Make It In The Emirates: UAE Accelerates Industrial Growth With Record Job Creation And Export Achievements

With the opening of the fourth edition of Make it in the Emirates, the UAE has taken a significant step towards its goal of becoming a global leader in manufacturing and technology. This event, which is a cornerstone of the UAE's industrial strategy, runs for four days under the banner "Advanced Industries. Accelerated", showcasing the nation's industrial evolution and its commitment to technology-driven economic development.

Over 700 exhibitors and more than 50,000 attendees are participating in this grand showcase, which highlights the UAE's strategic endeavors to boost its industrial sector. These include unveiling a series of investments and agreements aimed at enhancing the nation's industrial competitiveness, in line with the National Strategy for Industry and Advanced Technology. This initiative is a clear signal of the UAE's intention to fortify its position on the global manufacturing stage.

During his opening address, His Excellency Dr. Sultan Al Jaber, Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology, emphasised the UAE's dedication to fostering industries that are resilient, innovative, and competitive on a global scale. He stated, "With the foresight of our leadership, we are building an inclusive, diversified, and sustainable economy. The future is Made in the UAE." This commitment underscores the nation's strategy to not just participate in the global economy but to lead, especially in future industries.

This year's event, Make it in the Emirates 2025, is particularly noteworthy for its ambitious scope. It builds on the success of over $45.8 billion in secured offtake agreements spanning more than 4,800 products across 12 key sectors, such as aerospace, clean energy, agritech, and advanced electronics. Additionally, it marks the introduction of a $272 million Emirates Growth Fund designed to foster tech-driven and SME-led industrial growth. This is complemented by $4.08 billion in competitive financing provided by leading UAE banks, showcasing the depth of financial support available for the industrial sector.

Furthermore, Make it in the Emirates 2025 arrives at a time when there is a global surge in demand for high-tech, sustainable, and localized manufacturing solutions. Since its inception in 2021, the platform has been instrumental in the UAE's industrial transformation, driving significant growth in industrial exports, which hit USD 53.7 billion in 2024, up 68% from 2020. The industrial sector's contribution to the GDP also rose impressively to USD 57.3 billion.

Through initiatives like the National In-Country Value (ICV) Program, the UAE has redirected over USD 94.5 billion back into its national economy, creating over 22,000 jobs in the private sector for Emiratis. This, coupled with the country's foreign trade exceeding USD 1.36 trillion last year, cements the UAE's status as a strategic gateway that connects various global markets, further enhancing its appeal to international investors and manufacturers.

The 2025 edition of Make it in the Emirates represents the most comprehensive effort yet to position the UAE as a leading destination for future-focused and strategically located manufacturing investments. This initiative not only showcases the country's ambitious industrial and technological advancements but also provides a platform for global investors to directly engage with one of the world's most dynamic economies.