UAE highlights its industrial achievements at Make It In The Emirates

The fourth edition of Make It In The Emirates opened today in Abu Dhabi.

Dr. Sultan Al Jaber, the UAE’s Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology, officially launched the conference.

“Investing in manufacturing is an investment in an advanced economy,” Al Jaber said, adding that “Every investment in the industrial sector has a multiplier effect, stimulating growth and related sectors.”

During his speech, he underscored the UAE’s success in laying strong foundations for building an effective industrial sector that supports economic diversification, which is also sustainable.

He also highlighted the importance of new technologies, especially AI, in driving industrial growth.

“We do not see artificial intelligence as just a tool or a new technology, but as a complete economic sector expected to generate over US$1.5 trillion globally by 2040,” he said.

During US President Donald Trump’s visit last week, the UAE announced the first phase of an artificial intelligence campus in Abu Dhabi, which will be the largest AI hub outside the United States.

Key statistics

Al Jaber highlighted the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology’s (MoIAT) technology transformation programme and the advanced technology adoption index, which has supported more than 500 factories with financing facilities totaling AED 4.6bn.

“We are also focusing on future industries such as renewable energy technologies, SMRs, space semiconductors, smart chips, components for AI data centres, energy storage, batteries, autonomous vehicles and equipment and construction materials and equipment.”

“The UAE industrial sector has witnessed significant growth in recent years. Industrial exports in 2024 reached AED 197bn, a 68% increase compared to 2021.”

“The UAE has expanded strategic partnerships through comprehensive economic partnership agreements (CEPA) that have enhanced market access for Emirati products and raised the country's foreign trade to over AED 5 trillion through the national in country value programme…Local spending under the programme has reached AED 347bn AED and created over 22,000 jobs for Emiratis.”

A regional industrial partnership for sustainable economic development was launched with the UAE, Jordan, Bahrain, Egypt, Morocco, Qatar, and Turkey, advancing supply chain integration through US$5bn in joint projects across key sectors. Following directives from Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the "Make it in the Emirates" platform was enhanced to support the National Industrial Sector. This year's edition includes major projects, increasing industrial procurement opportunities from AED 143bn AED to AED 168bn over the next decade, a AED25bn rise from the previous year.

“This year's edition will feature major projects and initiatives, including first raising the value of industrial procurement opportunities from AED 143bn to AED 168bn over the next 10 years, a AED 25bn increase over last year,” Al Jaber said.