UAE Industrial Transformation Accelerates With Digital Readiness And WEF Lighthouse OS

The Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology has agreed a new partnership with the World Economic Forum to upgrade the Technology Transformation Program into a national enablement platform for UAE manufacturers. The cooperation links the UAE’s Industrial Technology Transformation Index with the World Economic Forum’s Lighthouse Operating System, supporting wider industrial transformation and stronger participation in global value chains.

The agreement is concluded on the sidelines of the World Governments Summit and is signed by Hasan Jasim Al Nowais and Saadia Zahidi, with senior officials present. The platform aims to raise operational and technological maturity in UAE factories, speed up Fourth Industrial Revolution adoption, and help manufacturers compete more effectively worldwide.

Kiva Allgood explains that the Lighthouse Operating System is created to scale industrial transformation beyond a few leading factories to a global and inclusive level. The framework draws on lessons from over 200 Lighthouse factories worldwide and can be used by both multinational manufacturers and small and medium-sized enterprises.

According to the World Economic Forum, industrial transformation has become essential as supply chains face disruption and sustainability pressures grow. The Lighthouse Operating System is designed to move companies from pilots to real delivery. It keeps people at the centre by ensuring technology supports the workforce and enables smart, human-focused production sites.

Under the new arrangement, the Industrial Technology Transformation Index becomes the formal national entry point for UAE factories into the Lighthouse Operating System. The alignment offers a clear execution pathway, translating international best practices into detailed and measurable factory transformation plans, while also supporting capacity building and knowledge exchange between partners.

The agreement also aims to create a comprehensive national industrial transformation model that goes beyond assessment. It supports full implementation across factories in the UAE and prepares for a new strategic methodology due later this year. That methodology will focus on complete end-to-end transformation, from early diagnosis through to large-scale industrial deployment.

Hasan Jasim Al Nowais says the collaboration strengthens the UAE’s position as a global example of industrial transformation, underpinned by enabling policies and incentives. The partnership supports the National Strategy for Industry and Advanced Technology and the Make it in the Emirates initiative, contributing to higher industrial GDP, stronger supply-chain resilience, and a bigger role in future-focused industries.

Al Nowais highlights that integrating the Technology Transformation Program into recognised global systems marks a move from simple technology adoption to scalable, replicable execution models. Advanced manufacturing and industrial digitalisation are positioned as key drivers of sustainable growth. The approach also supports national industrial security, builds sustainable local value, and gives factories a defined path to raise technological and operational performance.

Transform 4.0 and Technology Transformation Program for UAE manufacturers

Two years ago, the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology launched the Transform 4.0 initiative to speed up industrial technological change across the UAE. As part of this effort, an accelerated track was developed to support 100 high-potential industrial companies and create a group of national Lighthouses within the Technology Transformation Program.

Al Nowais notes that this latest agreement builds on close coordination with the World Economic Forum during the fourth edition of Make it in the Emirates, held in May. The Ministry aims to deliver a structured, end-to-end approach that reassures global partners, helps factories integrate into global supply chains, and supports long-term growth of the UAE’s industrial ecosystem.

The collaboration between the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology and the World Economic Forum sets out a clear framework for UAE manufacturers to advance. By combining the Technology Transformation Program, the Industrial Technology Transformation Index and the Lighthouse Operating System, the UAE is preparing a more systematic industrial transformation pathway that includes companies of all sizes and supports national strategic goals.

With inputs from WAM