Make It In The Emirates 2025 Opens With H.H. Sheikh Hamed Bin Zayed Attending Inaugural Ceremony

The fourth edition of "Make it in the Emirates" is underway at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre, running until May 22. Hosted by the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology (MoIAT) and organised by Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Company Group, this event is themed "Advanced Industries. Accelerated." It aims to boost the UAE's industrial sector and technological transformation.

H.H. Sheikh Hamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Managing Director of the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority, attended the opening ceremony. The event attracts significant local and international participation, including decision-makers from public and private sectors, entrepreneurs, investors, and experts. Over 700 companies are showcasing innovative products across 68,000 square meters of exhibition space.

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The event plays a crucial role in empowering the industrial sector and reinforcing the UAE’s position as a global hub for industry and investment. It aligns with the National Strategy for Industry and Advanced Technology to support economic development. The initiative also focuses on knowledge exchange, fostering partnerships, enhancing self-sufficiency, and strengthening supply chains.

Dr. Sultan Al Jaber, Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology, highlighted in his address that the UAE has built a resilient industrial sector contributing to economic diversification. He stated: "Today, we meet amidst rapid economic and geopolitical transformations... Thanks to the forward-looking vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan... This nation has proven its resilience and ability to adapt to change."

The UAE recognises AI as an essential economic sector rather than just a tool or technology. Global AI revenues are projected to surpass USD 1.5 trillion by 2040. Recently, during US President Donald Trump’s visit to the UAE, the first phase of the UAE-US AI data center was launched in Abu Dhabi.

To support advanced technology adoption, MoIAT launched initiatives like the Technology Transformation Program and Industrial Technology Transformation Index. These have supported over 500 factories with AED 4.6 billion in financing facilities. The focus includes renewable energy technologies, semiconductors, smart chips, AI data center components, energy storage batteries, autonomous equipment, and advanced construction materials.

Strategic Initiatives

This year’s edition features strategic initiatives such as increasing offtake opportunities from AED143 billion to over AED168 billion over ten years. The Emirates Growth Fund will be launched under Emirates Development Bank as an AED1 billion investment platform for SME projects in strategic sectors like manufacturing and healthcare.

The event also offers over 1,200 job opportunities for Emiratis through the Industrialist Career Fair in collaboration with Nafis program and national companies. A special pavilion dedicated to Emirati crafts supports industrial heritage and national culture with participation from 216 artisans.

International Collaboration

The UAE has launched an Industrial Partnership for Sustainable Economic Development with Jordan, Bahrain, Egypt, Morocco, Qatar, and Türkiye. This collaboration aims to advance regional supply chain integration through joint projects worth USD 5 billion in sectors of mutual importance.

Dr. Sultan Al Jaber emphasised: "In line with our leadership’s directives... We invite local and international investors to capitalise on UAE’s status as a preferred investment destination... We also call on public and private sector entities to support local industry through the National ICV Programme."

Future Prospects

The UAE's industrial sector has seen substantial growth; industrial exports reached AED197 billion in 2024 — a 68% increase compared to 2021. Strategic trade expansion through Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreements (CEPAs) raised total foreign trade to over AED5 trillion.

The event underscores UAE's commitment to empowering future generations by encouraging youth participation in industry through employment or entrepreneurship opportunities. The nation offers everything needed for success in pioneering tomorrow's industries.

The opening ceremony saw attendance from several dignitaries including Abdulla Fakhro from Bahrain; Samheng Bora from Cambodia; Sheikh Shakhbout bin Nahyan Al Nahyan; Sheikh Salem Al Qassimi; Suhail bin Mohammed Al Mazrouei; Dr Ahmad Belhoul Al Falasi; Mohamed Hassan Alsuwaidi; Dr Amna bint Abdullah Al Dahak Al Shamsi; Sana bint Mohammed Suhail; Dr Thani Al Zeyoudi; Omar Sultan Al Olama; Maryam bint Ahmed Al Hammadi; Dr Sultan Al Neyadi; Zaki Anwar Nusseibeh; Faisal Al Bannai; Mariam Almheiri; Jassim Mohammed Bu Ataba Al Zaabi; Ahmed Jasim Al Zaabi; Mansour Ibrahim Al Mansoori among others.

With inputs from WAM