EDB and ADEX launch Dhs1 billion pact to supercharge UAE exports

ABU DHABI: Abu Dhabi Exports Office (ADEX), has announced the deployment of the first tranche for UAE companies under its strategic Dhs1 billion export financing framework with Emirates Development Bank (EDB), marking a key milestone in advancing the UAE’s industrial localisation and export growth agenda.

The announcement was made during ADEX’s visit to Make it in the Emirates (MIITE) 2026, held under the theme of “Advanced Industry. Emerging Stronger,” and led by Mohamed Saif Al Suwaidi, Director-General of ADFD, Chairman of the Export Executive Committee of ADEX, Ahmed Mohamed Al Naqbi, Chief Executive Officer of Emirates Development Bank alongside Khalil Al Mansoori, Executive Director of ADEX.

The initial tranche, valued at Dhs367 million, has been extended to eight UAE-based entities supporting the expansion of production capacity and strengthening export capabilities across priority sectors including advanced manufacturing, food security, healthcare, renewable energy, and other strategic industries.

This early deployment reflects strong market uptake and underscores the effectiveness of the ADEX-EDB partnership in channelling capital towards high-impact industrial segments. It also reinforces a targeted approach to localisation by enabling domestic manufacturers to scale operations, deepen in-country value, and integrate more competitively into global supply chains.

Meanwhile Emirates Development Bank (EDB) has announced that its strategic partnership with Dubai Industrial City, part of Tecom Group, has surpassed Dhs1.3 billion in approved financing for companies based in Dubai Industrial City, reinforcing its role in enabling industrial growth and advancing the UAE’s economic diversification agenda.

Since the inception of the partnership, EDB has approved Dhs1.304 billion in financing across 34 transactions, supporting 19 clients operating within Dubai Industrial City. The milestone reflects the tangible impact of the collaboration in strengthening the UAE’s manufacturing ecosystem and enhancing the competitiveness of locally based industries.

The partnership aligns closely with Operation 300bn, the UAE’s industrial strategy to expand the sector’s contribution to GDP, by enabling businesses to access tailored financing solutions that support growth, innovation, and export readiness.

Ahmed Mohamed Al Naqbi, Chief Executive Officer of Emirates Development Bank, said, “Our partnership with ADEX represents a strategic step towards strengthening the UAE’s export financing ecosystem. By aligning our capabilities, we are enabling manufacturers to access integrated financial solutions that support their growth beyond domestic markets, while enhancing supply chain resilience and providing essential short-term liquidity. EDB remains committed to empowering businesses that are driving industrial expansion and contributing to the UAE’s long-term economic diversification.”

Ahmed Mohamed Al Naqbi, added, “Our partnership with Dubai Industrial City demonstrates how targeted financing can translate national industrial priorities into measurable impact. Surpassing AED1.3 billion in approved financing is a strong testament to the demand for specialised financial solutions among manufacturers and the effectiveness of our joint approach. As we renew this collaboration, we will continue to scale our support for high-potential industrial players, enabling them to expand operations, enhance productivity, and compete in global markets.”

WAM