Make It In The Emirates Highlights Emirati Talent And National Industrial Growth Through Innovation

Day Two of the Make it in the Emirates event, themed "National Creation and Emirati Talent," concluded with significant involvement from industry leaders, government bodies, and innovators. The day was filled with panel discussions, educational sessions, and networking opportunities aimed at empowering local talent and advancing industrial skills. The event highlighted the crucial role Emiratis play in shaping the UAE's industrial future.

Organised by ADNEC Group and hosted by the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology, Make it in the Emirates is being held at ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi until 22 May. The event is supported by strategic partners like the Ministry of Culture, Abu Dhabi Investment Office, and ADNOC. Over 720 exhibitors are participating in this significant gathering.

A key highlight was a press conference at the International Holding Company (IHC) stage. Here, IHC and Al Ain Farms Group announced an AED 1.8 billion investment to support the UAE's food security strategy. Additionally, e& signed a strategic agreement with Aleria, an IHC Group company. This partnership aims to provide AI-powered solutions for SMEs to enhance operational efficiency and support next-generation technology adoption.

The Ministry of Culture also signed several Memoranda of Understanding at the Handicrafts Exhibition within Make it in the Emirates. These agreements were made with entities such as the General Women’s Union, Al Ghadeer UAE Crafts under Emirates Red Crescent, Ghars Centre for Social Empowerment part of Fujairah Charity Association, and Department of Antiquities and Museums – Ras Al Khaimah.

In electric mobility news, UAE-based brand E Daddy announced a strategic partnership with Robust, a regional battery technology leader. They will manufacture advanced battery packs for E Daddy's new X7 electric delivery bike. This collaboration marks a significant step towards establishing a fully UAE-based electric mobility ecosystem that includes design, engineering, production, and assembly.

Robust will produce E Daddy’s battery packs locally to ensure faster market readiness and improved quality control while aligning with sustainability goals. This initiative highlights efforts to strengthen local manufacturing capabilities in electric mobility.

Handicrafts Sector Highlights

The Handicrafts sector showcased artisans and cultural institutions dedicated to preserving traditional Emirati crafts. Exhibitors shared handmade products like Talli embroidery and Khous weaving alongside ceremonial daggers and eco-friendly camel leather goods. Organisations such as Al Ghadeer UAE Crafts empower women through heritage skills transformed into sustainable livelihoods.

Businesses like Khunair are reviving forgotten crafts while cultivating demand for locally made ceremonial items. Dubai Culture and Arts Authority emphasised cultural transmission's importance while Al Khaznah Leathers demonstrated tradition fused with innovation through sustainable craftsmanship.

Industrial Collaboration Opportunities

Make it in the Emirates served as a hub for investment opportunities within the industrial sector. A dedicated section featured key economic enablers including IHC, First Abu Dhabi Bank, Sharjah Chamber of Commerce & Industry among others reflecting their commitment towards enabling manufacturers supporting new partnerships expanding access across UAE’s industrial landscape.

The Industrialist Career Fair launched during this event provided a platform connecting Emirati talent with leading industrial companies offering career opportunities within various sectors showcasing successful entrepreneurs sharing their journeys from startups into global businesses alongside discussions on Emiratisation initiatives during Year Community celebrations held Vision Hall Momentum Hall sessions focused emerging technologies new frontiers within UAE’s ecosystem spotlighting contributions space exploration domestically manufactured components supporting Arab world’s first interplanetary mission.

With inputs from WAM