Abu Dhabi is set to host a landmark event as the fourth edition of the Made in the Emirates Forum takes place from 19 to 22 May 2025 at ADNEC (Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre).
This national platform will bring together industry leaders, investors, and manufacturers, offering a space to explore investment opportunities and forge strategic partnerships in the industrial sector.
Launched in March 2021, the Made in the Emirates initiative underscores the UAE’s growing prominence as a global industrial hub, particularly in the defence sector, and reflects the country’s commitment to building a resilient and self-sufficient industrial economy. The initiative aims to elevate the UAE’s position as a global centre for advanced manufacturing by 2031.
A Strategic Vision for Industrial Growth
The initiative is built on four key pillars that collectively drive its vision for the future:
- Strengthening Local Manufacturing
A central objective of Made in the Emirates is to expand and support local production. By reducing dependency on imports and encouraging global companies to establish manufacturing operations within the UAE, the initiative taps into the nation’s advanced infrastructure, skilled talent, and the energy and ambition of Emirati youth. These efforts position the UAE as a fertile ground for high-quality, sustainable manufacturing.
- Building Global Partnerships
The forum serves as a gateway for forming long-term strategic alliances with international companies. Through investor-friendly policies such as streamlined business processes, tax incentives, and access to essential raw materials, the UAE is actively creating an environment that fosters industrial investment and collaboration on a global scale.
- Advancing High-Tech Industries
With a focus on innovation and future readiness, the UAE is investing in high-tech sectors including robotics, clean technology, and artificial intelligence.
- Empowering Emirati Talent
At the heart of this initiative is a dedication to nurturing national capabilities and providing opportunities for youth employment. Guided by the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, the leadership firmly believes that the key to national prosperity lies in empowering its people. This vision echoes the legacy of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, who once said: “The greatest investment of wealth is in creating generations of educated and enlightened youth. The true prosperity of a nation lies in its people.” These principles remain central to the country’s developmental path.
Among the initiative’s most vital components is the development of the defence industry. The UAE aims to enhance its self-reliance in advanced military technologies and bolster its national security. This focus not only supports defence readiness but also contributes significantly to economic diversification, increasing exports and strengthening the UAE’s role in the global industrial landscape.
