Make It In The Emirates 2025 Launches To Enhance Industrial Partnerships And Global Collaboration

The UAE has launched the fourth edition of Make it in the Emirates, a key platform for boosting industrial growth and economic diversification under the National Strategy for Industry and Advanced Technology. Hosted by the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology (MoIAT), this event offers investors, manufacturers, and innovators access to significant opportunities within the UAE's industrial sector.

This year's theme, "Advanced Industries. Accelerated," brings together over 700 exhibitors showcasing more than 3,800 locally produced items across 68,000 square meters. The event expects over 30,000 participants during its four-day run. It builds on agreements exceeding AED 168 billion, targeting over 4,800 products in 12 priority sectors.

Dr. Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology, opened the event by highlighting the UAE's ambition to lead global industrial transformation. He stressed the industry's role in resilience, job creation, and supply chain self-sufficiency. Dr. Al Jaber pointed out the UAE’s strategic advantages like its geographic location and advanced trade frameworks.

The UAE’s Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreements (CEPAs) provide manufacturers access to over three billion consumers globally. This positions the UAE as a hub for industrial investment and production. The Ministerial Panel discussed how trade policy, investment incentives, and development frameworks make the UAE a competitive global hub.

His Excellency Dr. Thani Al Zeyoudi explained how CEPAs and open trade policies position the UAE as a launchpad for export-led manufacturing. "Trade agreements have demonstrated clear benefits," he said. "According to World Bank reports, trade can increase a country’s exports by up to 35% and boost GDP growth by 15%."

Ahmed Al Zaabi emphasized targeted policy's role in attracting investment: "The UAE is among the few countries that have successfully modernized its legal framework to serve the industrial sector better." He noted that employment opportunities have significantly increased compared to thirty or forty years ago.

Emirates Growth Fund Launch

Najla Al Midfa introduced the Emirates Growth Fund — a AED 1 billion initiative under Emirates Development Bank aimed at empowering high-growth ventures in technology, advanced manufacturing, and SMEs. Al Midfa stated: "We are proud to announce a strategic commitment of AED1 billion to support these companies." She added plans to channel more than AED 10 billion into high-impact sectors like healthcare.

Agricultural Innovation

A session titled "Farm to Factory: Growing Agritech in the Emirates" highlighted investment in agricultural technology for food resilience through local innovation. Ahmed Al Suwaidi from Al Dahra shared insights on using next-generation technologies for productivity enhancement while reducing water use by up to 70%.

Dr Shamal Mohammed discussed engaging local talent in agricultural engineering: "Emiratis have a mindset that views challenges as opportunities." He mentioned recruiting graduate trainees from UAE universities to foster local talent in agritech.

Awards Celebrating Industrial Excellence

The third edition of Make it in the Emirates Awards celebrated excellence across various categories like Factory of the Future and Leadership Development. His Excellency Omar Suwaina Al Suwaidi stated: "These awards honor more than industrial excellence — they recognize collaboration, resilience, and national pride." Winners will be announced separately.

Attendees explored innovative products such as AI-enabled robotics and sustainable materials throughout the exhibition halls. Emirati SMEs stood alongside global leaders — reflecting an evolving manufacturing ecosystem in the UAE.

The UAE's industrial sector has seen substantial growth with contributions reaching AED 210 billion to GDP in 2024; exports surged by 68 percent compared to 2020. The National In-Country Value (ICV) Program has injected over AED 347 billion into the economy since its inception.

Make it in the Emirates continues until May 22 at Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre with MoIAT hosting alongside strategic partners like ADNOC. This platform underscores commitments towards advancing industry through partnerships while adopting advanced technologies — building a future that's competitive and Made in the UAE.

With inputs from WAM