Make in the UAE platform launches fifth session as industrial sector posts rapid growth
UAE’s “Make in the UAE” platform begins its fifth session as industry contribution reaches AED 200 billion, exports hit AED 262 billion and 5,000 products are localised.
Opening session marks scaling ambition for national industry
The fifth edition of the Make in the UAE platform opened this week, highlighting the rapid expansion of the country’s industrial base. Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan affirmed the progress in a post on X, underlining strengthened global confidence in UAE manufacturing. The platform’s relaunch signals a coordinated push to deepen local production, expand exports and attract procurement opportunities.
The announcement echoed government targets to elevate industry’s role in the economy while accelerating the localisation of strategic product lines. Officials framed the session as a practical step to link manufacturers, buyers and investors across public and private sectors. Organisers said the forum will also spotlight investment-ready projects and incentives to scale factory capacity.
Industry contribution rises to AED 200 billion with 70% growth
Latest figures shared at the session show the industrial sector’s contribution to the national economy has reached AED 200 billion, representing a reported 70 percent growth from the stated baseline. This rise reflects higher output across manufacturing segments including metals, food processing, pharmaceuticals and advanced materials. Analysts noted that targeted policy support and infrastructure investments have underpinned that accelerated expansion.
Policymakers said the AED 200 billion milestone is part of a broader strategy to diversify the economy away from hydrocarbons and to build a resilient, export-oriented industrial pillar. The government’s industrial growth targets are being backed by regulatory reforms, improved land and logistics access, and tailored financing for local firms.
Exports hit AED 262 billion amid wider market access efforts
Export performance was highlighted as a major achievement, with UAE industrial exports reaching AED 262 billion in the most recent reporting period. Officials credited expanded trade agreements, enhanced port and logistics capacity, and targeted export promotion for the increase. Private-sector exporters welcomed the momentum while calling for continued support to break into new markets and move up value chains.
Trade promotion authorities are working to link Emirati manufacturers with international buyers and to streamline customs and certification processes. Several industry players present at the session described pilot partnerships that have already led to repeat international orders and longer-term contracts.
About 5,000 products localised under national programmes
A central pillar of the Make in the UAE initiative is product localisation, and organisers reported that roughly 5,000 products have been localised so far. This includes components and consumer goods shifted to domestic suppliers, as well as more specialised industrial products. Localisation efforts aim to reduce supply-chain vulnerability and to create high-skilled manufacturing jobs within the UAE.
Industry representatives said localisation measures combine incentives for in-country production with technical support to meet international standards. The focus is not only on increasing produced volumes, but on raising quality and certification levels so local goods can compete globally.
Procurement pipeline opens AED 180 billion in opportunities
Public and private procurement opportunities linked to the platform were estimated at AED 180 billion, offering a sizeable pipeline for local manufacturers and suppliers. Buyers from government entities and large corporations are promoting sourcing from Emirati producers through structured tenders and supplier development programmes. Procurement officials argued the approach will create predictable demand that enables factory upgrades and workforce development.
Small and medium enterprises at the event described matchmaking sessions and capacity-building workshops as useful for meeting tender standards. Observers said transparent procurement commitments are critical to translating policy rhetoric into sustained industrial capacity.
Private sector response and investor interest
Private sector representatives attending the session signalled strong interest in partnering with state-led initiatives that de-risk local production. Several firms outlined plans to scale manufacturing lines and to enter joint ventures that combine Emirati market access with foreign technical expertise. Investors cited improved regulatory certainty, project pipelines and targeted incentives as drivers for renewed capital deployment into manufacturing.
Financial institutions present also confirmed rising appetites for industrial lending supported by government guarantees and export credit facilities. Industry groups called for continued focus on workforce training, energy efficiency and circular-economy measures as part of building long-term competitiveness.
The Make in the UAE platform’s fifth session showcased significant statistical gains and a concerted policy push to entrench the UAE as a regional industrial hub. Officials framed the programme as central to economic diversification and export-led growth strategies.
The platform’s organisers said follow-up actions will include specific procurement rounds, localisation roadmaps for priority sectors, and targeted investor outreach in the coming months. Stakeholders will be watching how announced commitments translate into factory openings, export contracts and new jobs.
Looking ahead, the Make in the UAE initiative aims to sustain momentum by pairing government buying power with commercial investment and by upgrading domestic supply chains to meet global standards.
