Industrial sector to create 27k jobs
dubai — The fast diversifying and innovation-driven industrial sector, a key driver of UAE’s economic growth, is expected to account for 20 per cent of the nation’s gross domestic product by 2030.
The predicted growth is in line with Dubai Industrial Strategy 2030 that seeks to redefine the industrial landscape, senior government officials said at the Future Manufacturing and Trade Summit on Tuesday.
The Dubai government aims to increase total GDP by Dh165 billion by 2030 in keeping with the Dubai Industrial Strategy. It also plans for the creation of 27,000 jobs, with exports forecast to increase by Dh16 billion. The industrial sector is projected to grow by an additional Dh18 billion by 2030.
Delivering the opening address at the summit on behalf of Suhail bin Mohammed Faraj Faris Al Mazrouei, the UAE Minister of Energy and Industry, Ahmed Al Kaabi, assistant undersecretary for Oil, Gas and Mineral Resources at the Ministry, said the country seeks to develop knowledge-based manufacturing of goods and services, as well as in optimising the use of digital technology in manufacturing in order to enhance the nation’s rankings in global competitiveness indices.
“The UAE has a vibrant industrial sector which is not dependent on oil derivatives only but has expanded to fertilizers, chemicals, aluminum, building materials, food and pharmaceutical industries, and also includes a variety of small and medium enterprises operating in different free zones,” said Al Kaabi.
Welcoming delegates to the summit, Sami Al Qamzi, director-general of Dubai Economic Department, highlighted the ongoing focus of Dubai and the UAE towards integrating innovation as a key enabler of productivity growth and Industry 4.0. He said the Dubai Industrial Strategy 2030, launched by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, aims to develop Dubai into an international hub for innovation-driven and sustainable industrial activities, is now redefining the industrial landscape in Dubai.
Dubai has also established a number of dedicated manufacturing facilities in the emirate, including 18 industrial zones. The manufacturing industry accounted for 9.4 per cent of Dubai’s GDP, with a total value of Dh36.8 billion in 2017, compared to Dh36.1 billion in 2016,” said Al Qamzi.
Saed Al Awadi, CEO of Dubai Exports, said the Dubai Industrial Strategy is based on five key objectives that will serve as the foundation for Dubai’s industrial future.
“The industrial strategy aims to increase the total output and valueaddition of the manufacturing sector, enhance depth of knowledge and innovation, make Dubai a preferred manufacturing platform for global businesses, promote environmentally friendly and energy-efficient manufacturing and make Dubai a center for the global Islamic products market,” said Al Awadi.
Mohammed Al Muallem, CEO and managing director, DP World, UAE Region, said the UAE is a vital link in the global supply chain and ranks 11th in the World Bank’s latest Logistics Performance Index. It is also a pioneer in testing future technologies. By 2021, the Artificial Intelligence sector alone is expected to grow by 55.1 per cent; blockchain is expected to grow by 61.5 per cent; automation by 28.1 per cent, and renewable energy by 40 per cent. All these sectors are finding Dubai to be an ideal base due to its focus on trade and manufacturing.”
“Our parks and zones, especially the National Industries Park, are making Dubai the region’s leading manufacturing centre. Manufacturing is already Dubai’s third largest sector and we are well placed to capitalise on the opportunities presented by intelligent investment in our people, relevant technologies and businesses in the Fourth Industrial Age. These industries must come together to use technology and innovation to create the change needed to transform lives and communities,” he added.
Industry leaders, innovators and leaders from the government as well as public and private sectors came together in Dubai for the summit to discuss digital innovation in manufacturing. The event is organised by Dubai Exports, the export promotion agency of the Dubai Department of Economic Development, in partnership with Expotrade Middle East.
Dubai Industrial Strategy 2030 aims to develop Dubai as an international hub for innovation-driven and sustainable industrial activities
Sami Al Qamzi, director-general of Dubai Economic Department