The industrial sector is a key pillar in the UAE's vision for a diversified and sustainable economy. Aligned with the UAE's leadership vision, this sector has grown to become the second-largest contributor to the non-oil GDP. This achievement underscores its pivotal role in driving economic growth, creating jobs, and supporting sustainable development goals, all in line with the UAE Centennial 2071 Vision to build a globally competitive economy.

The UAE has established itself as a leader in the development of the industrial sector, both regionally and globally, offering innovative incentives and exceptional support to investors and innovators worldwide. Over the past three years, and under the National Strategy for Industry and Advanced Technology (Operation 300bn), the UAE's industrial sector has made impressive strides, climbing from 35th to 27th globally in the UNIDO Competitive Industrial Performance (CIP) Index since 2019.  

In partnership with the public and private sectors, Operation 300bn has fostered technological transformation and innovation, creating a highly attractive industrial environment for both local and international investments. This strategy has significantly boosted the industrial sector's contribution to the nation's GDP, showing a 59 percent increase in 2024 compared to 2020. This contribution is expected to exceed AED 210 billion, while industrial exports have risen to nearly AED 197 billion.

In line with Operation 300bn, MoIAT has launched several initiatives and programs that have played a pivotal role in our success, including the Make it in the Emirates Initiative.

Make it in the Emirates initiative: Driving Growth and Competitiveness

Make it in the Emirates is a flagship initiative launched by MoIAT in partnership with strategic stakeholders, aimed at accelerating industrial growth in the UAE. Its core objectives are to: 

·       Boost industrial investments. 

·       Localize supply chains and achieve self-sufficiency in vital sectors. 

·       Diversify the economy and support local content. 

As part the of the initiative, the inaugural Make it in the Emirates Forum was launched in 2022 under the theme "Invest. Partner. Grow." This marked the first interactive industrial platform uniting investors, manufacturers, and financial entities. Since then, the forum has expanded significantly, with AED 22 billion in financing allocated to the industrial sector by the end of 2024 through strategic partnerships with local banks and financial institutions, alongside procurement agreements worth AED 143 billion signed to support the production of over 2,000 locally manufactured products.  

The second edition of the forum, themed "Investment. Sustainability. Growth," introduced the Make it in the Emirates Awards to recognize industrial success across 10 categories, including the ICV Champion Award, Sustainability Manufacturing Award, Smart Manufacturing Award, Quality Standards Award, and Inspirational Leader Award. Additionally, MoIAT launched new initiatives in this edition, such as Green ICV and the relaunch of Made in the Emirates mark. 

The third edition in 2024, themed "Invest. Innovate. Grow," expanded its focus to attract international investments in space, explore green technology, advance sustainable manufacturing, and inspire youth participation in the national industrial sector. 

The fourth edition, to be held from May 19 to 22, 2025, at the ADNEC Centre in Abu Dhabi, promises to be the largest and most comprehensive. This edition will unveil new investment opportunities and is expected to attract an even larger audience of visitors, exhibitors, manufacturers, and partners, reflecting the growing confidence in the UAE's industrial future. 

An Invitation to Participate

We invite investors, manufacturers, and partners to join us at the fourth edition of the Make it in the Emirates Forum. Visit www.miite.ae to learn more and register. The event will reveal cumulative procurement opportunities exceeding AED 143 billion, enabling the production of over 2,000 products within the UAE. Attendees will also discover various national products across seven pavilions, representing 12 industrial sectors, including a new pavilion dedicated to Emirati crafts.

By: His Excellency Osama Amir Fadhel, Assistant Undersecretary of Industry Accelerators Sector at the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology (MoIAT)