Services offered range from powering the first barcode scans to enabling digital traceability
GS1 recently marked 25 years of its presence in the country, empowering businesses and government entities with globally trusted standards that drive transparency, efficiency, and safety across supply chains.
The milestone celebration coincides closely with a historic moment in global commerce today: in June of 1974, the very first product was scanned using a GS1 barcode in a supermarket in Ohio, USA.
What began as a simple scan of a pack of chewing gum sparked a revolution in how the world tracks, sells, and understands products. Today, GS1 UAE stands at the forefront of that same legacy — helping businesses in the UAE digitize, standardize, and future-proof their operations.
Pivotal role
Since its establishment in 2000 in the United Arab Emirates, GS1 UAE has played a pivotal role in the UAE’s digital transformation journey. Its globally recognized barcoding, data and traceability standards have become the backbone of key sectors as diverse as retail, healthcare, logistics, manufacturing, and e-commerce.
Over the years, GS1 UAE has established strategic collaborations with several key government bodies, including the Federal Tax Authority (FTA), and the Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP) through initiatives like Tatmeen that ensure the authentication of medical products, helping safeguard public health and align with national pharmaceutical safety goals.
“As we mark this important milestone, we reflect not only on our impact in the private sector but also on the strong partnerships we’ve built with UAE government institutions to promote trust and transparency at scale,” stated Rami Habbal, CEO, GS1 UAE.
