Make in UAE 2026 opens at ADNEC Abu Dhabi, launching largest edition to date
Make in UAE 2026 opens at ADNEC Abu Dhabi May 4–7, with 88,000 sqm, 1,245 exhibitors across 12 sectors to boost industrial investment and rapid innovation.
Make in UAE 2026, the national industrial platform, opens at ADNEC Abu Dhabi from May 4 to 7, bringing together manufacturers, innovators and investors under one roof. The event, organised by the Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Company (ADNEC), is the largest edition to date and is positioned to accelerate industrial growth and showcase homegrown capacity. ADNEC says the platform will present 12 strategic industrial sectors and a broad programme of sessions that underline the UAE’s ambitions as a regional manufacturing and investment hub.
Scale and participation set new benchmarks for the platform
ADNEC reports the exhibition covers 88,000 square metres, an increase of 30 percent compared with the previous edition, and hosts 1,245 exhibitors, a 73 percent rise on 2025 figures. Exhibitors represent all seven emirates and include more than 2,000 specialised craftsmen and over 5,000 products, reflecting a 4 percent growth in product listings. The programme also features more than 50 specialist sessions, workshops and roundtables designed to connect buyers, suppliers and policymakers.
ADNEC upgrades facilities and logistics to manage visitor flows
Organisers say ADNEC Abu Dhabi has mobilised an integrated operational plan that includes expanded parking, free shuttle services and intelligent facility-management systems to optimise traffic circulation. A new dedicated hall has been created to host accompanying events and innovation showcases, while interlinked halls are equipped with advanced technical infrastructure. Enhanced security measures and hospitality coordination with nearby hotels are in place to ensure a smooth experience for domestic and international delegations.
Economic impact and commercial outcomes highlighted by organisers
ADNEC officials point to the platform’s track record of driving commercial deals and inward investment, noting that the previous edition generated procurement and supply agreements valued at AED 11 billion. The event is being promoted as a catalyst for further contract signings, supply-chain partnerships and investor matchmaking that support the UAE’s In-Country Value objectives. Executives expect the expanded scale of Make in UAE 2026 to deepen procurement pipelines and open new export opportunities for local manufacturers.
Emirate-level pavilions underline national industrial reach
Government and chamber delegations from across the Emirates are participating to promote regional industrial strengths and investment opportunities. The Ajman Chamber, in coordination with the Ajman Department of Economic Development, is showcasing a government pavilion that presents leading factories and specialised firms from the emirate. Organisers say these sub-national displays are intended to attract investors and highlight cluster-specific capabilities, positioning smaller emirates as competitive and sustainable industrial destinations.
Tawazun Council presents defence industrial enablers and standards
The Tawazun Council for Defence Development will use its presence at the platform to present regulatory enablers, standards and solutions that support the national defence industrial base. The council is emphasising its role in shaping conformity, compliance and specialised industrial zones to accelerate defence manufacturing and localisation. Senior officials, including Secretary General Dr. Nasser Humaid Al Nuaimi and Khalifa Ayadah Al Hamli, have said the platform is an opportunity to launch strategic partnerships and scale up research and development collaborations across government, industry and academia.
Private sector research and technology partners to showcase innovation tools
Private research providers and consultancies are staging exhibits and briefings on topics such as artificial intelligence, sustainability and advanced manufacturing. Trends Group, among other partners, will present studies and insights that focus on resilience, digital transformation and the role of smart technologies in industrial competitiveness. These sessions aim to support manufacturers in adopting next‑generation tools, improving productivity and aligning with global standards for sustainable production.
Make in UAE 2026 arrives at a moment of accelerated industrial policy focus in the Emirates, combining scale, government support and private‑sector know‑how to advance manufacturing and exports. Over the four days, organisers expect decision makers, procurement teams and innovators to finalise partnerships and outline roadmaps for local production and supply‑chain growth. The convening at ADNEC underscores the UAE’s intent to translate strategic planning into commercial outcomes and to broaden the industrial base across all seven emirates.
