Make it in the Emirates 2025: UAE industrial exports pass $53bn as sector creates jobs and boosts economy
The UAE industrial sector is witnessing remarkable growth with billions of dollars of investments and thousands of new jobs bring created.
Sheikh Hamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Managing Director of the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority, attended the opening of the fourth edition of 'Make it in the Emirates', taking place until May 22 at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre under the theme 'Advanced Industries. Accelerated.'
The fourth edition of Make it in the Emirates is drawing broad local and international participation, bringing together top decision-makers from both the public and private sectors, as well as entrepreneurs, investors, industrialists, experts, innovators, and financial institutions.
UAE investments
More than 700 companies are showcasing their innovative products at Make it in the Emirates 2025 as it is expected to welcome more than 30,000 visitors.
The event plays a pivotal role in empowering the industrial sector, accelerating technological transformation, and reinforcing the UAE's position as a global hub for industry and investment.
It also contributes to the UAE's comprehensive economic development in line with the goals of National Strategy for Industry and Advanced Technology.
Make it in the Emirates serves as a platform to facilitate knowledge and expertise exchange, foster partnerships, enhance self-sufficiency, localise supply chains, and strengthen industrial resilience.
It empowers Emirati talent in the industrial sector by introducing them to key opportunities in industry and advanced technology, while also supporting startups and driving the growth and competitiveness of the UAE industries, particularly through advanced technology, Industry 4.0 solutions, and AI applications.
In his opening address at the event, Dr. Sultan Al Jaber, Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology, said: 'The UAE has laid firm foundations for a robust industrial sector that contributes to economic diversification. This nation has proven its resilience and ability to adapt to change.
'Industry plays a vital role in creating added economic value, improving productivity, generating employment opportunities, building advanced and resilient infrastructure, developing an export-oriented production base, and boosting the GDP.
'Countries with a strong industrial foundation enjoy sustainable economic growth, ensure a prosperous and bright future, and contribute meaningfully to the advancement of societies.
'Investing in manufacturing is investing in an advanced economy. Every investment in this sector creates a multiplier effect by stimulating the growth of related sectors.
'Amid the shift toward advanced industries that rely heavily on cutting-edge technologies in production processes such as artificial intelligence, robotics, and advanced materials, the world is now witnessing the dawn of a new industrial era — one led by ideas, accelerated by technology, and shaped by agility and adaptability to evolving changes.
'Guided by the vision of our leadership, innovation, determination, and perseverance form the foundation of our progress, while flexibility, agility and productivity define our approach.
'We launched the National Strategy for Industry and Advanced Technology to increase the sector's contribution to GDP, support national products, enhance supply chains, and accelerate the adoption of Fourth Industrial Revolution technologies, and artificial intelligence.
'In the UAE, we don't see AI as merely a tool or a new technology — we recognise it as a fully-fledged economic sector.
'Globally, AI revenues are expected to exceed $1.5tn by 2040. As witnessed during US President Donald Trump's visit to the UAE last week, the first phase of the UAE-US AI data center was launched in Abu Dhabi and it is set to become the largest AI campus outside the United States.
'I take this opportunity to congratulate our leadership, H.H. Sheikh Tahnoon bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Ruler of Abu Dhabi and National Security Advisor, and to all those involved in such strategic projects that strengthens the UAE's position in AI and the new economy.
'To support this direction toward adopting advanced technology and AI, the MoIAT launched the Technology Transformation Program and the Industrial Technology Transformation Index, which have supported over 500 factories with financing facilities worth AED4.6bn ($1.25bn).
'We also focus on enabling future industries — including renewable energy technologies, Small Modular Reactors (SMRs), space, semiconductors, smart chips, AI data center components, energy storage batteries, autonomous equipment, and advanced construction materials.
'The UAE's industrial sector has witnessed significant growth. In 2024, industrial exports reached AED197bn ($53.6bn) — a 68 per cent increase compared to 2021.
'We commend our colleagues across all ministries, particularly the Ministry of Economy, for expanding strategic trade through Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreements (CEPAs), raising total foreign trade to over AED5tn ($1.4tn).
'Through the National In-Country Value (ICV) Programme, which supports the industrial sector by redirecting procurement to local products and services — local spending has reached a cumulative AED347bn ($94.5bn), and over 22,000 job opportunities have been created for Emiratis.
'In line with the leadership's directives to strengthen bridges of cooperation, we also launched the Industrial Partnership for Sustainable Economic Development with Jordan, Bahrain, Egypt, Morocco, Qatar, and Türkiye.
'This collaboration has advanced regional supply chain integration through joint projects worth $5bn ($1.4bn) in sectors of mutual importance.
'In implementation of the directives of His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Make it in the Emirates has been enhanced to support national industrial growth further.
'This year's edition features several strategic initiatives, most notably, increasing the value of offtake opportunities from AED143bn ($39bn) to over AED168bn ($45.7bn) over the next ten years, an increase of AED25bn ($6.8bn) compared to last year, to localise over 4,800 products within the country.
The event will also witness the launch of the Emirates Growth Fund under Emirates Development Bank as an AED1bn ($272m) investment platform.
The fund aims to empower SME projects in strategic sectors including manufacturing, healthcare, food security, and advanced technology by providing long-term capital and the strategic support necessary for sustainable growth and effective expansion; offering competitive financing solutions exceeding AED40bn ($10.9bn) over five years from national banks, including:
Emirates Development Bank
First Abu Dhabi Bank
Mashreq Bank
Emirates NBD
Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank
Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank
Wio Bank
The event also offers more than 1,200 job opportunities for Emiratis through the Industrialist Career Fair, in collaboration with the Nafis program and several national companies.
Furthermore, a special pavilion has been dedicated to Emirati crafts and heritage industries to support our industrial heritage and national culture in line with the 'Year of Community', featuring 216 artisans.
In addition, several major announcements are set to be made in the coming days.
Al Jaber said: 'The UAE offers world-class infrastructure, a strategic location connecting East and West, flexible legislation, advanced cybersecurity, competitive energy costs, a high quality of life, skilled global talent, specialized industrial cities and top-ranked ports, airports, and logistics networks that enable our products and exports to reach more than three billion people.
'Most importantly, the UAE is known for its solid reputation for trust and credibility. We must harness these advantages and expand globally.
'We invite local and international investors to capitalise on UAE's status as a preferred investment destination as well as the opportunities at Make it in the Emirates to form long-term, high-value partnerships.
'We also call on public and private sector entities to support local industry through the National ICV Programme – boosting competitiveness, improving productivity, and ensuring supply chain resilience.
'In line with our leadership's directives to empower future generations, we encourage our youth to join the industrial sector through employment or entrepreneurship.
'The UAE offers everything you need to succeed and pioneer the industries of tomorrow. Every factory we build and every machine we operate is a new hope and a step forward in our nation's journey, ensuring that the Made in the Emirates mark continues to stand as a symbol of quality, excellence and a shared source of national pride'.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Arabian Business
2 hours ago
- Arabian Business
UAE shoppers want 1-click, biometric checkouts for safer online payments: Visa
Consumers across the UAE are calling for more secure and seamless online shopping experiences, according to Visa's latest Checkout Friction Report. Despite the rapid growth of ecommerce and digital adoption in the region, key challenges at the checkout stage continue to hinder consumer satisfaction and business performance. Based on a survey of more than 2,000 online shoppers across the GCC, the report shows that security concerns and complex payment steps are the top barriers to smooth transactions. Online shopping in the UAE In the UAE, 40 per cent of shoppers cite fear of fraud as their biggest concern, while 37 per cent are frustrated by the need to repeatedly enter card details. Shopping frequency is high, with one in three UAE consumers buying groceries online multiple times a week, and categories like fashion, entertainment, and electronics seeing regular purchases monthly. However, friction during checkout can lead to abandoned carts and lost revenue for retailers. Visa's research underscores a growing preference for advanced payment technologies. A significant 67 per cent of UAE shoppers said they would adopt biometric authentication like fingerprint or face ID to check out online. Additionally, 65 per cent support a unified registration process for digital payments across websites. The report also highlights that 82 per cent of consumers would shop online more frequently if one-click checkout options were widely available, and 66 per cent are likely to use Visa's 'Click to Pay with Biometrics' feature. This solution simplifies online shopping by eliminating manual card entry, using secure device-based biometric authentication to speed up and protect the transaction process. Salima Gutieva, Visa's VP and Country Manager for UAE, said: 'Challenges in the online checkout process have direct implications for businesses, resulting in lost revenue, and hampering both customer acquisition and retention. 'Today's consumers expect – and deserve – a more seamless and secure eCommerce experience. That's why Visa is working with partners to enable solutions like Click to Pay, which leverages biometrics and tokenisation to eliminate key pain points and deliver a more convenient shopping experience.
Khaleej Times
3 hours ago
- Khaleej Times
Abu Dhabi-owned Manchester City open retail store at Dubai Mall
Are you a fan of Abu Dhabi-owned English Premier League side Manchester City and want to get your hands on some cool club merchandise, but live in Dubai? Fret not. The 10-time Premier League champions have opened a new store at the Dubai Mall. It marks the second retail store of the 2022-23 Champions League winners after Yas Mall in the UAE capital Abu Dhabi. The outlet at Dubai Mall also joins flagship stores Manchester City Stadium Store and Arndale City store in the city of Manchester, England, as well as pop-ups in New York City and Seoul. Fans of the club, kitted by German manufacturer Puma, will have access to merchandise as well as some memorabilia collections. The store at Dubai Mall introduces an updated version of the brand's award-winning 'Field of Play' concept, designed to reflect stadium and fan culture. The Dubai location features elements such as locker-style zones and visuals from iconic Manchester City matches. City, who won four successive Premier League titles in 2020–21, 2021–22, 2022–23 and 2023–24, didn't quite have the season according to the high benchmarks that they set. Nonetheless, The Sky Blues, managed by former FC Barcelona and Bayern Munich tactician Pep Guardiola, finished third in the League behind perennial rivals champions Liverpool and Arsenal.
Arabian Business
3 hours ago
- Arabian Business
UAE student rules; Dubai road projects; Inside the Wynn Al Marjan resort; Dubai real estate analysis 10 things
UAE student rules, a Dubai education boom and major real estate projects in Abu Dhabi and Dubai have made the headlines this week. Catch up on 10 of the biggest stories this week, as selected by Arabian Business editors. UAE announces new rules for overseas students The UAE has announced new rules for students looking to study overseas as it looks to enhance employment prospects for future graduates. The Education, Human Development and Community Development Council (EHCD) has approved a set of criteria for Emirati students who wish to pursue their higher education outside the UAE. The criteria aim to enhance student's competence and readiness to enter the job market, and to regulate international scholarship options in accordance with the UAE's aspirations, national plans, priority sectors, and future developments, thereby supporting the optimal investment in Emirati talents. Through this initiative, the Council aims to empower students to make well-informed decisions based on clear criteria that ensures the quality of selected programs and academic institutions. It also seeks to enhance the value of the qualifications they obtain, supporting their future career opportunities both within the UAE and abroad. Dubai has announced a major road and traffic scheme to upgrade journeys for passengers around Jumeirah, Umm Suqeim and Al Khail Road. In line with the directives of the leadership to accelerate the development of road infrastructure and expand traffic capacity across Dubai, the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) announced an integrated urban project to upgrade Umm Suqeim Street, from its intersection with Jumeirah Street to Al Khail Road. The project is designed to enhance traffic flow in support of the emirate's comprehensive development, address the demands of urban expansion and population growth, and to improve the overall quality of life for both residents and visitors. It complements works currently underway to upgrade Umm Suqeim Street from its intersection with Al Khail Road to Emirates Road, ultimately enabling uninterrupted traffic flow from Jumeirah to Al Qudra Road over a total distance of 20km. EXCLUSIVE: Inside Wynn Resorts' Las Vegas-style UAE expansion The much-anticipated Wynn Al Marjan resort is well on its way to becoming the UAE's first integrated gaming resort, extending the experience to the Middle East and beyond. With construction currently 60 per cent complete, the resort is scheduled to open its doors to the public in early 2027. Walking into the Wynn Las Vegas, the opulence and sheer scale is unmistakable – in fact, it is record-breaking, with the hotel being one of the biggest globally. The 50,000 sq. ft. property – encompassing both the Wynn and Encore resort, although different, seamlessly operates as one with a total of 4,500 rooms. Dubai real estate: Villa, townhouse prices soar 92% in three years as property market booms Dubai Land Department (DLD) recorded AED 54 billion in property sales transactions across Dubai in May, representing an 11 per cent increase from the previous month, a new report finds. Villa and townhouse prices have increased by 92 per cent since May 2022, rising from AED3,475,523 to AED6,682,023 over three years, Allsopp & Allsopp said in an emailed statement. These properties saw a 35 per cent price increase within the last year alone across villa and townhouse communities, according to DLD data. Abu Dhabi real estate: Aldar announces $10.9bn Fahid Island development with plan for 6,000 homes Aldar unveiled the masterplan for Fahid Island in Abu Dhabi, which has an 11km coastline and a gross development value of more than AED40bn ($10.9bn). The development will have 4.6km of pristine beachfront on one side of the island and mangrove forests on the other. Every part of the 2.7 million sq m island is no more than a five-minute walk to the water's edge, creating a vibrant island culture complete with refined coastal residences, curated leisure, and 5-star hospitality. Aldar has also partnered with a leading international institution to introduce an elevated education experience to Fahid Island in line with Abu Dhabi's vision to become a regional hub for excellence in education. Dubai real estate: 73,000 homes to be delivered in 2025 as property sales hit $31bn Dubai will add 73,000 residential units to its housing stock this year, with 300,000 units expected by the end of 2028, according to research from property consultant Cavendish Maxwell. The emirate recorded 42,000 property sales transactions worth AED114.4 billion in the first quarter of 2025, despite a 10 per cent decline compared to the final quarter of 2024. Sales increased 23 per cent compared to the same period last year. 'Dubai's property market is on track for a modest annual increase in terms of sales volumes and values, but there are indications that prices are beginning to stabilise. 2025 began with a brief dip in prices per sq ft, followed by a steady recovery. While prices are still on the up, the pace is showing signs of slowing down. For example, the average quarterly price increase for 2023 and 2024 was 4 per cent, compared to a 2.8 per cent rise in Q1 this year against Q4 2024,' Ronan Arthur, MRICS, Director and Head of Residential Valuation at Cavendish Maxwell said. Dubai real estate sector sets record $18.2bn sales in single month with $82m Palm Jumeirah villa leading spree The Dubai real estate market set a new all-time monthly sales record of AED66.8bn ($18.2bn) in May, a 49.9 per cent increase in value on the same month last year, according to a market update issued by fäm Properties. The data reveals that last month's total of 18,693 transactions also made it the second best-selling month on record in terms of volume. Fäm Properties CEO Firas Al Msaddi said the data from DXBinteract underlines the strength and stability of a market which is evolving, without any broad threat of oversupply in the residential sector, but now facing an undersupply of office space. Ajman announces $272m port investment Sheikh Ammar bin Humaid Al Nuaimi, Crown Prince of Ajman and Chairman of the Executive Council, witnessed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Department of Port and Customs Ajman (DPC), and Hutchison Ports, a global port investor, developer and operator, for the expansion and development of Ajman Port's infrastructure with a joint investment worth AED1bn ($272m). Under the MoU, a development plan will be drawn up for Ajman Port in accordance with the best global practices. Dubai student boom as 29% surge in international enrolment signals new global education hotspot With new universities, a major rise in foreign students, and world-class infrastructure, Dubai is rewriting the rules on global higher education. Dubai is making bold moves on the world stage — not just in finance or real estate, but now as a rising education superpower. Latest data from Dubai's Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) reveals a 29 per cent spike in international student enrolment, with more than 42,000 students now studying across 41 licensed institutions. Four new international campuses opened this year alone. Dubai real estate market stabilising; investors confident in long-term growth The Dubai real estate market is entering a healthy 'stabilisation phase' and investors are confident in long-term projects, according to brokerage and developer Asico. Following a period of remarkable growth where residential property prices surged by approximately 60 per cent between 2022 and early 2025, driven by strong international investor interest, the market is now entering a phase of stabilisation in 2025, said Asico.
