MoU to advance industrial and economic development in UAE

The Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology (MoIAT) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Multinational Companies Business Group (MCBG) to strengthen collaboration in the areas of standardisation, technical regulations, and capacity building-key pillars for advancing industrial and economic development in the UAE.

The MoU was signed during the Make it in the Emirates forum, and was signed by Dr. Farah Al Zarooni, Assistant Undersecretary for Standardization Affairs at MoIAT, and Turki Bin Moammar, Chairperson of MCBG.

The signing ceremony was attended by senior officials and stakeholders from both organizations, underscoring the significance of the partnership for the nation’s industrial and regulatory landscape.

This strategic collaboration reflects a shared commitment to enhancing regulatory cooperation and fostering a business environment that meets the highest international standards. The agreement outlines joint initiatives including expert exchanges, capacity-building programs, participation in standardization committees, and collaboration on innovation-driven projects.

Commenting on the partnership, Dr. Farah Al Zarooni stated, “This agreement underscores our commitment to deepening engagement with the private sector, particularly with global industry leaders operating in the UAE. Aligning our regulatory and standardization frameworks with international best practices is crucial to driving sustainable industrial growth and innovation in line with the UAE’s strategic vision.”

Turki Bin Moammar added, “MCBG is proud to collaborate with MoIAT in advancing shared priorities of knowledge exchange, high-quality standards, and future-ready regulatory frameworks. This MoU affirms our dedication to contributing to the UAE’s industrial and economic progress through meaningful dialogue and partnership.”

Representing a collective global market capitalization exceeding $12 trillion, MCBG brings unparalleled expertise across key sectors such as manufacturing, energy, technology, healthcare, and consumer goods.

This agreement marks a significant milestone in MoIAT’s mission to cultivate a resilient, innovation-led industrial ecosystem. It further reinforces the role of public-private partnerships in achieving regulatory excellence, enhancing national competitiveness, and promoting long-term sustainable development.

Earlier Majid Al Futtaim Retail, which owns the exclusive rights to operate Carrefour in the UAE, has officially announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology (MoIAT).

The MoU aims to promote the growth of national manufacturing by boosting demand for high quality, locally made products, as part of the ‘Make it in the Emirates’ (MIITE) initiative.

The signing ceremony, which took place at Adnoc headquarters in Abu Dhabi, was attended by Dr Sultan Al Jaber, Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology, and Omar Al Suwaidi, Undersecretary, Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology, in addition to Dr. Günther Helm, Chief Executive Officer at Majid Al Futtaim – Retail and Dr. Younus Hassan Al Mulla, Chief Global Development and Government Officer at Majid Al Futtaim – Retail. The ceremony was also attended by senior officials from the MoIAT and representatives from the UAE’s retail industry.

This collaboration builds on Carrefour’s ongoing efforts to support homegrown suppliers, producers, farmers, and SMEs. It also is a testament to MoIAT and Majid Al Futtaim Retail’s shared commitment to strengthen the role of national businesses and to drive economic growth and industrial advancement through food security by supporting self-sufficiency and developing more sustainable supply chains.

Osama Amir Fadhel, Assistant Undersecretary of Industry Accelerators at the Ministry, stated: “The UAE has achieved significant accomplishments in the industrial sector, ranking first in the region in terms of industrial competitiveness. This was achieved as part of the National Strategy for Industry and Advanced Technology and its related initiatives and plans, which focus on forming partnerships, supporting investments, promoting national products with the highest quality standards, and providing advantages and capabilities for Emirati industries.”

“This enables growth, helps achieve the objectives of the industrial sector, and provides existing projects and companies with the opportunity to develop and expand through collaboration with the private sector.”

The fourth edition of Make it in the Emirates, the UAE’s premier industrial platform, concluded recently 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.

WAM