Abu dhabi: His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister, and Chairman of the Presidential Court, inaugurated the fifth edition of Make it in the Emirates at the ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi. This event, running from 4th to 7th May, is organized under the theme 'Advanced Industry. Emerging Stronger.'
According to Emirates News Agency, the event is hosted by the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology in collaboration with the Ministry of Culture, the Abu Dhabi Investment Office, ADNOC, and L'IMAD, and organized by ADNEC Group. His Highness Sheikh Mansour toured pavilions featuring both local and international participants, where he was briefed on national initiatives aimed at bolstering the industrial sector and positioning the UAE as a global industrial hub.
Make it in the Emirates is recognized as the region's largest industrial gathering, drawing senior government officials, private sector leaders, investors, entrepreneurs, and experts. The event showcases advanced innovations and technologies, including AI solutions, and supports the National In-Country Value Program, Emirati talent empowerment, and supply chain strengthening.
On the sidelines, Sheikh Mansour met with Qais bin Mohammed Al Yousef from Oman to discuss strengthening bilateral relations. He emphasized that Make it in the Emirates is pivotal to the UAE's economic diversification agenda, fostering a sustainable industrial base and promoting public-private partnerships.
Dr. Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology, highlighted the progress under the National Strategy for Industry and Advanced Technology. The industrial sector's contribution reached AED200 billion, with industrial exports climbing to AED262 billion. He noted the rise in industrial procurement opportunities and the efforts to localize over 5,000 products in key sectors.
Dr. Al Jaber also mentioned the 'Make it with ADNOC' forum, which presented projects worth over AED200 billion and the Local+ initiative, enhancing the role of national industry in ADNOC's projects. The opening ceremony saw attendance from various Sheikhs, ministers, and officials.
This edition of Make it in the Emirates aligns with the UAE's development and future planning, supporting local manufacturing, attracting investments, and promoting advanced technologies. It offers opportunities for startups and SMEs to grow, with 61% of exhibitors representing SMEs.
The event follows several Cabinet decisions to enhance industrial sector efficiency, including an AED1 billion National Industrial Resilience Fund and expanding the National In-Country Value Program. Make it in the Emirates 2026 aims to announce procurement opportunities, localize products, and strengthen supply chains.
The platform enables local and international investors to explore industrial sector achievements and provides Emiratis with employment and skill development opportunities. With over 1,245 exhibiting companies across 12 industrial sectors, the event targets the localization of around 5,000 products and expects over 120,000 visitors.