'Make it in the Emirates' 2025 Concludes with Over AED 11 Billion in New Industrial Projects

Source: Emirates 24/7

'Make it in the Emirates' 2025 Concludes with Over AED 11 Billion in New Industrial Projects

Abu Dhabi, UAE – The fourth edition of the 'Make it in the Emirates' forum, a cornerstone of the UAE’s industrial and technological advancement strategy, wrapped up its four-day run at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC) with unprecedented success. The event, held from May 19 to May 22, 2025, culminated in the announcement of new industrial projects valued at over AED 11 billion, marking a significant milestone in the UAE’s journey toward economic diversification and industrial self-sufficiency.

Organized by the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology (MoIAT) and the ADNEC Group, with support from the Ministry of Culture, the Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO), and ADNOC, the forum attracted over 122,500 visitors and facilitated the signing of 187 agreements and Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs). These agreements focused on strengthening local supply chains, fostering technology transfer, enhancing vocational training, and boosting Emirati employment opportunities. Additionally, offtake agreements worth AED 7.8 billion were finalized, underscoring the event’s role in driving industrial growth and economic resilience.

A Platform for Innovation and Collaboration

The 'Make it in the Emirates' forum has emerged as a strategic platform for advancing the UAE’s industrial vision, as highlighted by His Excellency Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, who described it as a catalyst for the nation’s future industrial ambitions. The event hosted over 720 companies from diverse sectors, including industrial, technological, financial, and service industries. Exhibitors showcased cutting-edge technologies across 12 key sectors, including food and agritech, pharmaceuticals, shipbuilding, metals, artificial intelligence (AI), clean energy, electronics, and defense.

The forum’s success was further amplified by significant financial commitments. First Abu Dhabi Bank announced an additional AED 5.14 billion (approximately USD 1.4 billion) in funding for the UAE’s industrial sector, bringing its total support to AED 9.9 billion (USD 2.7 billion). This financial backing is expected to accelerate innovation, expand capital access, and support the growth of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in the industrial ecosystem.

Key Initiatives and Economic Impact

One of the standout achievements of the 2025 edition was the recorded rise in industrial procurement under the National In-Country Value (ICV) Program, reaching AED 168 billion. This program, designed to redirect spending into the local economy, has been instrumental in fostering sustainable growth and creating high-value job opportunities for Emirati nationals. The agreements signed during the forum emphasized vocational training and Emirati employment, aligning with the UAE’s broader goals of human capital development and economic diversification.

The Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO) also unveiled a transformative multi-billion-dirham initiative to establish the region’s most advanced and comprehensive automotive ecosystem. Launched during the forum, this program aims to position Abu Dhabi as a global hub for automotive innovation, further diversifying the emirate’s industrial portfolio.

Additionally, the Emirates Development Bank (EDB) made significant strides on the first day of the event, launching the Accelerator and Emirates Growth Fund and signing key MoUs with the Abu Dhabi Exports Office (ADEX) and Tarmeem. These initiatives are designed to spark innovation, enhance access to capital, and strengthen national resilience through industrial advancements.

Showcasing Technological Excellence

The 'Make it in the Emirates' forum provided a platform for exhibitors to showcase groundbreaking technologies that are shaping the future of industries in the UAE and beyond. From AI-driven solutions to clean energy innovations, the event highlighted the UAE’s commitment to embracing the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) and leveraging advanced technologies to drive sustainable growth. The defense sector, in particular, saw significant interest, with exhibitors showcasing advancements in electronics and shipbuilding, further solidifying the UAE’s position as a regional leader in high-tech industries.

A Vision for the Future

The success of the 2025 edition of 'Make it in the Emirates' underscores the UAE’s strategic focus on building a knowledge-based, innovation-driven economy. By fostering partnerships between government, private sector, and international stakeholders, the forum has strengthened the UAE’s industrial ecosystem and positioned the nation as a global hub for advanced manufacturing and technology.

As the UAE continues to diversify its economy away from oil dependency, initiatives like 'Make it in the Emirates' play a critical role in driving sustainable growth, creating jobs, and enhancing the nation’s global competitiveness. The AED 11 billion in new projects announced this year is a testament to the UAE’s ambitious vision and its ability to translate that vision into tangible economic outcomes.

For more information on the 'Make it in the Emirates' forum and its impact on the UAE’s industrial landscape, visit the official website of the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology (MoIAT).

Sources: Dubai Eye 103.8, ARN News Centre, Aletihad News Center, Economy Middle East, Forbes MENA.

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