Make it in the Emirates: The UAE's bold blueprint for industrial reinvention

Khaleej Times

04-06-2025

As the UAE accelerates its transition toward a knowledge- and innovation-driven economy, a defining initiative is reshaping its industrial landscape — Make it in the Emirates. Launched in 2021 under the umbrella of the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology's (MoIAT) Operation 300bn strategy, this initiative aims to amplify the manufacturing sector's contribution to the national GDP from Dh133 billion to Dh300 billion by 2031. Through innovation, foreign investment, and local production, the UAE is charting a bold course toward becoming a global hub for advanced industries.
Held under the patronage of MoIAT in collaboration with the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED) and Adnoc, the Make it in the Emirates Forum has become a key platform aligning national ambition with international opportunity. The 2025 edition — hosted at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (Adnec) from May 19 to 22 — marked a significant evolution. What began at the Abu Dhabi Energy Centre has now expanded across 50,000 sqm, drawing over 20,000 visitors — up from 13,000 across its first three editions — alongside 1,300 delegates, 150 local artisans, and 20 high-profile speakers from sectors including energy, telecom, healthcare, defense, and AI.
Scaling with the Nation's Ambitions
The UAE presents a compelling case for industrial investment: a stable regulatory framework, 100% foreign ownership across most sectors, long-term residency for investors, and globally ranked infrastructure — including top-tier logistics and ICT systems. Coupled with its geographic advantage connecting East and West, the country offers an unmatched value proposition.
Acknowledging global shifts in trade, energy, and supply chains, the UAE is strategically repositioning itself to attract industrial capital aligned with national priorities. According to Dr Sultan Al Jaber, UAE Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology, the initiative is 'more than a forum — it's a comprehensive economic programme to build a resilient, inclusive, and innovative industrial base.'
'This is not just a platform,' Al Jaber stated. 'It is a catalyst for sustainable economic development. It allows us to spotlight local manufacturers, promote national products, and cultivate an ecosystem of innovation and investment.'
The 2025 forum saw record-breaking momentum: Dh20 billion in procurement announcements were made during the event, bringing the cumulative value to Dh165 billion, a notable increase from Dh120 billion in 2024. Over 2,000 industrial products were earmarked for local manufacturing — from advanced pharmaceuticals to precision aerospace components — reflecting the UAE's pivot from consumer economy to industrial powerhouse.
A Strategic Framework for Diversified Growth
At the heart of Make it in the Emirates lies a transformative blueprint:
Economic Diversification: Reducing reliance on oil by channeling investment into non-oil sectors such as advanced manufacturing, renewable energy, agri-tech, and healthcare.
Technology and Innovation: Embracing Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) technologies — including AI, robotics, and additive manufacturing — to enhance competitiveness.
SME Empowerment: With SMEs forming 95% of the UAE's industrial base, the initiative integrates them into global value chains while providing access to training, finance, and incentives.
In-Country Value (ICV): The National ICV Programme has redirected more than Dh73 billion into the local economy and created over 19,000 jobs as of Q3 2024.
Sustainability and Self-Sufficiency: Emphasising green manufacturing and local production of critical goods to support climate goals and boost resilience.
The strategy is delivering tangible results. In 2024, the industrial sector contributed Dh210 billion to GDP and recorded Dh197 billion in exports —progress that underscores momentum toward the 2031 goal.
Forging a Future-Ready Industrial Ecosystem
The forum's 2025 edition reaffirmed the UAE's aspiration to become a global leader in smart and sustainable manufacturing. Plans were unveiled to localize the production of 2,000 in-demand products across sectors like pharmaceuticals, aerospace, electronics, agri-tech, and food and beverage —efforts designed to reinforce supply chain security and enhance self-sufficiency.
Moreover, the forum has attracted over Dh143 billion in off-take agreements since its launch — offering manufacturers guaranteed demand and long-term revenue pipelines. Key participants this year included Adnoc, EGA, Edge, etisalat, PureHealth, Strata, and Mubadala, with strategic guidance from ADDED and Adnoc ensuring alignment with economic and energy objectives.
Foreign investor interest continues to rise, supported by the UAE's investor-friendly policies, advanced infrastructure, and regulatory efficiency.
Empowering Emiratis and Elevating Women in Industry
Over 22,000 jobs for Emiratis have been created through the initiative, including 2,500 under the Industrialists Programme, which links academia with industry and equips young nationals with future-focused skills in manufacturing.
Women, too, are reshaping industrial leadership. From Dr Alyazia Al Kuwaiti at Mubadala championing gender inclusion in heavy industry to Mariam Al Jaberi at Strata Manufacturing producing aircraft components for Boeing and Airbus, Emirati women are breaking barriers and building legacies.
Aligned with Global Trends and Climate Goals
The UAE's strategy mirrors global imperatives: digital transformation, sustainable growth, and economic resilience. The focus on green manufacturing and renewable-powered industrial zones contributes to both national and global climate objectives, including the UAE Net Zero 2050 Strategy.
Initiatives like the Emirates Development Bank's Dh30 billion financing package — supporting 13,500 companies across key sectors like renewables, advanced tech, and healthcare — highlight the nation's long-term commitment to industrial growth.
AI, Automation, and the Rise of Future Industries
This year's forum spotlighted transformative technologies. UAE-based AM Industries introduced AI-powered defense and civil solutions, while Maxbyte Technologies launched its 3D AI Project — blending robotics with machine learning.
Digital transformation is further accelerated by the Technology Transformation Programme (TTP), which helps businesses implement AI, IoT, and cloud computing for enhanced productivity and reduced operational costs — key to achieving global competitiveness.
SMEs, Startups, and Real-World Impact
Nearly 68% of forum funding has gone to startups and SMEs, nurturing local innovation. Trux, a logistics and recovery app that featured at the 2025 edition, has served over 1,200 clients, recorded 8,000 downloads, and onboarded 1,000 drivers — expecting a 200% revenue increase post-forum.
Even fashion is embracing industrial reinvention. The UAE-based Carter & White reports that 60% of its Italian customers now request apparel labeled Made in the UAE—a testament to the growing global prestige of Emirati products.
Sustainability as a Growth Engine
Sustainability isn't just a principle — it's a performance metric. The UAE is investing significantly in
green manufacturing, electrification, and clean energy-driven industrial zones. As MoIAT Undersecretary Omar Al Suwaidi noted: 'With over 2,000 identified products and a procurement value of Dh143 billion, we're building a competitive, diversified industrial base that empowers citizens and secures our future.'
Make it in the Emirates has evolved into a beacon of cultural and economic diplomacy. More than 5,000 UAE-made products, from advanced tech to traditional crafts, were showcased in 2025. Policies supporting full foreign ownership further reflect the country's commitment to international partnerships.
As Omar Al Suwaidi emphasised: 'The forum has proven its industrial influence, generating billions in procurement opportunities. We are constantly on the rise.' That rise is now evident on the global stage. Ahmed Al Serkal of Carter & White shared that a growing number of European customers are actively seeking UAE-made products — marking a milestone in industrial brand building.
The Road to 2031
Despite remarkable progress, challenges remain — chief among them is cultivating a workforce ready for rapid technological change, sustaining innovation, and balancing growth with environmental stewardship. However, with its strategic clarity, robust investment plans, and future-focused policies, the UAE is well-equipped to turn these challenges into opportunities. As global manufacturing paradigms shift toward regionalised production and supply chain resilience, the Emirates stands poised to become a preferred industrial hub.
Make it in the Emirates is no longer just a slogan — it's a national movement redefining economic identity. With Dh165 billion in procurement, 22,000+ jobs created, and surging international interest, the future of global manufacturing may very well be spelled in bold letters: Made in the Emirates.
Strategic Outcomes of the Initiative
> Major shift towards AI, robotics, and smart industry
> 68% of funding directed to SMEs and startups
> Empowering women: From factory floors to boardrooms
> University partnerships fuelling a high-skill talent pipeline
> Success stories like Trux growing 200% post-forum
The UAE is transforming from consumer to global producer — with a tech-driven, sustainable industrial future.