21-05-2025
'Make it in the Emirates' spotlights advanced industries, investment, women's leadership
The "Make it in the Emirates" forum is showcasing the UAE's advanced industrial sector, drawing strong investor interest and highlighting smart manufacturing and AI technologies, as well as the growing role of Emirati women in technology and industry.
National advanced industries are drawing strong interest at the "Make it in the Emirates" forum, highlighting the UAE's growing role in smart manufacturing and AI. The platform showcases how advanced technologies are reshaping production for greater efficiency, sustainability, and competitiveness.
Ahmed Al Mazrouei, CEO of AM Industries Group, a specialist in defence, security, and civil systems manufacturing and development, said the company is presenting AI-based technologies tailored to both local and international markets. He described the forum as a vital platform that connects investors with the UAE's dynamic industrial sector and supports the development of smart manufacturing capabilities.
Since its inception in May 2022, "Make it in the Emirates" has emerged as a key channel linking the UAE's industrial ecosystem to global markets. Backed by political stability, intellectual property protections, strategic location, infrastructure, and investor incentives such as 100 percent foreign ownership and tax exemptions, the platform continues to attract significant investment into priority sectors.
The Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology is spearheading efforts at the 2025 edition to attract investors, entrepreneurs, and technology firms to 12 strategic sectors including food and agricultural technology, pharmaceuticals, hydrogen and clean energy, advanced manufacturing and AI, shipbuilding, aerospace, automotive, defensc, and traditional crafts.
The forum also enables access to substantial procurement opportunities under the National In-Country Value (ICV) programme, which reached over Dh143 billion by 2024.
The UAE's focus on industrial transformation has positioned it as a global hub for the Fourth Industrial Revolution. In 2024, the industrial sector contributed Dh210 billion to GDP and recorded Dh197 billion in exports.
Notably, over 68 per cent of the funding was directed towards SMEs and startups, facilitating the domestic manufacturing of over 2,000 vital and priority products to bolster national industrial security.
The platform has also supported self-sufficiency in critical industries and the transition towards future industries, alongside MoIAT's efforts to develop training programsme linking universities with industrial sector needs and to increase Emirati talent in the sector, creating around 22,000 jobs for UAE nationals in the industrial and technology sectors.
Women are playing an increasingly prominent role in these sectors. A session on ''Emirati Women's Leadership in the Industrial Sector,' highlighted success stories and opportunities for further advancement.
Dr. Alyazia Al Kuwaiti, Executive Director of UAE Industries, UAE Investments at Mubadala, emphasised the company's support for women in strategic industries such as heavy industries, aviation, and pharmaceuticals.
She noted the significant rise of Emirati women in science and technology fields thanks to the UAE's supportive environment through training, technical support, and legislation.
Mariam Al Jaberi, Production Lead at STRATA Manufacturing, shared her role in the aerospace industry, emphasising the active participation of Emirati women in manufacturing aircraft structures for major global companies like Boeing, Airbus, and Pilatus.
Fatima Al Hammadi, Chief Commercial Officer of KEZAD Group, noted the positive impact of initiatives like "Right & Centre" in attracting over 350 industrial companies in just three years.
Yasmin Al Enazi, Director of the Industry X.0 Centre – Maxbyte Technologies, announced the upcoming launch of the '3D AI' project to integrate AI in robotics design and highlighted the growing role of Emirati women in robotics, driven by academic and institutional support.
'Make it in the Emirates' continues to drive industrial innovation, global competitiveness, and inclusive growth, positioning the UAE as a leader in advanced industry and technology.
