The fourth edition of Make it in the Emirates, a comprehensive and integrated economic program that supports the growth of the UAE economy, is set for a significant expansion when it opens next week in Abu Dhabi.

 

The event space, at Adnec, will increase to 68,000 sq m - five times larger compared to the previous edition - and the total number of exhibitors will surpass 700, 15 times more compared to 2024. 

 

The Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology (MoIAT) has announced the agenda and official slogan for the fourth edition of Make it in the Emirates, one of the UAE’s comprehensive economic programs. 

 

The event will take place from May 19 to 22 at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre under the theme “Advanced Industries. Accelerated”.

 

The announcement was made during a press conference organised by the Government Media Office at Emirates Towers and attended by Dr Sultan Al Jaber, Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology.

 

Held at a pivotal time for global economies, this year’s edition demonstrates the strategic emphasis the country’s leadership places on industrial development as a cornerstone of economic growth and technological advancement.

 

The press conference was also attended by Omar Al Suwaidi, Undersecretary of MoIAT; Mubarak Al Nakhi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Culture; Humaid Matar Al Dhaheri, Managing Director and Group CEO of Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Company Group; Mohammad Ali Al Kamali, Chief Trade and Industrial Officer at Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO); and Dr Saleh Al Hashmi, Director of the Commercial and ICV Directorate at ADNOC. The event gathered local and international media, highlighting widespread anticipation for the largest industrial gathering in the region yet.

 

Hosted by MoIAT, organised by Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Company Group, and held alongside strategic partners the Ministry of Culture, Adnoc Group, and ADIO, Make it in the Emirates 2025 represents a bold evolution in the UAE’s industrial landscape, supported by Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre’s world-class infrastructure and logistics capabilities.

 

Dr Al Jaber said: “All that the UAE has accomplished is built on the legacy of our Founding Father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, and the forward-looking vision set out by His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, and His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President and Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai. His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid recently emphasized the importance of the industrial sector and the role of Make it in the Emirates in advancing national industry and UAE-made products.

 

“With the continued guidance and support of His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of Presidential Court, we have intensified efforts to modernize the UAE’s industrial sector and contribute to building a diversified, competitive, and knowledge-based economy. Make it in the Emirates was launched under the umbrella of the National Strategy for Industry and Advanced Technology to connect investors and manufacturers with local opportunities and offtake agreements, while also promoting national products and facilitating more job opportunities for Emiratis in the industrial sector.

 

“Make it in the Emirates was launched under the umbrella of the National Strategy for Industry and Advanced Technology to provide a platform that brings together investors and manufacturers to benefit from offtakes and procurement opportunities, as well as to showcase local products and jobs for Emiratis in the industrial sector." 

 

“We see a genuine opportunity for our country amid recent international developments. The UAE is well-positioned to become a destination of choice for countries around the world for investment, manufacturing, and export, as well as a hub for attracting exceptional talent and expertise. Countries with Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreements (CEPAs) with the UAE stand to benefit from our strategic location, low customs tariffs, world-class infrastructure, and strong presence of international companies to manufacture and export their products. The UAE strongly supports fair and free trade with all its partners, and continues to work and collaborate with the international community to build an inclusive and dynamic economic system. 

“Thanks to a collaborative approach involving ministries, economic departments, national companies, manufacturers, and investors, the industrial sector has delivered significant results in the past years. 

 

Notably, the value of industrial exports rose to AED197 billion in 2024, a 68% increase compared to 2020. Furthermore, cumulative local spending in the industrial sector through the National In-Country Value (ICV) Program reached AED347 billion. These achievements were possible through partnerships with stakeholders, ministries, financial institutions, national companies, manufacturers, and investors.  These achievements are not just numbers, they represent real factories, meaningful job opportunities, and a stronger national economy.

 

“As the industrial sector continues to grow in importance, and following the tremendous success of previous editions held at the Abu Dhabi Energy Center, the fourth edition of Make it in the Emirates will take place at Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Center. The scale of this expansive space reflects the importance of the industrial sector to the national economy. We expect large participation from local and international experts, innovators, industrialists, and investors to explore new pathways for industrial growth.

 

“The upcoming edition will be exceptional in terms of outcomes, with the announcement of numerous projects, new financing solutions, and investment opportunities across 12 vital sectors, most notably: the announcement of numerous new procurement agreement opportunities, for the first time, the event will host a pavilion dedicated to Emirati handicrafts and heritage industries. The launch of a range of innovative financial solutions to support the industrial sector. New initiatives focused on advanced technologies, artificial intelligence, and Industry 4.0. The signing of multiple MoUs and agreements to further support national industries. The Industrialists Career Exhibition  will highlight job opportunities for UAE nationals in the industrial sector. 

 

“Make it in the Emirates is where ambition meets opportunity. Through our collective efforts, we will build a future where the Made in the Emirates mark stands as a symbol of the highest standards of quality, innovation, and sustainability.”

 

“I extend an open invitation to investors and entrepreneurs, both local and international, to take part in Make it in the Emirates 2025 to explore opportunities, forge partnerships, and leverage the UAE’s incentives and enablers. Our success stories are a source of national pride, proving the UAE is a land of opportunity. Businesses that make it in the Emirates will enhance their competitiveness, contribute to shaping the future, and be part of a national success stories. Further, manufacturers will have access to markets representing more than 3 billion people,” Dr Sultan added.

 

Envisioning Future of Industry

Al Suwaidi said: “Thanks to the support and guidance of our wise leadership, Make it in the Emirates has become the leading national platform for discussing developments and shaping the future of the UAE’s industrial sector, while enhancing the country’s position as a regional and global hub for advanced industry.”

HE Al Suwaidi noted that the event will witness new announcements including industrial investments and key initiatives that will contribute to  the UAE’s sustainable economic development goals.

 

He outlined the key activities planned over the event’s four-day run, including honoring industrial pioneers through various award programs like the Make it in the Emirates Awards and the ICV Champions, as well as hosting a series of ministerial sessions, strategic discussions, and partnership signings. Make it in the Emirates 2025 will also spotlight the role of technology and women in industry, present inspiring success stories, and promote national content and global expansion opportunities for Emirati products.

 

Al Suwaidi also highlighted the theme of the fourth edition, “Advanced Industries. Accelerated”, which reflects MoIAT’s commitment to developing an innovative and sustainable industrial sector. The event will also feature the Industrialists Career Exhibition, offering more than 1,200 job opportunities from 100 companies for Emirati talent, alongside an exhibition showcasing national products in key sectors such as pharmaceuticals, space, defense, and energy. In addition, investors will be introduced to offtake opportunities, while the launch of the Global Exchange Program will open doors for startups to explore the Japanese market during Expo 2025 Osaka.  -TradeArabia News Service