Dubai Industrial City Celebrates 20 Years Of Advancing Manufacturing And Logistics In The Middle East

Dubai Industrial City marked its 20th anniversary, highlighting its role as a key manufacturing and logistics hub in the Middle East. This milestone underscores the successful collaboration between public and private sectors. Established in November 2004, Dubai Industrial City is one of TECOM Group PJSC’s ten business districts, aimed at promoting economic diversification and industrial innovation in Dubai and beyond.

Over two decades, Dubai Industrial City has developed a robust ecosystem with over 1,100 businesses, including Unilever and Maersk. The district's workforce grew by 13% this year to over 17,000 professionals. The number of operational factories increased by 16% to more than 350 during the same period.

A memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed with Siemens to boost industry excellence. This partnership will focus on digitalisation, sustainability, and operational efficiencies through ITTI Assessments under the UAE’s Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology. Siemens will also support training and capacity building within the district.

The collaboration with Siemens aims to enhance competitiveness and sustainability for factories in Dubai Industrial City. It includes access to Siemens’ Green Lean Digital Factory Roadmaps and Greenfield Digital Factory Planning services. This initiative aligns with Dubai’s vision for a resilient manufacturing sector.

Dubai Industrial City continues to attract global manufacturers, adding 13.9 million sq.ft. of industrial land this year alone. Over AED2 billion in private sector investment has been secured over the past two years. Recent agreements include MD Pharma Factory’s AED130 million facility and OZON Pharmaceuticals’ AED293 million hub.

The district's strategic location near Jebel Ali Port and Al Maktoum International Airport ensures seamless operations for diverse customers. It offers six sector-specific zones designed for efficiency, supporting a circular economy by minimising waste.

Economic Impact on Dubai

Dubai remains a leader in attracting greenfield foreign direct investments (FDI). The National Investment Strategy 2031 aims to triple the UAE’s cumulative FDI balance to AED2.2 trillion by 2031. Manufacturing, logistics, and storage sectors are crucial for economic growth.

In Q2 this year, Dubai’s manufacturing sector was valued at AED10.6 billion, contributing 9.1% to the city’s GDP of AED116 billion. The transport and storage sector contributed AED15.85 billion or 13.6% of GDP during this period.

A gala dinner at Jumeirah Emirates Towers celebrated Dubai Industrial City's achievements with senior officials like Alia Abdul Rahim Al Harmoudi from MOCCAE attending. Saud Abu Alshawareb stated that their ecosystem supports global growth and sustainable development while enhancing the 'Made in UAE' brand globally.

The district's legacy is reflected in its contribution to a resilient manufacturing sector through over 350 operational factories and more than 1,100 local, regional, and international customers. It aligns with initiatives like Operation 300bn and Make it in the Emirates for long-term growth.

With inputs from WAM