As global industrial shifts accelerate and nations compete for leadership in innovation and advanced technology, the United Arab Emirates continues to assert itself as a rising industrial power. With a clear vision and strategic initiatives, the UAE is building a robust, diversified economy rooted in sustainable industrial development. One of the cornerstones of this vision is the “Make it in the Emirates” initiative—a national platform that has become synonymous with industrial excellence, investment attraction, and forward-looking policy.
Now entering its fourth and most ambitious edition, the Make it in the Emirates Forum 2025 reflects the UAE’s growing role as a global manufacturing and innovation hub. Expanding across 12 strategic industrial sectors, the event aims to unlock new avenues for investment, promote local production, and harness cutting-edge technologies—from artificial intelligence and automation to green energy and sustainable manufacturing.
A Central Pillar in the UAE’s Economic Agenda
The significance of the forum was recently reaffirmed when the UAE Cabinet reviewed the initiative’s 2024 achievements and the key objectives for its 2025 edition. As a national platform, Make it in the Emirates brings together industrialists, investors, and decision-makers to explore emerging opportunities, drive industrial localisation, and strengthen domestic production capabilities.
Impressive Outcomes
The forum’s previous editions have delivered impressive outcomes, attracting over 13,000 visitors and participants, hosting 200 expert-led panels and workshops, and resulting in signed agreements exceeding AED 143 billion. Additionally, more than AED 16 billion was allocated to support national industrial competitiveness, underscoring the initiative’s impact on strengthening the UAE’s industrial landscape.
Furthermore, the 2025 edition aims to stimulate further growth, with new procurement opportunities worth AED 15–20 billion, reinforcing the UAE’s commitment to expanding a sector that contributed more than AED 210 billion to GDP in 2024.
A Strategic Platform for Industrial Transformation
Organised by the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology, in collaboration with the Ministry of Culture, Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO), ADNOC, and ADNEC Group, the forum will take place in Abu Dhabi from 19–22 May 2025. This strategic convergence highlights the UAE’s integrated national approach to industrial development.
Moreover, the event serves as a dynamic driver for industrial localisation, strategic partnerships, investment promotion and entrepreneurial engagement.
Set to cover over 50,000 square metres, this year’s edition will be the largest to date, hosting record numbers of exhibitors—including global brands, startups, and Emirati entrepreneurs.
The forum will spotlight the UAE’s ambitious “Operation 300 Billion” strategy, showcasing how advanced technologies are being used to transform industries, create new markets, and maintain the country’s position at the forefront of global industrial innovation.
Multisectoral Focus
The 2025 forum will serve as a window into the future of industry, with dedicated sectors focusing on high-impact areas:
Food & AgriTech: Featuring innovations in sustainable food production and smart agriculture.
Advanced Industry & AI: Demonstrating smart factory solutions powered by automation and Industry 4.0.
Space & Defence Technologies: Highlighting cutting-edge developments in space exploration, autonomous vehicles, and next-gen defence systems.
Healthcare & Biotech: Showcasing advancements in biotechnology, digital health, and pharmaceutical manufacturing.
Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering: Emphasising the UAE’s expertise in naval construction and marine technologies.
Metals & Precision Manufacturing: Presenting innovations in metalworking, industrial efficiency, and sustainable practices.
Chemicals & Sustainable Materials: Exploring eco-friendly solutions and circular economy innovations.
Hydrogen & Clean Energy: Discussing the UAE’s leadership in green hydrogen and sustainable fuel alternatives.
Electronics & Digital Infrastructure: Revealing next-gen power systems and components driving digital transformation.
Industrial Machinery & Equipment: Focusing on automation technologies and infrastructure solutions.
Smart Construction Materials: Introducing sustainable construction techniques and modern infrastructure innovations.
Promoting Emirati Heritage
The forum will feature a dedicated pavilion for traditional handicrafts, highlighting the sector’s creative journey in preserving and promoting the UAE’s cultural identity.
This unique showcase blends traditional craftsmanship with modern applications, demonstrating how heritage skills can be integrated into contemporary industries.
Beyond its cultural dimension, the 2025 edition is positioned as a global industrial platform—one that not only showcases the UAE’s capability to develop its industrial base through forward-thinking strategies but also actively shapes and drives policy in the sector.
Moreover, it aims to boost investment, foster collaboration and strategic partnerships, and reinforce the country’s role in enhancing international competitiveness. The event further reflects the UAE’s commitment to economic diversification and sustainable development.
Underpinned by a secure regulatory environment, cutting-edge infrastructure, and strong leadership, the forum aims to position the UAE as a global hub for advanced manufacturing. It will also serve as a platform for celebrating industrial success stories and guiding the future of the sector.
In line with the national “Operation 300 Billion” strategy, the forum will feature in-depth discussions on the future of industry, focusing on enabling businesses through technological transformation, competitive financing, and sustainable practices.
A Showcase of Industrial Policy and Global Collaboration
The 2025 edition positions itself as more than just an exhibition—it is a global industrial policy platform.
In this context, Humaid Matar Al Dhaheri, Managing Director and CEO of ADNEC Group, highlighted the strong support from the UAE’s leadership for the fourth edition of the “Make it in the Emirates” Forum 2025, describing it as a pivotal moment in the evolution and growth of the national industrial sector.
Al Dhaheri stressed that this edition will provide an ideal environment to strengthen collaboration between the public and private sectors, accelerate the adoption of advanced technologies, and support the transfer and localisation of knowledge within the country.
He added, “We at ADNEC Group are proud of our strategic partnership with the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology in organising and hosting the fourth edition of ‘Make it in the Emirates’. The forum has become one of the UAE’s leading national platforms, dedicated to accelerating industrial transformation and reinforcing the country’s position as a global hub for manufacturing and advanced technology.”
Expanded Awards Programme
In line with the UAE’s commitment to industrial excellence, the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology has launched the third edition of the “Make it in the Emirates Awards”, expanding from 10 to 15 categories across five main pillars:
Factory of the Future
Leadership and Talent
In-Country Value
Industry Enablers and Strategic Partners
Handcrafts
Moreover, For the first time in 2025, a new category will honour individuals and businesses advancing traditional Emirati craftsmanship—handcrafts Category.
Dedicated to honouring individuals and companies that contribute to the growth and competitiveness of the UAE’s traditional crafts sector, this category aims to shine a spotlight on Emirati artisans, empowering them by connecting them to the incentives and support available through the “Operation 300 Billion” initiative.
Additionally, it reflects a broader commitment to preserving cultural heritage while enabling craftspeople to thrive in the modern industrial landscape.
Nominations for both individuals and companies opened in April 2025. The winners will be announced and celebrated at a special awards ceremony held during the fourth edition of the “Make it in the Emirates” Forum, in the presence of senior industry leaders, government officials, experts, investors, and funding institutions.
The “Make it in the Emirates” Awards form a core part of the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology’s efforts to encourage all stakeholders—investors, entrepreneurs, and innovators—to draw on successful case studies and play a role in advancing inclusive and sustainable industrial development across the UAE.
Infographic
“Make it in the Emirates” … key Milestones
Over 13,000 visitors and participants attended previous editions of the forum
200 panel discussions and specialised workshops
More than AED 143 billion worth of Manufacturing and financing agreements signed
More than AED 16 billion allocated to support the competitiveness of national companies
