At the eighth annual Sharjah Investment Forum – World Investment Conference (SIF–WIC 2025), held in the presence of Her Highness Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairperson of the Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq), H.E. Mohamed Alabbar highlighted the central role of manufacturing in shaping the UAE’s next phase of economic growth.

Speaking during a fireside chat titled “Vision, Venture, Value: Shaping the Region Through Leadership,” Alabbar, the founder of Emaar Properties and Noon.com and Chairman of Eagle Hills, noted that manufacturing already accounted for a greater share of the UAE’s GDP than real estate. “If you look at our economy, real estate is only 12% of GDP, but manufacturing is 15%,” he said. He urged investors and entrepreneurs to “look into manufacturing seriously,” adding that starting small and focusing on product quality and integrity could yield significant long-term rewards.

Alabbar described manufacturing as the foundation of real economic development, explaining that his business ventures were designed to stimulate growth through production, job creation, and local industry support. “Every project we do adds 5% to a city’s GDP. We create jobs, we pay taxes, we help small businesses grow, from the window maker to the cake shop owner,” he said.

He called on the next generation of Emirati entrepreneurs to invest in manufacturing innovation and technology, pointing to opportunities in areas such as advanced materials, digital fabrication, and industrial automation. His message reinforced the view that the UAE’s economic diversification strategy depended on building a strong, sustainable manufacturing base that could compete globally.

Organised by the Sharjah FDI Office (Invest in Sharjah) in partnership with the World Association of Investment Promotion Agencies (WAIPA), SIF–WIC 2025 positioned manufacturing as a key pillar of regional economic resilience and sustainable growth, in line with the UAE’s broader development vision. 

Honeywell announced the launch of a new production line for its advanced handheld mobile computers, the ScanPal EDA57 and the CT47, at its facility in Dhahran, Saudi Arabia.

The launch marked a significant milestone in Honeywell’s localisation strategy, reinforcing its commitment to Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 goals by expanding high-tech manufacturing within the Kingdom and enabling faster delivery of critical industrial solutions.

The Dhahran facility served as a cornerstone of Honeywell’s regional operations and formed part of a growing local manufacturing base that also produced Honeywell gas detection systems. Fully equipped for assembly, integration and testing, the site allowed the company to produce and deploy its latest technologies directly from within Saudi Arabia, thereby enhancing operational agility, shortening delivery times and strengthening local technical support.

The ScanPal EDA57 was introduced as a rugged, high-performance handheld computer built for demanding industries such as retail, warehousing and field services. Featuring robust 5G and Wi-Fi 6 connectivity, advanced scanning functions and a durable design, the device was engineered to maximise efficiency for frontline workers across indoor and field environments.

Meanwhile, the CT47 — part of Honeywell’s Mobility Edge platform — was developed as an ultra-rugged mobile computer designed to meet the evolving needs of modern supply chains. With enterprise-grade durability, real-time inventory and order tracking, and extended software lifecycle support, the CT47 helped manufacturers, logistics providers and transport operators maintain visibility and control across operations.

George Bou Mitri, President of Honeywell Industrial Automation for the Middle East, Turkey, Africa and Central Asia, said: “This new production line marks another important milestone in our localization journey. By producing global renowned devices in Dhahran, we’re equipping Saudi-based industries with the tools they need to digitalize oper,tions, boost productivity and drive efficiency – all while creating in-country value and supporting the Kingdom’s industrial ambitions under Vision 2030.”

Honeywell’s ongoing investment in Saudi Arabia underscored its long-standing contribution to the Kingdom’s industrial development. With nearly half of its Saudi workforce composed of nationals, the company continued to focus on technology transfer, skills development and innovation. This approach reflected Honeywell’s commitment to nurturing local talent and delivering sustainable industrial growth from within the Kingdom.

SteelFab 2026 will be held at Expo Centre Sharjah from 12-15 January. (Image source: SteelFab)

The region’s leading exhibition for metalworking, metal manufacturing, and steel fabrication will return to Sharjah in January 2026, highlighting the UAE’s growing industrial strength and its commitment to safety, efficiency, and sustainability in advanced manufacturing.

Now in its 21^st edition, SteelFab 2026 will be held at Expo Centre Sharjah from 12-15 January, bringing together global industry leaders to showcase cutting-edge fabrication technologies, machinery, and safety-focused industrial solutions.

Sharjah’s rapidly growing economy, bolstered by a 361% surge in foreign direct investment to US$1.5bn in the first half of 2025, further underlines the significance of the event. The emirate’s expanding industrial base and strong infrastructure continue to attract global manufacturers and suppliers, reinforcing its role as a hub for innovation and safe production practices.

“SteelFab continues to grow in relevance as the UAE intensifies its focus on industrial development and global trade partnerships,” said H.E. Saif Mohamed Al Midfa, CEO, Expo Centre Sharjah.

“The UAE’s industrial sector is witnessing unprecedented growth. The event reflects the country’s strategic direction, where policy support, innovation, and international collaboration are driving a new era of industrial growth and competitiveness.”

The UAE’s industrial outlook remains optimistic, with GDP forecast to grow by 4.9% in 2025 and 5.3% in 2026. With over US$11bn in financing directed toward industrial companies, the country’s manufacturing ecosystem is poised for expansion, underpinned by strong regulatory standards and safety-driven innovation.

“The exhibition will feature next-generation solutions—from robotics, smart manufacturing, and inline metrology to noncontact measurement and portable 3D scanning, that enhance precision and reduce waste. Sustainability will be central, with energy-efficient tools and lifecycle analysis strategies. By blending automation with human expertise, SteelFab 2026 positions itself as the definitive venue for fabricators seeking resilience and future-ready operations,” said Sultan Shattaf, commercial director of Expo Centre Sharjah.

A major highlight will be the 5^th Best Welder Competition, sponsored by ESAB, spotlighting top talent and promoting safety in welding and cutting operations through advanced robotic technologies.

Building on the record-breaking success of its 20th edition, which attracted over 350 exhibitors from 33 countries, SteelFab 2026 is expected to host more than 650 leading brands and showcase the innovations shaping the future of safe, efficient, and sustainable manufacturing.

Ducab aims to boost both production efficiency and the competitiveness. (Image source: Ducab)

Ducab Group, a leading UAE-based energy solutions provider, has acquired Oman’s National Cable Factory (NCF) in Salalah, marking a key step in the company’s regional expansion.

The acquisition combines Omani manufacturing expertise with the UAE’s industrial capabilities, aiming to enhance local value creation, elevate quality standards, and support Oman’s economic growth.

The deal is expected to strengthen Oman’s energy infrastructure by focusing on high-value exports and adherence to international standards.

By integrating NCF into its operations, Ducab aims to boost both production efficiency and the competitiveness of the Sultanate’s industrial sector.

Analysts note the move could further enhance non-oil trade between the UAE and Oman. Oman remains the UAE’s second-largest GCC trading partner, with non-oil trade reaching AED56bn (US$15.3bn) in 2024, a 9.8% rise from 2023 and a 32.4% increase since 2020.

GCC growth

The UAE continues to be Oman’s largest global trading partner, supplying over 40% of the Sultanate’s imports and facilitating around 20% of its exports to international markets.

This acquisition highlights Ducab’s strategy to expand its regional footprint while supporting industrial development and strengthening trade ties between the UAE and Oman.

Gert Hoefman, CEO of Ducab Group, said, “Ducab Group’s investment in Oman is a testament to the shared vision of both nations to build resilient, diversified economies through industrial innovation and seamlessly aligns with the Group’s broader strategy to expand its international roadmap while deepening regional integration.”

“For Ducab Group, this synergy confirms our evolution into a global industrial leader and strengthens our strategic international footprint. We believe economic lifelines grow nations and this collaboration reflects our shared vision for industrial excellence, faster delivery, greater customisation, and more resilient supply chains.”

Charles Edouard Mellagui, CEO, Ducab Cables Business, said, "With bilateral trade between the UAE and Oman poised to reach new heights, our acquisition of National Cable Factory marks a strategic milestone and a proud moment for the industrial sectors of both nations. This step reinforces Ducab’s commitment to deepening regional ties while driving industrial growth and innovation across the Gulf.

“Our partnership with NCF goes far beyond geographic expansion. It reflects our shared focus on pioneering industrial innovation and seamless regional integration. By joining forces, we are delivering a new generation of advanced solutions, empowering our customers, and strengthening the energy and infrastructure backbone of our rapidly growing markets. We are confident that this collaboration will not only elevate the Gulf’s global competitiveness but also unlock fresh opportunities for sustainable growth in non-oil sectors.”