When the United Arab Emirates first launched the “Make it in the Emirates” initiative five years ago, the objective extended far beyond hosting a conventional industrial exhibition or a routine economic conference. Instead, it set out to establish a comprehensive national platform that brings together policymakers, investors, manufacturers, and innovators to accelerate industrial transformation and translate economic ambitions into tangible production projects.
Over the years, the initiative has evolved into one of the region’s leading industrial platforms and a key driver in strengthening the UAE’s position as a global hub for manufacturing and industrial investment.
In this context, the fifth edition of “Make it in the Emirates 2026” will take place from 4 to 7 May 2026 at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC), combining a high-level strategic conference with a large-scale industrial exhibition. The event is expected to attract policymakers, industry leaders, and investors from around the world to discuss the future of manufacturing and forge new economic partnerships.
The platform is projected to welcome more than 122,500 visitors, alongside over 300 high-level speakers, including senior officials, experts, and business leaders—underscoring its growing prominence on the global industrial stage.
From Dialogue to Tangible Opportunities
Beyond its role as a gathering for industry stakeholders, the event serves as a practical platform for announcing industrial procurement opportunities, signing supply agreements, and building investment partnerships. Previous editions witnessed the announcement of pre-purchase agreements exceeding AED 168 billion, reflecting the platform’s expanding role in transforming economic dialogue into real commercial opportunities and on-the-ground industrial projects.
This momentum aligns with the UAE’s rapidly growing industrial sector, where industrial exports have reached approximately AED 262 billion, achieving annual growth of around 25%. Meanwhile, the National In-Country Value (ICV) Programme has redirected over AED 473 billion into the national economy, reinforcing the success of policies aimed at enhancing local value and strengthening domestic supply chains.
Fifth Edition: Record Growth and Expanding Participation
The 2026 edition reflects significant expansion in both scale and sectoral diversity. The number of exhibiting companies has risen to 1,022, marking a 42% increase compared to the previous edition, while the total exhibition space has expanded to approximately 88,000 square metres—up 30% year-on-year.
Notably, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) account for around 60% of exhibitors, highlighting their vital role in driving industrial innovation, fostering technological development, and supporting integrated supply chains linked to major industries.
Participation from across all emirates further reflects the growing integration of the UAE’s industrial ecosystem and the sector’s expanding footprint within the national economy.
12 Strategic Sectors Shaping the Future of Industry
The platform features a diverse range of industries, spanning 12 strategic sectors that form the backbone of the UAE’s future industrial landscape. These include:
Food and beverage industries and agri-tech
Aerospace, aviation, automotive, and defence industries
Pharmaceuticals and medical technologies
Maritime industries and shipbuilding
Metals and fabrication
Advanced manufacturing, Industry 4.0, and artificial intelligence
Chemicals, plastics, and sustainable materials
Industrial equipment and machinery
Electrical and electronic devices
Construction and building materials
Energy and industrial decarbonisation
Crafts and traditional industries
This diversity reflects a strategic vision aimed at building a multi-sector industrial base capable of enhancing global competitiveness while supporting the transition towards advanced, technology-driven industries.
Conference: A Strategic Platform for Industrial Dialogue
Alongside the exhibition, the “Make it in the Emirates” conference serves as a key intellectual platform addressing critical issues shaping the future of industry.
Spanning four days, the conference will open with discussions on “industrial sovereignty in an interconnected world,” focusing on building resilient industrial systems capable of adapting to geopolitical shifts while reinforcing the UAE’s position as a stable destination for long-term industrial investment.
The second day will highlight the National ICV Programme, emphasising the role of government procurement and large corporations in supporting local suppliers and strengthening industrial integration. It will also explore the contribution of family businesses, which account for approximately 60% of GDP and over 80% of employment—making them a cornerstone of economic growth and industrial sustainability.
Day three will focus on technological transformation, including artificial intelligence, robotics, smart factories, and autonomous systems, as well as the transition from Industry 4.0 to Industry 5.0, which emphasises the integration of human capabilities with advanced technologies.
The final day will address the role of youth, innovation, and international partnerships in shaping the next generation of industries, with a focus on empowering startups and strengthening the role of research and development.
Innovation at the Core of the Platform
The 2026 edition will introduce several new initiatives aimed at fostering innovation and advancing a technology-driven industrial ecosystem.
Among these is the “Industrial Museum,” offering an interactive journey through the evolution of the UAE’s industrial sector, from its early stages to advanced manufacturing. The platform will also feature a dedicated “Startup Hub,” providing emerging entrepreneurs with opportunities to connect with investors, access funding programmes, and participate in pitching sessions and specialised workshops.
In parallel, the “Innovation Hub” will showcase advanced technologies, including robotics, autonomous systems, and AI-driven industrial solutions, while the “Quality Infrastructure Platform” will highlight standards, certifications, and regulatory frameworks that enhance trust in UAE-made products and strengthen their global competitiveness.
A Gateway to Industrial Investment Opportunities
“Make it in the Emirates” extends beyond showcasing industrial capabilities to offering concrete investment opportunities. Participants gain access to a wide range of industrial procurement prospects, new project pipelines, and supply chain pathways across multiple sectors.
The platform also enables companies to establish strategic partnerships with manufacturers, suppliers, and investors, accelerating project execution and expanding production capacity. For international firms, it presents a gateway to enter or expand within the UAE market, supported by a business-friendly environment characterised by advanced infrastructure, flexible regulations, and ease of doing business.
The UAE as a Global Manufacturing and Export Hub
The UAE’s industrial success is underpinned by a combination of strategic advantages, including world-class infrastructure, advanced legislative frameworks, and a network of specialised industrial zones and production clusters offering integrated logistics and support services.
Its strategic geographic location provides access to markets of over three billion consumers across Asia, Africa, and Europe—offering manufacturers based in the UAE a significant competitive edge in global trade.
Furthermore, the UAE’s Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreements (CEPAs) have expanded trade opportunities, strengthened industrial growth, and reinforced the country’s integration into global supply chains.
Towards a Sustainable Industrial Future
Amid rapid global economic transformations, the UAE continues to pursue a resilient and adaptive industrial economy capable of turning challenges into opportunities for growth and innovation.
In this regard, “Make it in the Emirates” represents more than an economic event—it embodies a national vision to enhance industrial production, diversify the economy, and build a globally competitive manufacturing base.
With its expanding scale, diverse sectoral representation, and growing investment opportunities, the platform has become a key engine of the UAE’s industrial transformation—bridging national ambition with global industrial capabilities in a journey towards a future driven by innovation, productivity, and value creation.
Infographic
“Make it in the Emirates 2026” Figures
1,022 exhibiting companies participating in the industrial exhibition
60% of exhibitors are small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs)
42% growth in the number of participating companies compared to the previous edition
12 strategic industrial sectors covering advanced manufacturing and vital industries
Total exhibition space: 88,000 square metres
30% increase in exhibition space
Expected visitors: 122,500+
300+ speakers, including industry leaders and decision-makers
