The industrial firm has recorded no cases of heat-related illnesses since 2021. (Image source: EGA)

Emirates Global Aluminium (EGA)'s annual 'Beat the Heat' programme has introduced wearable tech for workers that enhances location services, connectivity and real-time data to reduce the risk of heat-related illness

The industrial firm has recorded no cases of heat-related illnesses since 2021, yet continues its annual 'Beat the Heat' programme. CEO Abdulnasser Bin Kalban said the programme strives "to engage everyone in ensuring we have zero cases of heat-related illness at our company, and together we have a long track record of success.

"Technology has the potential to make our Beat the Heat programme even more effective."

The wearable tech deployment was joined by new full-body cooling units at EGA medical centres and operational areas at several plants across Jebel Ali and Al Taweelah.

2024 was the third consecutive summer of no recorded heat-related illnesses, with the last two incidents recovering within hours of treatment in summer 2021.

In 2024, the UAE exported 350,000 tonnes of aluminium to the United States

A report by Betterhomes suggests that the base 10% tariffs on the UAE levied by the Trump administration are unlikely to affect UAE industries 

While the 25% tariffs imposed by the US on these key materials have created global uncertainty, Dubai’s diversified economy, robust trade infrastructure, and status as a re-export hub significantly cushion it from potential negative impacts.

In 2024, the UAE exported 350,000 tonnes of aluminium to the United States, making it the second-largest aluminium supplier to the American market. However, this relationship is unlikely to be substantially undermined by the tariffs. Unlike Canada and Mexico, the UAE has not been exempted from duties. Yet, the ongoing political engagement between the US and Gulf states signals room for bilateral negotiations, especially as the US looks to reduce dependence on Canadian imports.

Strategically, this opens a potential opportunity for the UAE to expand its aluminium exports to the US. Should a bilateral trade deal materialise, it could not only secure preferential access for Emirati aluminium but also strengthen the UAE’s role in global metal supply chains, particularly in sectors like aerospace, automotive, and defence.

Besides, the UAE’s domestic aluminium industry remains strong and well-positioned. With the US announcing a US$1.4tr investment in its own aluminium smelting capacity, future demand could shift more towards domestic consumption, but the high-quality aluminium produced in the UAE will likely remain competitive.

On the steel front, the US tariffs may trigger cost increases in international markets, but Dubai’s construction sector seems to be protected for now. As the UAE is not directly subject to reciprocal import duties on construction materials, price volatility will more likely be driven by currency fluctuations and shipping costs rather than trade restrictions. Moreover, Dubai’s construction pipeline remains vigorous, with more than 3,500 real estate and infrastructure projects underway.

A diversified economy

Dubai’s ongoing expansion in logistics and infrastructure, backed by a substantial government budget allocation (around AED 2.6 billion for transportation and logistics this year) supports sustained activity in the construction sector. 

The city’s construction boom is not solely reliant on imported steel and aluminium from the US, as it sources materials from a diversified group of partners across Asia, Europe, and the broader MENA region. This geographical diversification further insulates Dubai from direct supply shocks related to US trade policies.

Another crucial factor is Dubai’s emergence as a global trade and transshipment hub. Free zones like Jebel Ali provide platforms for rerouting goods to avoid tariffs, enabling companies to adapt to shifting trade dynamics. This resilience reinforces Dubai’s attractiveness to investors and manufacturers seeking stability amidst geopolitical unpredictability.

Real estate continues to thrive. Despite macroeconomic pressures, April 2025 alone recorded AED 46 billion in real estate transactions, reflecting a 23% month-on-month surge. 

Betterhomes reports that interest from US and Chinese investors rose sharply following the implementation of tariffs, with website traffic from these regions jumping by 60%. This renewed interest highlights how instability in one part of the world can enhance Dubai’s appeal as a stable, strategically located destination for capital investment.

While non-oil GDP in the UAE may slow down due to global trade turbulence, government policies aimed at diversification and innovation are already mitigating such risks. The Dubai Real Estate Strategy 2033 and the aim to double foreign direct investment to US$65bn by 2031 across sectors such as logistics, finance, and renewable energy show the country’s economic resilience.

Microsoft UAE is playing a crucial role in this digital transformation

The UAE is rapidly emerging as a global hub for artificial intelligence innovation, with industries leveraging AI tools to revolutionise operations. A panel session at Make It In The Emirates in Abu Dhabi discussed exactly this.

In the defense sector, Edge Group is pioneering AI-powered transformations. Dr. Chaouki Kasmi, president of technology and innovation, highlighted their approach.

“We are bringing revolutionary AI applications in our products, including space situational awareness, AI-powered sensors, electronic systems, and autonomous platforms,” he said.

The group is not just implementing AI, but fundamentally rethinking their operational model through intelligent technologies.

Microsoft UAE is playing a crucial role in this digital transformation. Maitha Al Suwaidi, chief operating officer at Microsoft UAE, shared compelling examples of AI applications across industries.

In healthcare, Abu Dhabi Health developed a patient assistant that integrates medical records and enables seamless booking across medical facilities. In manufacturing, Emirates Global Aluminum implemented a digital platform using Microsoft Azure services, augmenting AI across 150 use cases and earning recognition from the World Economic Forum.

Venture One, through its AI 71 initiative, is developing specialised vertical AI solutions targeting specific industry challenges. Reda Nidhaku, the company’s acting CEO explained their approach, focusing on "agentic AI that augments employees" and creating tools for specific sectors.

In construction, they collaborated with the Department of Municipalities and Transport to automate permitting processes, reducing weeks-long compliance checks to instant evaluations.

In healthcare, they're testing an AI Doctor assistant and developing solutions to streamline patient discharge and insurance claim processes.

Looking to the future

The investment sector is also experiencing AI-driven transformation. Mubadala has integrated Maya, an AI companion, into its investment committee process. The AI tool helps filter investment opportunities, analyze macroeconomic data, and provide recommendations, enhancing decision-making without replacing human expertise.

Thomas Pramotedham, the CEO of Presight, emphasised the UAE's unique ecosystem, noting that the country's leadership vision of creating an "AI-native government" has been instrumental in attracting technological innovation.

The ecosystem supports companies in developing, testing, and exporting AI solutions globally.
These AI tools are not just technological experiments but strategic implementations driving efficiency, innovation, and economic diversification.

The UAE's approach combines robust infrastructure, forward-thinking policies, and a commitment to attracting global AI talent.

Dr. Kasmi summarised the sentiment perfectly. “We are a technology company that happens to operate in the defense sector...rethinking our operating model with revolutionary technologies."

As industries continue to integrate AI, the UAE is positioning itself as a global leader in intelligent technology adoption, demonstrating how strategic investment and ecosystem support can transform traditional sectors through artificial intelligence.

An image from MIITE 2024 (Image source: MIITE 2024)

On May 19, Abu Dhabi launched the fourth edition of the ‘Make it in the Emirates’ Forum, a pivotal platform underscoring the UAE’s ambition to become a global hub for advanced industries and innovation.

Official ministerial statements highlighted the forum’s role in advancing economic diversification, fostering public-private partnerships, and enhancing the UAE’s global competitiveness, aligning with the ‘We the UAE 2031’ vision to double the nation’s GDP to AED 3 trillion by the next decade.

H.E. Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy, emphasised the UAE’s strides in diversifying its economy, with non-oil sectors now contributing 74.6% to real GDP.

The industrial sector, a cornerstone of this transformation, accounted for 11.3% of real GDP (AED 149.4bn) in the first nine months of 2024, a 2.3% increase from 2023, and over 15% of non-oil GDP.

“The sector is expected to contribute AED 193bn to the national economy in 2024,” H.E. Al Marri noted, adding that it attracted AED 40bn in foreign direct investment (FDI) by 2022, representing 7% of total FDI.

He described the Forum as a catalyst for industrial growth, fostering digital transformation and collaboration to build a knowledge-based, innovation-driven economy.

“The UAE boasts an advanced economic legislative framework that fosters an attractive investment environment and stimulates innovation and productivity,” he said, reinforcing the nation’s vision to lead the global new economy by 2031.

H.E. Dr. Thani Al Zeyoudi, Minister of State for Foreign Trade, praised the Forum’s tangible economic impact, noting its role in integrating economic, industrial, and trade policies.

“Make it in the Emirates is a successful national model…empowering the industrial sector, enhancing national value, and supporting the growth of our industrial exports,” he said.

In 2024, industrial exports reached AED 197bn, driven by quality and innovation.

Through Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreements (CEPAs) and collaboration, the Ministry is expanding export opportunities, positioning UAE-made products as globally competitive.

Dr. Al Zeyoudi underscored the Forum’s alignment with the UAE’s leadership vision to elevate local industries on the world stage.

A collaborative environment

H.E. Suhail bin Mohammed Al Mazrouei, Minister of Energy and Infrastructure, highlighted the Forum’s role in uniting key sectors, particularly energy, which he described as “a central enabler of industrial development.”

He noted the industrial sector’s contribution to economic competitiveness and sustainability, with energy playing a critical role amid global shifts toward renewable sources like green hydrogen.

“The UAE’s focus on clean energy, artificial intelligence, and Fourth Industrial Revolution solutions meets development needs while ensuring resource sustainability,” he said.

The nation’s advanced infrastructure and energy sector further enhance its appeal for foreign investment, making the Forum a vital platform to explore synergies between energy, industry, and technology.

H.E. Mohamed Hassan Alsuwaidi, Minister of Investment, emphasised the Forum’s strategic importance in expanding investment opportunities and strengthening the UAE’s business-friendly ecosystem.

“Make it in the Emirates directly contributes to economic sustainability and expands the local production base,” he said, noting its role in attracting capital to advanced industries through robust public-private partnerships and cross-border collaboration.

The platform supports FDI inflows and industrial activity, solidifying the UAE’s position as a leading industrial and technological hub amid global economic shifts.