‘Make it in the Emirates’ ends with over Dhs11b new projects

The fourth edition of Make it in the Emirates, the UAE’s premier industrial platform, concluded on Thursday at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre after a four-day run.

This year’s edition announced new industrial projects valued at Dhs11 billion.

Held under the theme “Advanced Industries. Accelerated”, the event was hosted by the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology (MoIAT), organised by Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Company Group, and held alongside strategic partners the Ministry of Culture, Abu Dhabi Investment Office, and Adnoc.

The event drew broad participation from local and international stakeholders and featured innovative showcases by leading industrial and technology companies and pioneering innovators.

Spanning 68,000 square meters of exhibition space, this year’s edition was the most expansive and comprehensive. It attracted over 122,000 visitors and participants — more than 20 times the number of attendees at the third edition.

Dr Sultan Al Jaber, Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology, said: “Thanks to our leadership’s vision, guidance, and support, the UAE’s industrial sector is experiencing a true transformation with a wide-reaching impact across various sectors, particularly trade and the economy. The fourth edition of Make it in the Emirates achieved unprecedented success owing to the support and patronage of esteemed leaders who visited the platform, toured the exhibition, and directed us to continue advancing this vital sector, given its significant role in economic diversification and achieving our national sustainable development goals.

“The world is now witnessing the dawn of a new industrial era — one led by ideas, accelerated by technology, and shaped by agility and adaptability to evolving changes. Industry is vital in creating added economic value, improving productivity, generating employment opportunities, building advanced and resilient infrastructure, developing an export-oriented production base, and boosting GDP. Countries with a strong industrial foundation enjoy sustainable economic growth, ensure a prosperous and bright future, and contribute meaningfully to the advancement of societies. Investing in manufacturing is investing in an advanced economy. Every investment in this sector creates a multiplier effect by stimulating the growth of related sectors. Therefore, the Make it in the Emirates platform is a gateway to strengthening our industrial sector. We are committed to developing this platform further, expanding its impact, and increasing its contribution to attracting major industrial companies, localizing strategic products, and building a competitive, knowledge-based industrial base — all of which reinforce the UAE’s position as a global partner in shaping the future of industry.

“Guided by our leadership’s foresight and strategic vision, the UAE has successfully established a pioneering model translate plans and programs into tangible outcomes, recognized by both local and global leaders and reflected in international reports. This makes us proud of the industrial sector’s role in realizing the goals of We the UAE 2031 and the UAE Centennial 2071,” Dr Al Jaber added.

“Today, we celebrate the outcomes of the fourth edition in collaboration and coordination with all government entities, private sector companies, financial institutions, partners, and sponsors. The figures and results achieved — in terms of visitor numbers, participants, signed agreements, announced investments, and launched initiatives — are clear indication of the strong momentum in the UAE’s national industrial journey and the growing confidence of local and international partners in the country’s investment and industrial ecosystem.

“The platform underscores the importance of accelerating the shift toward smart manufacturing, leveraging Industry 4.0 technologies and artificial intelligence (AI), empowering national talent, and creating new opportunities for Emirati youth and entrepreneurs to play an active role in shaping the future of the industrial sector and the national economy. In light of the significant success of this edition, we have already begun preparations for the fifth edition in May 2026, which will mark yet another milestone for the UAE’s industry and advanced technology sector,” said Dr Al Jaber.

The minister also renewed his call for investors, industrialists, and innovators from the UAE and abroad to participate in Make it in the Emirates and leverage the country’s unparalleled competitive advantages and investment opportunities across the industrial landscape. These advantages stem from the country’s strong reputation, credibility, and reliability — attributes that support business growth, enable expansion, and provide access to global markets and over 3 billion consumers.

Humaid Al Dhaheri, Managing Director and Group CEO of Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Company Group, said: “The successful conclusion of this year’s edition of Make it in the Emirates reflects Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Company Group’s commitment to delivering world-class platforms that drive strategic dialogue, foster partnerships and unlock investment opportunities.”

WAM