Make It In The Emirates Forum Boosts Local Manufacturing With Strategic Announcements

The third edition of the Make it in the Emirates (MIITE) Forum and exhibition, organised by the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology (MoIAT) in collaboration with the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED) and ADNOC, concluded on Tuesday. The two-day event in Abu Dhabi attracted six thousand investors, industrialists, innovators, and experts and featured 200 leading companies and financial institutions in the UAE.

The third MIITE Forum witnessed five strategic announcements, including an additional AED 23 billion worth of procurement opportunities for local manufacturing. This raised the total value generated by the three editions of the forum to AED 143 billion, comprising more than 2,000 products. This includes AED 20 billion allocated by ADNOC and AED 3 billion by PureHealth.

During the forum, AED 20 billion worth of new investments in industrial projects were announced. Competitive electricity prices for industrial companies in Ajman, Ras Al Khaimah, Umm Al Qaiwain, and Fujairah were also introduced under a partnership between the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure and Etihad Water and Electricity.

The event marked the introduction of AED 1 billion in solutions via a co-lending financing between Emirates Development Bank (EDB) and commercial banks to empower industrial companies. Additionally, the AI Innovation Programme was launched to support startups on AI integration, backed by EDB with a AED 370 million fund.

Showcasing Achievements and Incentives

The third MIITE Forum showcased the achievements of local industrial companies along with incentives that attract industrial investments to the country. The exhibition accompanying the forum displayed 300 products resulting from the Make it in the Emirates initiative, National ICV-Programme, and import substitution efforts by national and international companies.

These included innovative solutions designed to support the development of the industrial sector and boost food security. The forum underscored AI's pivotal role as a cornerstone of the country’s strategic direction in raising efficiency, productivity, and competitiveness.

Global Collaboration Platform

The forum further cemented the UAE’s position as a key global platform for collaboration among institutions, companies, and financial institutions. The third edition witnessed the signing of 82 MoUs and agreements between government entities and leading industrial companies.

Transform 4.0 Programme

The forum featured the launch of Transform 4.0, a programme aiming to accelerate the adoption of advanced technology in industry through developing a roadmap for 100 industrial companies. This initiative aims to enhance national industries' competitiveness, elevate productivity, improve operational efficiency, and foster sustainable growth opportunities.

Ultimately, it aims to support the digital economy by leveraging knowledge, technology, and innovation. The Ministry announced three winners of the Make it in the Emirates Start-Up Pitch Competition covering additive manufacturing and decarbonisation categories.

Support for Sustainable Development

The forum supports sustainable economic development and promotes self-sufficiency, localisation, and resilience in value chains. This is particularly achieved by driving the adoption of advanced technology, Fourth Industrial Revolution solutions, and AI applications. Furthermore, it serves as a platform for empowering Emirati talent in the industrial sector.

With inputs from WAM