The fourth edition of the “Make it in the Emirates” forum concluded on May 22, 2025, with the announcement of industrial projects exceeding AED 11 billion in value. Held under the theme “Advanced Industries. Accelerated,” the event ran for four days at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC) and was hosted by the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology in collaboration with the Ministry of Culture, the Abu Dhabi Investment Office, ADNOC, and organised by ADNEC Group.
This year’s edition marked a significant milestone, surpassing all previous editions in scale and participation. Spanning more than 68,000 square meters, the forum welcomed over 122,000 visitors and participants—over 20 times more than the third edition—cementing its position as the UAE’s premier industrial platform.
A Strong Presence for UAE’s Defence Industry
The UAE’s defence sector made a notable impact during the forum, attracting investors and stakeholders interested in security and defence technologies. Emirati defence companies showcased their pivotal role in advancing sovereign defence capabilities and building a globally competitive industrial ecosystem.
High-Level Visits Signal National Commitment
The exhibition received visits from senior leadership, reflecting the UAE’s high-level commitment to industrial development. Notable visitors included H.H. Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President of the UAE, Deputy Prime Minister, and Minister of the Presidential Court, H.H. Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council and H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, and Minister of Defence, who toured the pavilions and industrial projects.
Moreover, their visits underscored the leadership’s unwavering support for national industrial competitiveness and investment in advanced industries.
Senior defence officials also toured the forum, including Lt. Gen. Ibrahim Nasser Al Alawi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Defence and Maj. Gen. Mubarak Saeed Ghafan Al Jabri, Assistant Undersecretary for Support and Defence Industries.
They explored the latest in advanced manufacturing, aerospace, and defence innovations, emphasising the strategic importance of local industrial sustainability.
National and Global Impact
Commenting on the success of the forum, H.E. Dr. Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology, said:
“Thanks to the visionary leadership of the UAE, our industrial sector is undergoing a transformative renaissance that is driving economic diversification and sustainable development. The fourth edition of ‘Make it in the Emirates’ achieved unprecedented milestones through the generous support of our leaders and their direct engagement with the event.”
Dr. Al Jaber highlighted that the global industrial landscape is evolving rapidly, driven by ideas and technology. He emphasised that strong industrial foundations contribute to job creation, improved productivity, export growth, and increased GDP.
He added, “Investing in manufacturing is investing in a resilient economy. Every industrial investment multiplies value by stimulating related sectors. The ‘Make it in the Emirates’ platform is central to our strategy for building a competitive, knowledge-driven industrial base. We are committed to expanding this platform and its impact in attracting strategic industries and localising vital products.”
Dr. Al Jaber also praised the UAE’s forward-looking strategy, stating that its success in turning vision into tangible outcomes is widely recognised by international investors and institutions. He reaffirmed that the industrial achievements support the UAE’s Vision 2031 and Centennial Plan 2071.
Moreover, Al Jaber highlighted the forum’s impressive outcomes, including record-breaking attendance, a significant number of signed agreements, major investment announcements, and the launch of groundbreaking initiatives. He noted that these results underscore the strong momentum behind the UAE’s national industrial strategy and the growing confidence of both local and international partners in the country’s industrial and investment ecosystem.
“The platform has played a vital role in accelerating the shift towards smart manufacturing and harnessing the power of the Fourth Industrial Revolution and artificial intelligence. It is also actively empowering national talent and creating new opportunities for Emirati youth and entrepreneurs to contribute meaningfully to the future of the industrial sector and the national economy,” Al Jaber stated.
Buoyed by the success of this year’s edition, preparations are already underway for the fifth “Make it in the Emirates” forum, expected to mark another major milestone in the UAE’s journey toward industrial innovation and technological advancement.
Dr. Al Jaber also renewed his call for investors, industrialists, and innovators from within the UAE and abroad to participate in the next edition. He pointed to the UAE’s unmatched competitive advantages, strong international reputation, and trusted business environment as key reasons why the country offers unparalleled industrial investment opportunities.
“These advantages support the growth and expansion of industrial projects and open the door to global markets, with access to over 3 billion consumers,” he added.
ADNEC’s Role in Expanding Impact
H.E. Humaid Matar Al Dhaheri, Managing Director and Group CEO of ADNEC Group, said:
“The successful conclusion of this year’s edition reinforces our commitment to delivering world-class platforms that facilitate strategic dialogue and expand investment horizons. Hosting the forum at ADNEC Abu Dhabi for the first time enabled record-breaking participation and a significant increase in industrial commitments.”
He added that ADNEC is proud to support the UAE’s industrial ambitions by fostering an environment that accelerates innovation and drives national economic growth.
Reported by: Razi Izzeddin Elhadmi
Photography by: Abdullah Al Suwaidi
