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AED40+ Billion Financing Solutions, Talent Exchange Programs, and Spotlighting Emirati Women-Driven Innovation: Highlights from the Largest 'Make it in the Emirates' Forum Yet
AED40+ Billion Financing Solutions, Talent Exchange Programs, and Spotlighting Emirati Women-Driven Innovation: Highlights from the Largest 'Make it in the Emirates' Forum Yet

Entrepreneur

time22-05-2025

  • Business
  • Entrepreneur

AED40+ Billion Financing Solutions, Talent Exchange Programs, and Spotlighting Emirati Women-Driven Innovation: Highlights from the Largest 'Make it in the Emirates' Forum Yet

Held under the theme "Advanced Industries. Accelerated", the 2025 edition garnered more than 58,000 visitors in just the first two days of the four-day-long convention. Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own. You're reading Entrepreneur Middle East, an international franchise of Entrepreneur Media. Held across an expansive 68,000 square meters (sq.m.) wide exhibition space —five times larger than last year's venue— 'Make it in the Emirates 2025' has officially become the forum's largest edition yet. Taking place at the ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi from May 19-22, 2025, the event is organized by ADNEC Group and hosted by Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology (MoIAT), in strategic partnership with the Ministry of Culture, the Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO), and ADNOC. This year's theme has been titled "Advanced Industries. Accelerated". While initially predicted to attract more than 30,000 visitors over the four days, Omar Al Suwaidi, Under-Secretary of MoIAT, shared with Emirates News Agency (WAM) on May 21 that the forum had attracted over 58,000 visitors during its first two days itself. Image courtesy: Make it in the Emirates/MoIAT The third day of 'Make it in the Emirates 2025' also saw the attendance H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, and Minister of Defence. "In the UAE, we are shaping a diversified, innovation-driven economy, led by skilled national talent and powered by cutting-edge global technologies," Sheikh Hamdan shared in a post on social media platform X. "Our message to private sector partners around the world is clear: Invest, innovate and manufacture in the UAE. Dream big, achieve more, and expand globally from the UAE, where the future begins." H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, and Minister of Defence, at 'Make it in the Emirates 2025'. Image courtesy: Dubai Media Office/WAM Indeed, through convening investors, manufacturers, and innovators the 'Make it in the Emirates' forum aims to celebrate and support the many high-value, growth opportunities in the UAE's industrial landscape. In his opening speech, H.E. Dr. Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, UAE Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology, highlighted the UAE's ambition to lead global industrial transformation. Noting the UAE's many strategic advantages —geographically, as well as in terms of infrastructure, financing and trade policies—H.E. Dr. Al Jaber emphasized the industry's role in enabling resilience, job creation, and supply chain self-sufficiency. He also highlighted how the 27 Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreements (CEPAs) signed by the UAE, provide manufacturers access to more than three billion consumers, further positioning the UAE as a global hub for industrial investment and production. Building Momentum: AED40+ Billion Financing Solutions for the Industrial Sector In December 2024, H.E. Dr. Al Jaber had revealed that the industrial sector's contribution to the UAE's gross domestic product (GDP) had surged by 57%, exceeding AED210 billion in value. It was later also revealed by the MoIAT that UAE industrial exports had increased by 63% and were anticipated to surpass AED190 billion. These numbers came out just months after the launch of 'Operation 300bn', the UAE's industrial strategy which aims to raise the industrial sector's contribution to the GDP to AED300 billion by 2031. Aligning with this target, on the second day of the forum, H.E. Dr. Al Jaber oversaw the signing of five Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) between the ministry and a number of the UAE's leading national banks, including First Abu Dhabi Bank, Emirates NBD, Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank, Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank, and WIO Bank. These financing solutions exceed AED 40 billion, and are aimed at supporting the development and expansion of the UAE's industrial sector. The MoUs are also intended to channel investments towards industry and advanced technology, offer tailored financing for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and strengthen strategic public-private partnerships. Image courtesy: Make it in the Emirates/MoIAT H.E. Omar Al Suwaidi, Undersecretary of MoIAT, was present at the signing and noted that these partnerships underscore MoIAT's commitment to enabling financial access and innovation within the industrial sector. "These innovative financing solutions are designed to enable sustainable industrial growth, aligned with the UAE's vision of a diversified, knowledge-based economy driven by innovation," he said. ""We highly value the crucial role of national banks in enhancing the business environment and enabling industry access to flexible, impactful financial solutions. This reflects a robust synergy between the government and the financial sector in advancing the UAE's economic resilience and sustainability." Related: Emirates Development Bank Announces Launch of AED1 Billion Emirates Growth Fund Diversity in Success: Highlighting the Contributions of Emirati Female Leaders Elsewhere at the forum, a series of panel discussions and educational sessions brought forward conversations on empowering local talent, advancing industrial skills, and the vital role Emiratis play in shaping the future of the UAE's industrial landscape. A high-level panel discussion titled "Makers, Innovators, and Game Changers: Emirati Women Shaping the Industrial Sector" –hosted by Abu Dhabi Exports Office (ADEX), the export financing arm of Abu Dhabi Fund for Development (ADFD), in collaboration with MoIAT– brought together Emirati female leaders from across the industrial ecosystem. Image courtesy: Make it in the Emirates/MoIAT The speakers included Dr. Alyazia Al Kuwaiti, Executive Director of UAE Industries at Mubadala; Fatima Al Hammadi, Chief Commercial Officer at Khalifa Economic Zones Abu Dhabi – KEZAD Group; Eng. Yasmin Al Enazi, Director of the Industry X.0 Centre – Maxbyte Technologies; Mariam Al Jaberi, Head of Production at Strata Manufacturing; and Khuloud Al Nuaimi, Senior Director of Business Excellence at Emirates Food Industries. The discussion shed light on the growing role of Emirati women in driving sustainable development and industrial innovation, and explored ways to enhance their contribution through flexible financing tools and innovative solutions offered by ADEX. In a separate statement, H.E. Mohamed Saif Al Suwaidi, the Director General of ADFD, noted that consistently empowering Emirati women in the industrial sectors is "both a national responsibility and a strategic priority" in order to achieve sustainable economic growth. "It is fundamental to realising the UAE's long-term industrial vision," H.E. Al Suwaidi added. "The success stories we see today of women leading innovation across manufacturing and technology reflect an ecosystem that recognises their potential and equips them with the tools required to compete and thrive on both local and global stages." The need to empower the women of the UAE was further brought to the forefront when the UAE Ministry of Culture signed several MoUs at the Handicrafts Exhibition with entities such as the General Women's Union, Al Ghadeer UAE Crafts under the Emirates Red Crescent, the Ghars Centre for Social Empowerment part of the Fujairah Charity Association, and the Department of Antiquities and Museums – Ras Al Khaimah. Organizations like Al Ghadeer UAE Crafts are empowering women with heritage skills and transforming them into sustainable livelihoods. Related: Unlocking the Global Impact of Emirati Women through Innovation Creating Synergy: Launch of Multiple Centers Across the Country Catered Towards Local Entrepreneurship, SMEs, and Talent Building On the sidelines of 'Make it in the Emirates 2025,' MoIAT has signed an agreement with Thara Entrepreneurship Hub powered by Ajman Chamber to establish an Industry 4.0 Enablement Center at Thara's headquarters in Ajman. The new hub is set to serve as a centre dedicated to supporting the adoption of advanced technology and Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) solutions. It also aims to enhance innovation and industrial development in the UAE, aligning with its vision of a sustainable, knowledge- and technology–driven economy. Image courtesy: Make it in the Emirates/MoIAT and Thara Meanwhile, UAE-based telco giant e& signed a strategic agreement with Aleria, an IHC Group company, to provide artificial intelligence (AI)-powered solutions tailored for SMEs, enhancing operational efficiency and supporting adoption of next-generation technologies. On day two of the forum, MoIAT announced the launch of the Startup Global Exchange Program 2025, an initiative connecting UAE-based and international startups with new markets, mentors, incubators, and investors. The first pilot will be launched with Japan —in September 2025 at the Osaka Expo, in partnership with Japan's Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI)— and will aim to help tech-driven startups expand their global footprint and scale solutions across borders. In October, the UAE will welcome Japanese startups for a reciprocal exchange, delivered in collaboration with national incubators and ecosystem partners. Startups selected for the Startup Global Exchange Program will receive immersive placements in innovation hubs, tailored mentorship, exposure to international customer bases, and connections with global investors and enterprise leaders Between 10 and 12 startups are expected to participate in each cycle. Image courtesy: Make it in the Emirates/MoIAT ADIO also launched a set of new talent development programs aimed at accelerating Emirati leadership across high-impact industrial roles. The initiatives align deeply with Abu Dhabi's long-term industrial strategy, and are expected to equip the national workforce with critical capabilities in AI, Industry 4.0 and sustainable manufacturing. To bridge the gap between training and employment, ADIO has also partnered with the MoIAT to host an 'Industrialists Career Fair' during the 'Make it in the Emirates' Forum. With the aim of directly placing over 100 Emiratis into strategic roles within Abu Dhabi's industrial sector, the initiative is part of a broader push to deepen national participation in the emirate's economic transformation. Image courtesy: Make it in the Emirates/MoIAT Elsewhere, the MoIAT signed a strategic MoU with Airbus Africa and Middle East to advance the development of a domestic aerospace capability enhancement program. H.E. Al Suwaidi and Gabriel Semelas, President of Airbus Africa and the Middle East, signed the agreement which establishes a framework for long-term collaboration to support the UAE's national industrial objectives, including supplier development, skills transfer, and integrating local companies into Airbus's global value chain. Image courtesy: Make it in the Emirates/MoIAT Related: UAE-Based Shurooq Marks 15 Years Of Growth With AED7.2 Billion In Investments And Partnerships Across 52 Projects In The Spotlight: Local Innovations and Ideas Shine At 'Make it in the Emirates 2025' Featuring more than 700 exhibitors and showcasing over 3,800 locally manufactured products, the forum has proven to be a pivotal launchpad for introducing and showcasing the progress made by UAE-grown industrial businesses. One such startup has been W.O.N Technologies, an Emirati company specializing in industrial communications networks, computing, and internet of things (IoT) solutions. As a technology provider, W.O.N Technologies aims to unlock new growth and investment opportunities, confident that the event will help accelerate its ambition to lead the MENA region in industrial tech innovation. Lootah Biofuels, which invests in waste-to-fuel innovation, is another example of homegrown ingenuity. Founded on the belief that waste can become a valuable resource, the startup's first factory was entirely based on German technology, but its latest facility is now 90% locally developed. Meanwhile, a special highlight of the Sharjah Pavilion at 'Make it in the Emirates 2025' has been the participation of SoiLab – Sharjah Research Technology and Innovation Park's open innovation lab – which is showcasing its latest capabilities in advanced manufacturing using 3D printing technologies and smart materials. SoiLab is presenting practical solutions to manufacturers and investors to support traditional factories in their journey towards smart industrial transformation.

Fourth 'Make it in the Emirates' kicks off in Abu Dhabi
Fourth 'Make it in the Emirates' kicks off in Abu Dhabi

Zawya

time19-05-2025

  • Business
  • Zawya

Fourth 'Make it in the Emirates' kicks off in Abu Dhabi

ABU DHABI - The fourth edition of Make it in the Emirates kicked off today under the theme 'Advanced Industries Accelerated'. The event runs until 22nd May at the ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi, with broad local and international participation from decision-makers, officials from both public and private sectors, entrepreneurs, investors, industrialists, experts, innovators and financial institutions. Spanning four days, Make it in the Emirates 2025 will explore key topics including AI-driven manufacturing, smart industrial transformation and national content, advanced manufacturing and industrial entrepreneurship, along with major announcements and offtake deals expected across each track. The day-one events will commence under the title The UAE's Vision – Shaping the Future of Manufacturing. The day will also include a ministerial keynote highlighting the redefinition of industry, trade and investment, and a ministerial leadership panel on Integrating Transnational Supply Chains: International Industrial Alliances & Partnerships. This year's edition features 720 exhibitors across a space of 68,410 square metres, more than 300 speakers, and showcases over 3,800 products. The event also includes announcements of new projects, initiatives and investment opportunities across 12 vital sectors. Winners of the third edition of the Make it in the Emirates Awards will be honoured, followed by a Trailblazers Talk session sharing a notable success story. Other sessions include panels exploring What it Takes to Take the Made in the Emirates Brand Globally and The Future of Supply Chains: Strategic Investments and Regional Hubs.

Make it in the Emirates kicked off with 720 exhibitors
Make it in the Emirates kicked off with 720 exhibitors

Trade Arabia

time19-05-2025

  • Business
  • Trade Arabia

Make it in the Emirates kicked off with 720 exhibitors

The fourth edition of Make it in the Emirates kicked off today under the theme 'Advanced Industries Accelerated', featuring 720 exhibitors across a space of 68,410 sq m. The event runs until May 22 at the Adnec Centre Abu Dhabi, with broad local and international participation from decision-makers, officials from both public and private sectors, entrepreneurs, investors, industrialists, experts, innovators and financial institutions. Make it in the Emirates 2025 will explore key topics including AI-driven manufacturing, smart industrial transformation and national content, advanced manufacturing and industrial entrepreneurship, along with major announcements and offtake deals expected across each track. The day-one events will commence under the title The UAE's Vision – Shaping the Future of Manufacturing. The day will also include a ministerial keynote highlighting the redefinition of industry, trade and investment, and a ministerial leadership panel on Integrating Transnational Supply Chains: International Industrial Alliances & Partnerships. This year's edition will have more than 300 speakers and showcase over 3,800 products. The event also includes announcements of new projects, initiatives and investment opportunities across 12 vital sectors. Winners of the third edition of the Make it in the Emirates Awards will be honoured, followed by a Trailblazers Talk session sharing a notable success story. Other sessions include panels exploring What it Takes to Take the Made in the Emirates Brand Globally and The Future of Supply Chains: Strategic Investments and Regional Hubs.

Saudi: Takween incurs higher losses in Q1-25; accumulated losses hit 40% of capital
Saudi: Takween incurs higher losses in Q1-25; accumulated losses hit 40% of capital

Zawya

time14-05-2025

  • Business
  • Zawya

Saudi: Takween incurs higher losses in Q1-25; accumulated losses hit 40% of capital

Riyadh – Takween Advanced Industries Company suffered 138.15% higher net losses at SAR 9.51 million in the first quarter (Q1) of 2025, compared to SAR 3.99 million in Q1-24. The revenues shrank by 20.82% to SAR 145 million as of 31 March 2025 from SAR 183.14 million a year earlier, according to the financial results. Loss per share hit SAR 0.12 in the first three months (3M) of 2025, versus SAR 0.07 in Q1-24. Quarterly, the Q1-25 revenues climbed by 1.49% from SAR 142.86 million as of 31 December 2024, while the net losses plunged by 80.96% from SAR 50 million. Accumulated Losses Takween reported accumulated losses valued at SAR 307.86 million at the end of March 2025, equivalent to 40.26% of the capital. The Saudi group incurred net losses worth SAR 75.83 million in 2024, down by 66.04% from SAR 223.33 million in 2023. All Rights Reserved - Mubasher Info © 2005 - 2022 Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (

Fourth edition of 'Make it in the Emirates' to launch May 19
Fourth edition of 'Make it in the Emirates' to launch May 19

Emirates 24/7

time09-05-2025

  • Business
  • Emirates 24/7

Fourth edition of 'Make it in the Emirates' to launch May 19

The Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology (MoIAT) has announced the agenda and official slogan for the fourth edition of 'Make it in the Emirates', one of the UAE's comprehensive economic programmes. The event will take place from 19-22 May 2025 at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre under the theme 'Advanced Industries. Accelerated'. The announcement was made during a press conference organised by the Government Media Office at Emirates Towers and attended by Dr. Sultan bin Ahmed Al Jaber, Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology. Held at a pivotal time for global economies, this year's edition demonstrates the strategic emphasis the country's leadership places on industrial development as a cornerstone of economic growth and technological advancement. The press conference was also attended by Omar Al Suwaidi, Under-Secretary of MoIAT; Mubarak Al Nakhi, Under-Secretary of the Ministry of Culture; Humaid Matar Al Dhaheri, Managing Director and Group CEO of Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Company Group; Mohammad Ali Al Kamali, Chief Trade and Industrial Officer at Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO); and Dr. Saleh Al Hashmi, Director of the Commercial and ICV Directorate at ADNOC. The event gathered local and international media, highlighting widespread anticipation for the largest industrial gathering in the region yet. Hosted by MoIAT, organised by Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Company Group, and held alongside strategic partners the Ministry of Culture, ADNOC Group, and ADIO, Make it in the Emirates 2025 represents a bold evolution in the UAE's industrial landscape, supported by Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre's world-class infrastructure and logistics capabilities. In a speech delivered at the press conference,Dr. Al Jaber said, 'All that the UAE has accomplished is built on the legacy of our Founding Father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, and the forward-looking vision set out by President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai. His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid recently emphasised the importance of the industrial sector and the role of Make it in the Emirates in advancing national industry and UAE-made products. 'With the continued guidance and support of His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of Presidential Court, we have intensified efforts to modernise the UAE's industrial sector and contribute to building a diversified, competitive, and knowledge-based economy. Make it in the Emirates was launched under the umbrella of the National Strategy for Industry and Advanced Technology to connect investors and manufacturers with local opportunities and offtake agreements, while also promoting national products and facilitating more job opportunities for Emiratis in the industrial sector. 'Make it in the Emirates was launched under the umbrella of the National Strategy for Industry and Advanced Technology to provide a platform that brings together investors and manufacturers to benefit from offtakes and procurement opportunities, as well as to showcase local products and jobs for Emiratis in the industrial sector. 'Industry is a key driver of economic diversification and a catalyst for building national capabilities and creating jobs. With this in mind, MoIAT launched the National Strategy for Industry and Advanced Technology in 2021 with the aim of: Increasing the industrial sector's contribution to GDP, Developing a solid legislative framework that supports a competitive, resilient, high-quality, and sustainable industrial sector, Ensuring the sustainability of supply chains in vital industries such as food, pharmaceuticals, chemicals, energy, electrical equipment, electronics, space technologies and building materials, Accelerating the adoption of advanced technologies, Transforming the UAE into a regional and global hub for future industries. 'The fourth edition of Make it in the Emirates is taking place at a time when the world is facing many geopolitical challenges and shifting trade and tariff policies. These changes impact supply chains and the movement of goods and raw materials, ultimately affecting industrial and economic dynamics. These global shifts are testing the capabilities, resilience, and adaptability of nations in responding to emerging developments. In the UAE, we have developed an exceptional model of resilience and adaptability, and we are confident in our potential to continue achieving sustainable economic growth. 'We see a genuine opportunity for our country amid recent international developments. The UAE is well-positioned to become a destination of choice for countries around the world for investment, manufacturing, and export, as well as a hub for attracting exceptional talent and expertise. Countries with Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreements (CEPAs) with the UAE stand to benefit from our strategic location, low customs tariffs, world-class infrastructure, and strong presence of international companies to manufacture and export their products. The UAE strongly supports fair and free trade with all its partners, and continues to work and collaborate with the international community to build an inclusive and dynamic economic system. 'Thanks to a collaborative approach involving ministries, economic departments, national companies, manufacturers, and investors, the industrial sector has delivered significant results in the past years. Notably, the value of industrial exports rose to AED 197 billion in 2024, a 68% increase compared to 2020. Furthermore, cumulative local spending in the industrial sector through the National In-Country Value (ICV) Program reached AED 347 billion. These achievements were possible through partnerships with stakeholders, ministries, financial institutions, national companies, manufacturers, and investors. These achievements are not just numbers, they represent real factories, meaningful job opportunities, and a stronger national economy. 'As the industrial sector continues to grow in importance, and following the tremendous success of previous editions held at the Abu Dhabi Energy Center, the fourth edition of Make it in the Emirates will take place at Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Center. The scale of this expansive space reflects the importance of the industrial sector to the national economy. We expect large participation from local and international experts, innovators, industrialists, and investors to explore new pathways for industrial growth. 'The upcoming edition will be exceptional in terms of outcomes, with the announcement of numerous projects, new financing solutions, and investment opportunities across 12 vital sectors, most notably: the announcement of numerous new procurement agreement opportunities, for the first time, the event will host a pavilion dedicated to Emirati handicrafts and heritage industries. The launch of a range of innovative financial solutions to support the industrial sector. New initiatives focused on advanced technologies, artificial intelligence, and Industry 4.0. The signing of multiple MoUs and agreements to further support national industries. The Industrialists Career Exhibition will highlight job opportunities for UAE nationals in the industrial sector. 'Make it in the Emirates is where ambition meets opportunity. Through our collective efforts, we will build a future where the Made in the Emirates mark stands as a symbol of the highest standards of quality, innovation, and sustainability.' 'I extend an open invitation to investors and entrepreneurs, both local and international, to take part in Make it in the Emirates 2025 to explore opportunities, forge partnerships, and leverage the UAE's incentives and enablers. Our success stories are a source of national pride, proving the UAE is a land of opportunity. Businesses that make it in the Emirates will enhance their competitiveness, contribute to shaping the future, and be part of a national success stories. Further, manufacturers will have access to markets representing more than 3 billion people,' Dr. Sultan added. Al Suwaidi said, 'Thanks to the support and guidance of our wise leadership, Make it in the Emirates has become the leading national platform for discussing developments and shaping the future of the UAE's industrial sector, while enhancing the country's position as a regional and global hub for advanced industry.' Al Suwaidi noted that the event will witness new announcements including industrial investments and key initiatives that will contribute to the UAE's sustainable economic development goals. He outlined the key activities planned over the event's four-day run, including honouring industrial pioneers through various award programs like the Make it in the Emirates Awards and the ICV Champions, as well as hosting a series of ministerial sessions, strategic discussions, and partnership signings. Make it in the Emirates 2025 will also spotlight the role of technology and women in industry, present inspiring success stories, and promote national content and global expansion opportunities for Emirati products. Al Suwaidi also highlighted the theme of the fourth edition, 'Advanced Industries. Accelerated', which reflects MoIAT's commitment to developing an innovative and sustainable industrial sector. The event will also feature the Industrialists Career Exhibition, offering more than 1,200 job opportunities from 100 companies for Emirati talent, alongside an exhibition showcasing national products in key sectors such as pharmaceuticals, space, defense, and energy. In addition, investors will be introduced to offtake opportunities, while the launch of the Global Exchange Program will open doors for startups to explore the Japanese market during Expo 2025 Osaka. Al Dhaheri also highlighted that fourth edition of Make it in the Emirates is set for significant expansion. The event space will increase to 68,000 square meters, five times larger compared to the previous edition. The total number of exhibitors will surpass 700, 15 times more compared to 2024. Al Dhaheri added that the Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Company Group aims to attract more than 30,000 visitors, marking a five-fold growth compared to the previous edition. He emphasised the company's commitment to developing events to support national industries by highlighting investment opportunities, creating partnerships and collaborations, encouraging innovation, and supporting SMEs. This will contribute to enhancing the competitiveness of local products and their ability to reach new markets, both regionally and internationally. For his part, Al Nakhi emphasised that Make it in the Emirates reflects the leadership's commitment to reinforcing national identity and fostering a sustainable economy rooted in creativity and cultural heritage. He noted that the fourth edition coincides with the Year of Community, which highlights the citizen as the cornerstone of national development, while recognising craftsmen, artists, and creatives as guardians of heritage and ambassadors of Emirati identity. Al Nakhi highlighted the Artisans Handicrafts pavilion, organised by the Ministry of Culture as one of this edition's dedicated areas. The pavilion will feature live demonstrations of 40 traditional crafts across 10 main zones, along with a rich program of artistic performances and workshops held in collaboration with local partners. Al Nakhi also noted that supporting handicrafts strengthens generational ties to heritage and highlights the UAE's creative identity as a nation with a vibrant, ever-evolving legacy. He emphasised that the Ministry of Culture's initiatives, particularly the support for Emirati handicrafts, heritage industries, and the empowerment of artisans, are part of a national strategy that places society at the heart of development and the creative economy. Al Kamali emphasisd that Make it in the Emirates represents a strategic milestone in the UAE's industrial journey and reflects the nation's ambition to build a diverse, sustainable, and knowledge-based economy. Al Kamali also highlighted the successes achieved by Abu Dhabi in developing an advanced industrial ecosystem centered on innovation, which has strengthened its position in global supply chains and raised international investor confidence. Al Kamali noted that ADIO continues to support these efforts by providing a comprehensive range of services. Additionally, he outlined several key achievements relating to the Abu Dhabi Industrial Strategy (ADIS) in 2024, including raising industrial output to AED111.6 billion and increasing the number of industrial establishments and skilled professionals. Al Kamali also discussed the role of the new economic community centers launched by ADIO, which serve as integrated platforms combining talent and investment to help build a competitive, future-ready economy for the emirate. Special Edition Dr. Al Hashmi commended the continued collaboration with MoIAT in organising Make it in the Emirates, which plays a crucial role in advancing the industrial sector and strengthening its contribution to economic diversification. Dr. Al Hashmi also highlighted the achievements of ADNOC's ICV program since its inception, which has channeled over AED 242 billion into the national economy and offered over 17,000 job opportunities for Emiratis in the private sector. He noted that ADNOC plans to redirect an additional AED200 billion by 2030, including AED90 billion earmarked for local manufacturing. He also spoke about the launch of the Make it with ADNOC app, which supports Make it in the Emirates. The new strategic tool is designed to provide suppliers with immediate insight into the products ADNOC plans to purchase to maximise the long-term local manufacturing opportunities ADNOC offers. At the press conference, MoIAT also revealed the official agenda and slogan for this year's edition, emphasising the UAE's commitment to industrial innovation and excellence. Spanning four days, Make it in the Emirates 2025 will explore key topics including AI-driven manufacturing, smart industrial transformation and national content, advanced manufacturing and industrial entrepreneurship, along with major announcements and offtake deals expected across each track. The day one events will commence under the title 'The UAE's Vision – Shaping the Future of Manufacturing', with a welcome keynote address by Dr. Al Jaber followed by a ministerial panel titled 'Redefining Industry, Trade and Investment'. The day will also include a ministerial keynote by Sheikh Salem bin Khalid Al Qassimi, Minister of Culture, titled 'The Art of Progress', and a ministerial leadership panel on 'Integrating Transnational Supply Chains: International Industrial Alliances & Partnerships'. Winners of the third edition of the Make it in the Emirates Awards will be honoured, followed by a Trailblazers Talk session sharing a notable success story. Other sessions include panels exploring 'What it Takes to Take the 'Made in the Emirates' Brand Globally' and 'The Future of Supply Chains: Strategic Investments and Regional Hubs'. The second day of the event will feature a rich lineup of events under the theme 'The Impact of National ICV – The UAE's Commitment to Upskilling Talent'. The day will open with an informal ministerial session on the role of localisation in community engagement, aligning with the 'Year of Community 2025'. It will be followed by the announcement of the ICV Champions and the opening of the Industrialists Career Exhibition. The Day 2 agenda will also feature a panel titled 'Strengthening National Resilience – ICV Champions', a Trailblazers Talk and a series of sessions discussing topics including 'Synergies in The UAE's Industrial Landscape', 'Deep Tech & Space Manufacturing: New Frontiers for the UAE's Industrial Ecosystem', and 'Makers, Innovators and Game Changers – Women Shaping the Future of Industry'. Activities will conclude with a panel discussion on 'Family Business – Key Enablers of Industrial Growth and Expansion'. Under the theme 'Smart Manufacturing – Industry 4.0 & AI', the third day will feature a fireside chat on 'Accelerating Advanced Tech and R&D in The UAE's Innovation Ecosystem'. Key highlights of Day 3 include leadership panels titled 'UAE's Journey to Industry 5.0: AI, Robotics and Human Ingenuity' and sessions titled 'The Creative Economy Through Tech – A Catalyst for Manufacturing Growth' and 'Powering the Digital Age: The Future of Energy-Efficient Data Centers'. The day will conclude with a session titled 'Bridging Borders for Innovation – Science Diplomacy Shaping the Future of UAE's Manufacturing Landscape'. Under the theme 'Driving Global Trade and Market Access', the final day of Make it in the Emirates 2025 will conclude with a ministerial fireside chat titled 'Young Voices, Bold Futures: Strategies for Enabling Youth in Shaping the UAE's Industrial Scene', offering insights into how the UAE integrates youth into its industrial strategies and inspires young talent to contribute to the country's future. This year's event will feature the third edition of the Make it in the Emirates Awards, presented across nine categories under five strategic pillars: Factory of the Future, Excellence in National ICV, Industrial Enablers and Strategic Partners, Leadership and Talent, and UAE Traditional Crafts for Individual and Companies. The UAE Traditional Crafts category is introduced for the first time, aiming to support creative industries and preserve Emirati heritage by empowering artisans through incentives, showcasing their creations, and providing platforms to market their products. The second day will see the unveiling of the ICV Champions, a newly introduced initiative debuting this year. It will recognise and honour companies excelling in the National ICV Program across eight categories, in appreciation of their exceptional contributions to advancing industrial development in the UAE. Additionally, the fourth edition will feature a Startup Pitch Competition focused artificial intelligence. The competition aims to attract and support emerging industrial innovations, integrating them into the national industrial ecosystem. The press conference also provided an overview of the investment opportunities and incentives presented by Make it in the Emirates. Manufacturers and investors will be able to benefit from a wide range of investment enablers including a business-friendly environment, technological transformation, competitive financing, industrial sustainability, business growth support, production and export promotion, and more. The fourth edition is set to be the largest yet, anticipating more than 30,000 visitors and over 700 exhibitors, with a total exhibition space of 68,000 square meters. It will also feature an expanded range of products offered for local manufacturing, along with an increase in procurement agreements to support industrial diversification and sustainability in the country. Startups will receive special attention within the event's agenda, with dedicated platforms to showcase their products and pitch innovative ideas to a select group of investors, decision-makers, and enablers. At the end of the press conference, MoIAT invited manufacturers, investors, and entrepreneurs to actively take part in Make it in the Emirates 2025, bringing together key decision-makers, innovators, and manufacturers. It is the largest industrial event in the country and the region to date in terms of participation, scale, ambition, and impact. Make it in the Emirates aims to amplify the economic and social impact of the National Strategy for Industry and Advanced Technology. It focuses on localising supply chains, fostering industrial growth through strategic partnerships, enablers, and investment opportunities. It also highlights the role of AI in shaping the future of industry, offering competitive financing and technological transformation solutions to strengthen partnerships, promote innovative products, facilitate knowledge exchange, unlock new avenues of innovation, and empower startups. Follow Emirates 24|7 on Google News.

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