The fifth edition of “Make it in the Emirates”, the UAE’s leading industrial platform, concluded successfully after being hosted by the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology in collaboration with the Ministry of Culture, Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO), ADNOC Group, and L’IMAD Holding, and organised by ADNEC Group.
Held from May 4-7, 2026, at ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi under the theme “Advanced Industries… Accelerating Stronger”, the event brought together government officials, private sector and industrial leaders, investors, innovators, entrepreneurs, and decision-makers from various sectors.
The fifth edition attracted more than 146,000 visitors, marking growth exceeding 19 per cent compared to the previous edition. It also featured the participation of 1,245 exhibitors representing 12 industrial sectors across an exhibition space spanning 88,000 square metres, making it the largest edition since the platform’s launch.
The event witnessed the signing of more than 200 agreements and memoranda of understanding covering procurement, investments, national content, empowerment programmes, financing solutions, and technology projects. The agreements reflected the platform’s growing role in enhancing the competitiveness of the UAE’s industrial sector, integrating industry with advanced technology, localising strategic industries, increasing industrial exports, and strengthening the UAE’s position on the global industrial map.
Unwavering Determination
In his opening address, H.E. Dr Sultan bin Ahmed Al Jaber, Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology, emphasised that “Make it in the Emirates” follows a period of regional and global challenges that affected the world, noting that the UAE confronted them with unwavering determination, strong unity, and a clear strategic vision.
He stated: “History records events and challenges, but it also records how nations respond to them and what they achieve afterwards.”
AED 180 Billion Procurement Opportunities
During the fifth edition, H.E. Dr Sultan Al Jaber announced an increase in cumulative industrial procurement opportunities from AED 168 billion to AED 180 billion over the next decade, aiming to localise more than 5,000 products across strategic sectors that strengthen economic, food, and healthcare security while enhancing business sustainability.
Concluding his speech with a direct message to the world, he said, “Opportunities begin in the UAE. From the UAE, industries expand to the world. Build with us. Invest with us. Make it in the Emirates.”
Investments Worth AED 48 Billion
TA’ZIZ, in partnership with Alpha Dhabi Holding, announced capital investments worth AED 36.7 billion in new industrial chemicals projects at Al Ruwais Industrial City.
Meanwhile, ADNOC announced seven major industrial projects under the National In-Country Value (ICV) Programme with investments exceeding AED 480 million.
Abu Dhabi Investment Office also announced AED 1.5 billion in confirmed factory agreements, while Mubadala unveiled investment projects exceeding AED 4 billion across technology, food, and healthcare sectors.
RAKEZ signed two agreements valued at AED 1.4 billion, while Etihad Water and Electricity announced an agreement exceeding AED 1 billion. KEZAD Group also revealed investments worth AED 2.1 billion, in addition to other investments amounting to AED 625 million.
AED 19 Billion in Financing Enablers
Government entities and financial institutions announced financing enablers and solutions worth AED 19 billion, including initiatives from the Ministry of Economy and Tourism, Emirates Nuclear Energy Company (ENEC), Abu Dhabi Exports Office (ADEX), Mashreq Bank, Dubai Islamic Bank, Emirates Growth Fund, and Emirates Development Bank.
These initiatives aim to provide competitive financing solutions, stimulate industrial investments, support the expansion of industrial companies, encourage the adoption of advanced technologies, and enhance the competitiveness of national exports.
ADNOC Targets AED 200 Billion in Projects
ADNOC also announced plans to award projects worth AED 200 billion over the next three years to accelerate business growth and implement its strategic plans.
The announcement was made during the “Make it with ADNOC” forum, which brought together major engineering, procurement, and construction contractors with approved local manufacturers to prioritise UAE-made products throughout project execution phases.
TA’ZIZ Signs AED 104.6 Billion Agreements
TA’ZIZ signed long-term agreements worth AED 104.6 billion for the sale and supply of feedstock chemicals, including methanol, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), ethylene dichloride, vinyl chloride monomer, caustic soda, salt, and natural gas.
The agreements, spanning between five and 25 years, aim to secure global demand, ensure reliable local feedstock supply, and support the growth of the UAE’s chemicals industry.
National Industrial Resilience Fund
The Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology and Emirates Development Bank also launched the National Industrial Resilience Fund with a value of AED 1 billion to support strategic industrial sectors, strengthen supply chains, and ensure business continuity and supply chain resilience.
Strengthening the Presence of National Products
The Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology and the Ministry of Economy and Tourism launched a new policy aimed at enhancing the presence of national products across retail outlets and e-commerce platforms.
The policy seeks to increase consumer awareness, support national manufacturers, and contribute to replacing food imports estimated at nearly AED 2 billion annually.
National In-Country Value Programme
The National In-Country Value Programme welcomed new national entities, including du, while Etihad Airways renewed its commitment to supporting the programme.
In addition, 22 strategic partners participated in the “National ICV Day”, holding more than 260 bilateral business meetings with investors and companies to foster partnerships and create new industrial and investment opportunities.
Recognition Awards
The “Make it in the Emirates 2026” awards honoured leaders and innovators across six categories, including advanced technology, national industry, quality and conformity, inspirational leadership, future industry leaders, and traditional Emirati crafts.
Sixth Edition Announced
The sixth edition of “Make it in the Emirates” will take place from May 3-6, 2027, at the ADNEC Centre in Abu Dhabi.
