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ISO 22000 Certification in UAE — Expert Food Safety Management System Consultancy
ISO 22000 certification UAE is the international standard for Food Safety Management Systems — covering the entire food chain from farm to fork, integrating HACCP principles within a comprehensive management system framework and providing internationally recognised food safety certification accepted across the UAE, GCC, European, American and Asian markets. Emarati Consultancy helps UAE food manufacturers, distributors, caterers, hospitality businesses and food service operators achieve ISO 22000 certification — efficiently, practically and with complete support from gap analysis to certificate issued.
What Is ISO 22000 and How Does It Differ from HACCP?
ISO 22000 is the international standard for Food Safety Management Systems published by the International Organisation for Standardisation. The current version — ISO 22000:2018 — applies to every organisation in the food chain regardless of size, from primary producers and ingredient suppliers through food manufacturers, processors, distributors, logistics operators, caterers and retailers to organisations that produce packaging, cleaning agents and other food-contact materials.
ISO 22000 is built on four core elements that HACCP alone does not provide. Interactive communication across the entire food chain ensures food safety hazards are identified and controlled at every stage from supplier through to consumer. A full management system framework — not just hazard analysis — covering leadership commitment, food safety objectives, resource management, performance monitoring and continual improvement. Prerequisite programmes that establish the hygienic environment within which HACCP operates. And the HACCP principles themselves — integrated within the broader management system rather than standing alone.
The honest difference between HACCP and ISO 22000 is this. HACCP is a food safety methodology — a systematic approach to hazard identification and critical control point management. ISO 22000 is a complete Food Safety Management System standard — a certifiable, internationally recognised framework that incorporates HACCP principles within a broader management system that includes quality management elements, documented processes, leadership accountability and continual improvement requirements. For UAE food businesses operating in domestic markets, HACCP certification satisfies regulatory requirements. For food businesses pursuing export markets, international hotel brand supply chains, airline catering contracts and global retail buyers, ISO 22000 is the recognised standard that opens those doors.
Learn about ISO 22000 from the Codex Alimentarius
The food safety certification pathway — HACCP to ISO 22000 to FSSC 22000
UAE food businesses typically progress through a food safety certification pathway aligned with their growth and market ambitions. HACCP certification is the starting point — satisfying Dubai Municipality Food Watch requirements, ADAFSA inspection standards and baseline food safety regulatory obligations. ISO 22000 is the next level — providing a comprehensive internationally recognised food safety management system that satisfies export market requirements, international hotel brand supply chain qualification and airline catering contract prerequisites. FSSC 22000 — which builds on ISO 22000 with additional sector-specific prerequisites — is the Global Food Safety Initiative recognised scheme required by major international retailers including Carrefour, Lulu hypermarkets and global food manufacturers for supply chain qualification. Emarati Consultancy guides UAE food businesses through every stage of this pathway.
Why ISO 22000 Certification Is Essential for UAE Food Businesses
Export market access — the essential qualification credential
UAE food manufacturers and exporters supplying to GCC, European, American and Asian markets consistently find that ISO 22000 is a mandatory food safety management credential for supplier qualification. International food buyers, importers and distributors require independently verified food safety management system certification from UAE suppliers before engaging commercially. ISO 22000 is the internationally recognised standard that satisfies these requirements — removing a critical market access barrier for UAE food businesses with export ambitions aligned with UAE Operation 300bn industrial growth targets.
International hotel brand and airline catering qualification
Dubai and Abu Dhabi’s world-class hotel sector — home to more five-star properties than virtually any comparable geography in the world — requires ISO 22000 food safety management system certification from food suppliers, catering contractors and food service operators supplying international hotel brands. Emirates, Etihad, flydubai and all major UAE airlines require ISO 22000 from catering suppliers as a standard contract qualification criterion. Without ISO 22000 certification catering companies and food manufacturers cannot qualify for these high-value hospitality and aviation supply contracts.
UAE retail supply chain qualification
Major UAE supermarket chains, hypermarkets and food retail buyers increasingly require ISO 22000 from food manufacturers and distributors as a standard supplier qualification credential. As UAE retail consolidates around major international brands and the supply chain requirements of those brands align with their global procurement standards, ISO 22000 is becoming the baseline food safety management credential expected from UAE food suppliers seeking access to premium retail channels.
ADAFSA regulatory compliance in Abu Dhabi
ADAFSA — the Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority — enforces food safety standards for all food businesses across Abu Dhabi, Al Ain and the Western Region. ISO 22000 certification provides a comprehensive food safety management framework that satisfies ADAFSA food safety requirements and demonstrates systematic food safety management through independently audited evidence — giving Abu Dhabi food businesses a stronger ADAFSA compliance foundation than HACCP alone.
ISO certification in Abu Dhabi
Dubai Municipality food safety requirements
Dubai Municipality’s Food Safety Department requires food establishments to implement comprehensive food safety management systems. ISO 22000 certification satisfies and exceeds Dubai Municipality food safety requirements — providing a management system framework that encompasses HACCP principles within a broader quality management structure that Dubai Municipality food safety inspectors and Food Watch programme assessors recognise as a mark of advanced food safety governance.
Foundation for FSSC 22000 and GFSI certification
ISO 22000 is the foundation standard on which FSSC 22000 — the Global Food Safety Initiative recognised food safety certification scheme — is built. UAE food manufacturers and exporters that achieve ISO 22000 certification are positioned to efficiently progress to FSSC 22000 when their market requirements demand GFSI recognised certification. Building your food safety management system on ISO 22000 from the outset is significantly more efficient than starting with HACCP and rebuilding to a higher standard later.
Key Benefits of ISO 22000 Certification for UAE Food Businesses
International market access
ISO 22000 certification opens export market doors that HACCP alone cannot unlock — providing the internationally recognised food safety management credential required by GCC, European and Asian food buyers, importers and retail buyers as a standard supplier qualification criterion.
Hotel brand and airline catering qualification
ISO 22000 satisfies the food safety management system requirements of international hotel brands and UAE airlines — qualifying food businesses for high-value hospitality and aviation supply contracts that represent some of the most commercially attractive food supply opportunities in the UAE.
Comprehensive food chain hazard management
ISO 22000 manages food safety risks across the entire supply chain — from raw material supplier qualification through production, processing, storage, distribution and service — providing a more comprehensive food safety framework than HACCP’s focused critical control point methodology alone.
Integration with ISO 9001 quality management
ISO 22000 follows the same high-level management system structure as ISO 9001 — making it highly efficient to implement both standards together or to integrate ISO 22000 into an existing ISO 9001 quality management system. UAE food manufacturers that hold ISO 9001 can add ISO 22000 efficiently without building an entirely separate management system from scratch.
Enhanced traceability and recall management
ISO 22000 requires robust traceability systems covering all food products, ingredients and materials throughout the supply chain — enabling rapid, accurate product tracing and effective recall management in the event of a food safety incident. Strong traceability is increasingly required by international food buyers and retail clients as part of supplier due diligence.
Pathway to FSSC 22000 and GFSI recognition
Achieving ISO 22000 certification positions your food business for efficient progression to FSSC 22000 — the GFSI recognised scheme required by major international retailers and global food manufacturers. Building your management system on ISO 22000 now means the investment in FSSC 22000 later is incremental rather than starting over from scratch.
ISO 22000:2018 Requirements — What Your UAE Food Business Needs to Implement
ISO 22000:2018 follows the same ten-clause high-level structure as other modern ISO management standards. The food-safety-specific requirements cover:
Food safety context and interested parties
Your organisation must identify all internal and external factors affecting food safety across your supply chain — including regulatory requirements, customer expectations, supplier characteristics, environmental conditions and the specific food safety hazards associated with your products, processes and distribution channels.
Food safety leadership and policy
Top management must establish a food safety policy committing the organisation to food safety objectives, regulatory compliance and continual improvement. Leadership must demonstrate active involvement in the food safety management system — providing adequate resources, integrating food safety into business planning and taking accountability for food safety performance.
Prerequisite programmes
Prerequisite programmes are the foundational conditions and activities that maintain a hygienic environment throughout the food chain. PRPs cover personal hygiene, facility layout and design, cleaning and sanitation, pest control, temperature management, supplier qualification, waste management and cross-contamination prevention. Effective PRPs are a mandatory foundation for the HACCP system that operates within them.
Hazard analysis and HACCP plan
Your organisation must conduct a systematic hazard analysis identifying all biological, chemical, physical and allergen hazards associated with your food products and processes — assessing the significance of each hazard and determining whether control is required through operational PRPs or HACCP critical control points. The HACCP plan establishes critical limits, monitoring procedures and corrective actions for all identified CCPs.
Operational prerequisite programmes
Operational PRPs control food safety hazards that are not managed through HACCP critical control points — covering process controls, cross-contamination prevention, packaging requirements, labelling and traceability. OPRPs must be documented, monitored and verified with the same rigour as HACCP CCPs.
Food safety performance monitoring and verification
Food safety performance must be monitored against defined objectives using specific indicators. Verification activities — internal audits, testing, sampling and product review — must confirm that the food safety management system is functioning effectively. Management reviews must evaluate system performance and drive continual improvement.
ISO 22000 Certification Process in UAE — Step by Step with Emarati Consultancy
Step 1 — Free food safety consultation
We begin with a free consultation to understand your food business — your products, processes, supply chain, regulatory obligations and market ambitions. We assess whether ISO 22000, HACCP or FSSC 22000 is the right standard for your specific situation and provide a transparent fixed-scope proposal before you commit to anything.
Step 2 — Food safety gap analysis
We assess your current food safety management practices against ISO 22000:2018 requirements — evaluating your existing HACCP system, prerequisite programmes, documentation and management system elements. If you already hold HACCP certification the gap analysis identifies exactly what additional elements are required to achieve ISO 22000 certification efficiently.
Step 3 — Prerequisite programme development
We assess your current PRPs and develop any missing or inadequate prerequisite programmes — ensuring the hygienic foundation of your food safety management system is robust before the HACCP system and management system elements are built on top of it.
Step 4 — Hazard analysis and HACCP plan development
We conduct or review your hazard analysis — covering all biological, chemical, physical and allergen hazards across your product range and processes — and develop or update your HACCP plan with scientifically justified critical limits, practical monitoring procedures and clear corrective action protocols.
Step 5 — Food safety management system documentation
We develop all required FSMS documentation — food safety policy, food safety objectives, prerequisite programme procedures, HACCP plan, operational PRP documentation, traceability procedures, allergen management procedures, supplier qualification records and emergency response plans — written specifically for your UAE food operation.
Step 6 — Implementation and operational controls
We work with your team to implement food safety management controls across your operations — ensuring procedures are followed in practice, monitoring records are maintained consistently and the food safety management system is genuinely operational rather than existing only on paper.
Step 7 — Food safety awareness training
We train all personnel on the food safety management system — covering their specific food safety responsibilities, the prerequisite programmes relevant to their role and the HACCP monitoring and corrective action procedures they must follow. Training is delivered in practical language appropriate to your workforce.
Step 8 — Internal food safety audit
We conduct a comprehensive internal audit of your food safety management system — reviewing documentation completeness, assessing genuine operational implementation, checking monitoring records and verifying that the entire system functions as intended before the external certification body arrives.
Step 9 — Corrective actions and audit preparation
All non-conformities from the internal audit are fully resolved. We prepare your team for the certification body audit — covering what to expect, how monitoring records will be reviewed and how to demonstrate operational implementation confidently to the external assessor.
Step 10 — Certification audit and certificate issued
The accredited certification body conducts Stage 1 documentation review and Stage 2 on-site assessment of your food safety management system. We coordinate everything and support your team throughout both stages. Your ISO 22000 certificate is issued following a successful audit — valid for three years with annual surveillance audits.
ISO 22000 Certification Cost and Timeline in UAE — 2026
How much does ISO 22000 certification cost in UAE?
ISO 22000 certification cost depends on your food operation’s size and complexity, the range of products within scope, the number of sites and your existing food safety management maturity. Realistic 2026 figures covering both Emarati Consultancy fees and certification body audit fees combined:
| Organisation | Operation Type | Total Cost AED |
|---|---|---|
| Small business | Single site food manufacturer or caterer | AED 6,000 — 10,000 |
| Medium business | Multi-product manufacturer or large caterer | AED 10,000 — 18,000 |
| Large business | Multi-site or complex food operation | AED 18,000 upward |
Organisations already holding HACCP certification typically achieve ISO 22000 at lower cost because the foundational HACCP system and prerequisite programmes are already in place — reducing the implementation work required to reach ISO 22000 certification readiness.
Get a transparent fixed-scope quote
How long does ISO 22000 certification take in UAE?
| Organisation | Operation Type | Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| Small business | Single site, existing HACCP | 4 to 8 weeks |
| Small business | Single site, no HACCP | 6 to 10 weeks |
| Medium business | Multi-product operation | 8 to 14 weeks |
| Large business | Multi-site or complex | 14 to 20 weeks |
Organisations that already hold HACCP certification move through ISO 22000 implementation significantly faster because the HACCP system, prerequisite programmes and food safety documentation are already established. The additional management system elements — food safety policy, objectives, performance monitoring and management review — are the primary implementation focus for existing HACCP-certified organisations.
Which UAE Food Businesses Need ISO 22000 Certification?
Food manufacturers and processors
Food manufacturers across UAE industrial zones — including Sharjah, Ajman, RAK and Fujairah’s food processing clusters — implement ISO 22000 to satisfy export market food safety management requirements, qualify for international retail supply chain participation and demonstrate food safety management credibility to UAE Ministry of Economy and ESMA registration requirements.
Catering companies serving airlines and institutions
Catering companies supplying Emirates, Etihad, flydubai and UAE airlines require ISO 22000 as a mandatory food safety management qualification criterion. Hospital catering, school meal services, government institution catering and large event catering operations implement ISO 22000 to satisfy the food safety management requirements of their institutional clients and contract qualification processes.
Hotel food and beverage operations
International hotel brands operating in the UAE require ISO 22000 from their food and beverage operations as a brand standard food safety management requirement — independent of Dubai Municipality or ADAFSA minimum regulatory standards. Five-star hotels, resort food service operations and hotel catering arms implement ISO 22000 as the recognised food safety management credential of the international hospitality sector.
Food distributors and cold chain operators
Food distribution companies, cold chain logistics operators and food wholesalers implement ISO 22000 to manage food safety risks throughout temperature-controlled storage and distribution — satisfying the supply chain food safety management requirements of international food manufacturers, retail clients and institutional food buyers who require certified food safety management from their distribution partners.
Food packaging and food contact material manufacturers
Manufacturers of food packaging, food contact materials, food processing equipment and food-grade cleaning products implement ISO 22000 to satisfy the supply chain qualification requirements of their food manufacturer clients — who increasingly require food safety management system certification from suppliers of materials that contact food products.
Ingredient and raw material suppliers
Spice manufacturers, flavour producers, food ingredient processors and raw material suppliers in the UAE implement ISO 22000 to satisfy the supplier approval requirements of their food manufacturer customers — who must verify that ingredient suppliers operate food safety management systems that protect the safety of materials entering their production processes.
ISO 22000 Certification Across All UAE Emirates
ISO 22000 certification in Dubai
Emarati Consultancy serves food manufacturers, catering companies, hotel food service operations and food distributors across all Dubai districts and free zones. Dubai’s world-class hospitality sector, major airline catering operations and growing food manufacturing base make ISO 22000 one of the most commercially valuable food safety certifications in the emirate — particularly for businesses supplying international hotel brands and UAE airlines.
ISO 22000 certification in Abu Dhabi
We support food manufacturers, catering companies and institutional food service operators across Abu Dhabi, Al Ain and the Western Region. ADAFSA food safety requirements, Abu Dhabi’s hospital and government institution catering market and the food supply chain requirements of Abu Dhabi’s major hospitality and corporate clients make ISO 22000 a commercial necessity for Abu Dhabi food businesses targeting premium market segments.
ISO 22000 certification across Sharjah, RAK, Ajman, Fujairah and Al Ain
Emarati Consultancy provides ISO 22000 certification consultancy across all remaining UAE emirates — Ras Al Khaimah — Ajman Fujairah and Al Ain with both in-person and remote consultation available across all seven UAE emirates.
ISO 22000 Compared to Related Food Safety Standards
ISO 22000 vs HACCP
HACCP is a food safety methodology — a systematic approach to hazard analysis and critical control point management that forms the core of every food safety system. HACCP certification UAE provides the foundational food safety credential for UAE regulatory compliance. ISO 22000 incorporates HACCP principles within a comprehensive management system framework that adds leadership commitment, food safety objectives, prerequisite programme management, performance monitoring and continual improvement. ISO 22000 is the appropriate standard for food businesses pursuing export markets, international hotel supply chains and premium retail qualification where HACCP alone is insufficient.
ISO 22000 vs FSSC 22000
FSSC 22000 builds on ISO 22000 by adding sector-specific prerequisite programmes from ISO/TS 22002 standards and additional FSSC-specific requirements — creating a GFSI recognised food safety certification scheme accepted by major international retailers globally. The honest difference is this: ISO 22000 alone is not GFSI benchmarked. FSSC 22000 is. For UAE food businesses supplying to major international retailers like Carrefour headquarters, global food manufacturers and export markets that specifically require GFSI certification, FSSC 22000 is the right standard. For UAE food businesses targeting export markets, airline catering and hotel brand supply that do not specifically require GFSI recognition, ISO 22000 is sufficient and significantly more cost-efficient.
ISO 22000 vs ISO 9001
ISO 9001 addresses quality management — how your organisation consistently delivers products and services that meet customer requirements across all business processes. ISO 22000 addresses food safety specifically — managing food safety hazards throughout the food chain to protect consumers. Many UAE food manufacturers hold both — ISO 9001 for broader quality management and government tender qualification, and ISO 22000 for food safety management system certification. Because both standards share the same high-level management system structure, implementing them together is significantly more efficient than separate implementations.
Why Choose Emarati Consultancy for ISO 22000 Certification in UAE?
Honest advice on which food safety standard you actually need
Emarati Consultancy provides honest guidance on whether HACCP, ISO 22000 or FSSC 22000 is the right standard for your specific food business and market objectives — rather than selling you the most expensive option regardless of whether it serves your commercial needs. If HACCP is sufficient for your situation we tell you. If you need FSSC 22000 for your target markets we tell you that too. This honest approach builds long-term client relationships based on trust rather than maximising certification revenue from each engagement.
Deep knowledge of UAE food regulatory requirements
We have direct knowledge of Dubai Municipality Food Watch requirements, ADAFSA food safety inspection standards, UAE Ministry of Economy food product registration requirements and the specific food safety management credentials demanded by UAE airlines, international hotel brands and major UAE retail buyers. We implement ISO 22000 systems that satisfy both certification body requirements and UAE-specific commercial qualification criteria.
Efficient transition from HACCP to ISO 22000
If your business already holds HACCP certification, Emarati Consultancy builds on your existing HACCP foundation efficiently — adding the management system elements that ISO 22000 requires without rebuilding your entire food safety system from scratch. This transition approach minimises implementation cost and time for HACCP-certified UAE food businesses pursuing ISO 22000.
Complete food safety certification pathway under one roof
Emarati Consultancy guides UAE food businesses through every stage of the food safety certification pathway — from HACCP certification UAE for regulatory compliance through ISO 22000 for export market and hotel supply qualification to FSSC 22000 for GFSI recognised international retail supply chain certification. One consultancy, the complete food safety pathway, clear guidance at every stage.
Frequently Asked Questions — ISO 22000 Certification UAE
- What is ISO 22000 and why do UAE food businesses need it?
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ISO 22000 is the international standard for Food Safety Management Systems — incorporating HACCP principles within a comprehensive management system framework covering the entire food chain from raw materials to consumer. UAE food businesses need ISO 22000 to qualify for export market access, international hotel brand supply chains, airline catering contracts, UAE retail chain supplier qualification and institutional food service contracts. It provides internationally recognised food safety management evidence that HACCP alone cannot deliver in premium market segments.
- What is the difference between HACCP and ISO 22000?
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HACCP is a food safety methodology focused on hazard analysis and critical control point management. ISO 22000 is a complete food safety management system standard that incorporates HACCP principles within a broader management framework covering prerequisite programmes, leadership commitment, food safety objectives, performance monitoring and continual improvement. HACCP satisfies UAE regulatory requirements. ISO 22000 satisfies export market, international hotel brand and premium retail supply chain requirements where a comprehensive certified food safety management system is required.
- Is ISO 22000 the same as GFSI certification?
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No. ISO 22000 alone is not GFSI benchmarked. FSSC 22000 — which builds on ISO 22000 with additional sector-specific prerequisite requirements — is a GFSI recognised certification scheme. For UAE food businesses targeting major international retailers who specifically require GFSI certification, FSSC 22000 is the appropriate standard. For businesses targeting export markets, airline catering and hotel supply that do not specifically require GFSI recognition, ISO 22000 is sufficient and more cost-efficient. Emarati Consultancy provides free guidance on whether ISO 22000 or FSSC 22000 is right for your specific market requirements.
- How long does ISO 22000 certification take in UAE?
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Small UAE food businesses with existing HACCP certification typically achieve ISO 22000 in 4 to 8 weeks. Businesses implementing from scratch without existing HACCP require 6 to 10 weeks. Medium food operations need 8 to 14 weeks. Large or multi-site operations require 14 to 20 weeks. The timeline is significantly shorter for businesses already holding HACCP certification because the foundational food safety system is already in place.
- How much does ISO 22000 certification cost in UAE?
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ISO 22000 certification for small UAE food businesses costs from AED 6,000 including consultancy and certification body fees. Medium food operations typically pay AED 10,000 to AED 18,000. Large or multi-site operations from AED 18,000 upward. Businesses already holding HACCP certification typically achieve ISO 22000 at lower cost because foundational HACCP work is already complete. Contact Emarati Consultancy for a transparent fixed-scope quote.
- Can a food manufacturer in UAE export internationally with ISO 22000?
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Yes. ISO 22000 is internationally recognised and accepted by food buyers, importers and distributors across GCC, European, American and Asian markets as a credible food safety management credential. For UAE food manufacturers targeting European retail markets that specifically require GFSI recognised certification, FSSC 22000 built on ISO 22000 is the appropriate next step. Emarati Consultancy advises on the right certification level for your specific export market requirements.
- Should I get HACCP or ISO 22000 for my UAE food business?
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If your primary objective is Dubai Municipality and ADAFSA regulatory compliance for domestic food service operations, HACCP is the appropriate starting point — faster to implement and lower cost. If your business targets export markets, airline catering, international hotel brand supply or premium UAE retail channels, ISO 22000 is the right standard because these markets require a comprehensive certified food safety management system rather than HACCP alone. Many UAE food businesses start with HACCP and progress to ISO 22000 as their markets expand. Emarati Consultancy provides a free consultation to recommend the right standard for your specific situation.
- Does Emarati Consultancy provide ISO 22000 consultancy across all UAE emirates?
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Yes. Emarati Consultancy provides ISO 22000 certification consultancy across all seven UAE emirates — Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ajman, Ras Al Khaimah, Fujairah and Al Ain — with both in-person and remote consultation available. Our consultants have direct experience with Dubai Municipality food safety requirements, ADAFSA inspection standards and the food safety management credentials demanded by UAE airlines, international hotel brands and major UAE food retail buyers.
Get ISO 22000 Certified in UAE — Start with a Free Consultation Today
ISO 22000 certification positions your UAE food business to access export markets, qualify for airline and hotel supply contracts, satisfy UAE retail buyer requirements and demonstrate comprehensive food safety management to every client, regulator and supply chain partner. It is the internationally recognised food safety management credential that takes your food business beyond domestic regulatory compliance and into international commercial opportunity.
Whether you are a food manufacturer targeting GCC and international export markets, a catering company qualifying for airline or hotel contracts, a food distributor satisfying retail buyer requirements or a hospitality food operation meeting international brand standards — Emarati Consultancy has the food safety expertise, UAE regulatory knowledge and practical ISO 22000 implementation experience to guide you through efficiently and successfully.
Phone: +971 52 856 0299 Email: info@emaraticonsultancy.ae Office: City Bay Business Centre, Office 303, Near Abu Bakr Metro Station, Dubai, UAE
