For the first time since its foundation in 1947, the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) will hold its annual general assembly in West Asia and Africa. As host of the event, the Emirates Authority for Standardization and Metrology (ESMA) is honoured to invite all members of ISO to attend the 31st General Assembly meeting in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in the city of Dubai, on 12-17 October 2008.