The third edition of the Make it in the Emirates Forum is set to introduce new initiatives, incentives, enablers, and financial solutions worth billions of dirhams to promote industrial investments. The event will be held at the Abu Dhabi Energy Centre from May 27 to 28 under the theme ‘Invest. Innovate. Grow’.
The forum will feature the Make it in the Emirates Awards and an exhibition showcasing the innovations of 44 national companies, according to the UAE Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology (MoIAT). Organized by MoIAT in collaboration with the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (Added) and Adnoc Group, the forum’s agenda was announced at a press conference attended by key officials.
Supporting Industry Objectives
The forum supports the National Strategy for Industry and Advanced Technology by promoting social and economic growth, ensuring business sustainability, and enhancing supply chain flexibility. It aims to drive self-sufficiency in vital products and shape the future of industry through partnerships, investments, knowledge exchange, and competitiveness.
New Initiatives and Partnerships
Under the Make it in the Emirates initiative, the forum will announce agreements to enhance enablers, incentives, procurement opportunities, and the competitiveness of local products. The event will also foster innovation and technological transformation. New partnerships and investment opportunities worth billions of dirhams will be revealed, highlighting outcomes from previous editions and new procurement opportunities totaling AED120 billion ($32.7 billion).
The forum will also announce the winners of the Make it in the Emirates Awards and feature an exhibition of key industrial opportunities and locally manufactured products, with participation from 44 major companies.
Continuous Achievements
Omar Al Suwaidi, Undersecretary of MoIAT, emphasized that the forum provides an ideal platform for communication and knowledge exchange among local and international industrial stakeholders. The event aligns with the UAE leadership’s directives to support the growth and competitiveness of the industrial sector. It aims to increase the industry’s contribution to GDP, diversify the national economy, and leverage investment opportunities through the National In-Country Value (ICV) Programme.
Al Suwaidi highlighted that the UAE’s industrial sector is highly competitive, attracting local and international investments through partnerships. The forum will focus on the vital role of artificial intelligence and include breakout sessions and new procurement agreements. MoIAT has achieved several milestones under the National Strategy for Industry and Advanced Technology, launching programs and initiatives to attract investments.
Ongoing Cooperation
Rashed Abdulkarim Al Blooshi, Undersecretary of Added, expressed pride in coordinating with MoIAT for the forum. He emphasized Abu Dhabi’s position as a competitive industrial hub and the forum’s role in achieving the objectives of ‘Operation 300bn’, the UAE’s industrial strategy, and the UAE’s Net Zero 2050 Strategy. Al Blooshi noted that the forum provides a platform to explore opportunities, build partnerships, and address the needs of the industrial sector.
Positive Shifts
In 2023, local procurement agreements increased by over AED10 billion, reaching AED120 billion through more than 1,400 products for local manufacturing. The 2023 forum also launched new industrial projects, including 30 with investments worth AED5.8 billion, and introduced initiatives such as Green ICV and the Made in the Emirates mark.
Panel Discussions and Awards
The 2024 forum will include panel discussions on the UAE’s industrial vision, AI revolution, and the future of ICV. The Make it in the Emirates Awards ceremony will honor industrial companies and individuals for their contributions to innovation and sustainable growth. Sessions on the second day will cover investments in aerospace, green technology opportunities, sustainable manufacturing, and smart mobility. A youth panel will engage Emirati youth in the industry, alongside breakout sessions.
A Growth Incubator
The Make it in the Emirates Forum serves as an incubator for industrial growth and investment in the UAE, enhancing the resilience and self-sufficiency of the sector. The forum aligns with MoIAT’s commitment to empowering national and international technology and industry companies. It also supports young Emirati entrepreneurs and startups by providing a platform for their success stories and introducing them to investment opportunities.
