‘Make it in the Emirates’ to boost local industries

The second edition of the Make it in the Emirates Forum returns with greater focus on empowering local industries, Emiratisation, exploring growth opportunities and announcements on billion-dollar investments and procurements.

The two-day forum, beginning on May 31, is being organised by the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology (MOIAT), in partnership with the Department of Economic Development in Abu Dhabi and Adnoc under the National Strategy for Industry and Advanced Technology, Operation 300 billion.

It will see the presence of several ministers, decision makers, innovators, investors, entrepreneurs, companies, startups, who will engage in panel discussions, exhibitions, meetings resulting in forging of new partnerships. The inaugural edition of the forum in 2022 led to 32 partnership agreements, announcements of more than 30 products that can be manufactured locally and procurement opportunities worth Dh110 billion, adding Dh6 billion annually to the GDP.

Dr Sultan bin Ahmed Al Jaber, Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology and the COP28 President-designate, will be making major announcements on the opening day of the forum, revealed Taif Al Amiri, Director, the Government Communication Department at MOIAT, during a media briefing.

“The expectations are high this year. There are more products. And you are going to expect a great announcement by Dr Sultan Jaber at the opening of the forum itself,” she said.

The forum aims to attract investors to explore avenues of investment in the local industrial sector, highlight opportunities for product localisation, and redirect the value of purchases into the national economy by giving priority in procurement to entities joining the national in-country value programme.

“In this edition, we will build on the success of last year’s forum and focus on four key pillars: promoting industrial growth and development, forging partnerships and opening new markets, recognising excellence, and creating a sustainable future. Under these pillars we will address future trends and explore how industry can contribute to decorbanisation and sustainability. These themes are especially significant as the forum coincides with the Year of Sustainability, as well as the country’s preparations to host COP28,” Al Amiri said. “This forum is a huge opportunity for manufacturers and investors to scale their businesses locally, regionally and internationally.”

On the opening day, there will be three main sessions, including a panel on enhancing industrial competitiveness through R&D and technology in the presence of Sarah bint Yousif Al Amiri, Minister of State for Public Education and Advanced Technology, Malek Al Malek, CEO of Dubai Holding Asset Management and Anna-karin Rosén, Managing Director at Saab; another panel in the presence of Dr Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Minister of State for Foreign Trade, Ahmed Jasim Al Zaabi, Chairman of ADDED, and Omar Al Suwaidi, Under-secretary of the MOIAT, will address strengthening value chains and product competitiveness.

Also, the Make it in the Emirates Awards will recognise excellence and innovation in the industrial sector.