Local manufacturing innovation comes to fore at Make it in the Emirates forum
15 May 2025 22:14
SARA ALZAABI (ABU DHABI)As the fourth edition of Make it in the Emirates forum, the UAE's largest industrial gathering, is approaching, key industrial leaders have highlighted the event's role as a platform for showcasing local manufacturing innovation and its alignment with the UAE's long-term economic vision.The UAE's premier manufacturing event, scheduled to take place from May 19 to 22 at ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi, brings together innovators, investors, and policymakers to shape the future of industry.
Speaking to Aletihad , Hassan Safi, Group CEO of Al Ain Farms Group, said participating in the Make it in the Emirates forum underscores the group's commitment to the UAE's vision for industrial growth and self-sufficiency. "This initiative provides an unparalleled platform to showcase our locally produced, high-quality dairy, camel milk, poultry, eggs and juices, forge strategic partnerships, and contribute to national food security."At Al Ain Farms Group, Emirati innovation is woven into every step of the production and product development journey, Safi noted. "We were among the first in the UAE to adopt automated milking systems and climate-controlled barns. We also introduced the country's first probiotic-enriched yoghurts and fresh milk in recyclable glass bottles."Their innovation strategy prioritises sustainability and consumer health, with ongoing research and development.Safi also highlighted their focus on improving nutrition, developing eco-friendly packaging, and boosting efficiency with AI integration.The group's strength lies in being a fully integrated, UAE-based producer. "This means we control the entire value chain, from farm to shelf," he explained. "Unlike imported goods, we can respond instantly to market needs. In 2024 alone, 51% of our procurement value directly contributed to our In-Country Value (ICV) performance," Safi said.At the Make it in the Emirates forum, Al Ain Farms will showcase their advancements in technology, including automated milking and feeding systems, energy-efficient barn cooling, and sustainable packaging technologies. Elaborating on their focus on sustainability, Safi said Al Ain Farms Group recycles over half a billion gallons of water annually for irrigation. It has also introduced recyclable glass packaging for milk products and successfully reduced more than 15% plastic in larger milk bottle packs, he added. In a statement to Aletihad, Future Pipe Industries (FPI), a company specialising in composite piping for the energy, water, and industrial sectors, pointed out its strategic alignment with the forum's vision. FPI said it views Make it in the Emirates as a driving force for fostering stronger partnerships and enhancing global visibility."Our mission goes beyond only providing access to fresh food - it cuts across the moral purpose of enabling life on land and growing industry in a sustainable way.""We joined the initiative to reinforce our commitment to national industrial growth, local value creation, and sustainable manufacturing excellence," FPI said. "It aligns closely with our vision to manufacture world-class composite piping systems locally while serving international infrastructure and energy markets."The company is specialised in producing high-performance composite pipes using cutting-edge winding techniques tailored to meet the precise needs of diverse applications. "This continuous innovation and adaptability ensure we deliver solutions with unmatched precision and efficiency," FPI added.At the forum, FPI is presenting technologies such as continuous filament winding, helical filament winding, and its Thermoplastic Composite Pipe (TCP) technology."Our participation and innovation support the UAE's goal of becoming a global hub for advanced industries," the company said.
"By investing in local talent, sustainable production, and R&D, we're contributing directly to UAE Vision 2031."
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