similar scope and regional ambition.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/gacgulf
• Facebookfacebook.com/GACgulf
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/gacgulf

Compliance2 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles2 records

Subsidiaries1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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M&A

Investments

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Frequently asked questions about GCC Accreditation Centre