National industrial sector core pillar of UAE economy: Hamdan

Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, and Minister of Defence, visited the fourth edition of “Make it in The Emirates 2025” Forum, taking place at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre, from May 19th to 22.

The Forum highlights the UAE’s advanced industrial capabilities and innovations, and its emergence as a global manufacturing hub, bringing together industry leaders, government entities, and innovators.

On the occasion, Sheikh Hamdan said that the national industrial sector is a fundamental pillar of the UAE economy and a key driver advancing its vision for greater diversification and innovation.

He noted that the “Make it in The Emirates 2025” Forum reflects the UAE’s commitment to building a competitive, technology-driven industrial base led by skilled national talent.

Sheikh Hamdan added that guided by the visionary leadership of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and the guidance of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, the UAE is pursuing ambitious goals to increase the industrial sector’s share of GDP, enhance exports, and draw high-quality investments.

He emphasised that the industrial sector is more than just an economic segment; it is fundamental to national sovereignty and the growth of human and technological capacities.

Sheikh Hamdan said that this Forum affirms the UAE’s readiness to lead industrially at both regional and global levels, backed by a clear vision, robust infrastructure, and extensive expertise, with public-private partnerships underpinning its industrial future.

Sheikh Hamdan was accompanied by Dr Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology; Omar bin Sultan Al Olama, Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy and Remote Work Applications; Helal Saeed Al Marri, Director-General of Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET); Faisal Abdulaziz Al Bannai, Adviser to the UAE President for Strategic Research and Advanced Technology Affairs, and Chairman of the Board of Directors of EDGE Group.

Sheikh Hamdan toured the exhibition held on the sidelines of the Forum, and was briefed on the crucial role of national industries in shaping the future of the UAE’s industrial sector. During the tour, he also explored the latest smart solutions and technologies from Emirati companies, including artificial intelligence, robotics, energy, manufacturing, and real estate development.

Sheikh Hamdan visited a number of stands and pavilions including the Dubai pavilion managed by DET, which showcases the city’s dynamic manufacturing sector. The Dubai pavilion serves as a central platform that brings together the emirate’s key enablers of industrial growth, including Dubai Industrial City (DIC), National Industries Park (NIP), Dubai Integrated Economic Zones Authority (DIEZ), Dubai Chambers, and Dubai South.

Sheikh Hamdan also stopped by the pavilions of the EDGE Group, International Holding Company, Micropolis Digital Development, Emaar Properties, Ducab, and the Advanced Technology Research Council’s AI Centre.

Make It In The Emirates 2025 is the UAE’s flagship industrial event, designed to accelerate the country’s manufacturing ambitions and position it as a global hub for industrial innovation, sustainability, and economic growth.

Meanwhile, Sheikh Khalid Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chairman of the Board of Zayed Higher Organisation for People of Determination, underscored the strategic importance of Make it in the Emirates 2025, describing it as a key platform for supporting and developing 12 of the UAE’s most vital industrial sectors.

During his visit to the event, Sheikh Khalid stated that this leading industrial platform is instrumental in strengthening the UAE’s position as a global destination for investment and capital, helping to bolster the competitiveness of Emirati industries both locally and internationally.

He highlighted the pivotal support of the UAE’s leadership in advancing national industries, which have become a fundamental pillar of the country’s rapid economic growth.

Sheikh Khalid Bin Zayed said, “Investing in the development of local industries is a primary enabler of the UAE’s global economic standing - an economy that continues to flourish thanks to the dedication of its people and a visionary outlook that places human development at its core.

“This platform is a valuable opportunity to deepen public-private partnerships and foster innovation in building a sustainable industrial ecosystem that contributes to diversifying our national economy.” He also emphasised the role of Make it in the Emirates 2025 in attracting and empowering young Emirati talent by offering employment opportunities in emerging industrial sectors, supported by dynamic platforms that encourage creativity and excellence.

Sheikh Khalid said, “We are committed to harnessing the energy of Emirati youth and equipping them with the skills to lead future industries, in line with the UAE’s vision for a knowledge-based, sustainable economy built on national capabilities.” He praised the instrumental role played by ADNEC Group in organising Make it in the Emirates 2025, commending the group’s outstanding organisational and technical capabilities.”

WAM