‘Make it in the Emirates’ forum opened with significant anticipation and enthusiasm in Abu Dhabi, drawing key stakeholders from across the industrial, economic, and innovation sectors.
As part of the United Arab Emirates’ broader vision to diversify its economy and foster a sustainable, knowledge-based society, ‘Make it in the Emirates’ the forum has grown into a flagship event that highlights the nation’s push towards high-tech manufacturing, industrial development, and future-ready infrastructure. The 2025 edition promises to continue this momentum, bringing together an array of international investors, government officials, technology pioneers, and industrial giants under one roof, creating a fertile environment for collaboration, deal-making, and strategic alliances.
Taking place at the Abu Dhabi Energy Center and scheduled to run until May 22, the forum has become a pivotal platform to showcase the UAE’s achievements in re-industrialization and the development of a robust local manufacturing ecosystem.
As the world continues to navigate economic uncertainty and rapid technological transformation, the UAE has positioned itself as a hub for industrial innovation and advanced technology. This year’s theme focuses on fostering competitiveness in advanced industries, attracting global talent and capital, and encouraging investment into high-potential sectors such as clean energy, aerospace, healthcare, and defense.
One of the main objectives of ‘Make it in the Emirates’ the forum is to accelerate the UAE’s industrial strategy, known as “Operation 300bn,” which aims to raise the contribution of the industrial sector to the national GDP to AED 300 billion by 2031. Since the launch of ‘Make it in the Emirates’ the strategy, the country has made measurable progress, and the forum serves as both a milestone checkpoint and a catalyst for further growth. Senior government officials, including representatives from the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology, have emphasized the importance of industrial resilience, sustainable manufacturing practices, and the role of the private sector in realizing the goals of the strategy.
At the heart of the ‘Make it in the Emirates’ event are a series of high-profile announcements, including new investment commitments, partnership agreements, and procurement opportunities. Various state-owned enterprises, such as ADNOC, Mubadala, and EDGE Group, are participating actively and have pledged to deepen their support for local manufacturers.
By creating structured ‘Make it in the Emirates’ demand through long-term procurement programs, these national champions are providing a vital foundation for smaller industrial players and start-ups to scale operations and contribute meaningfully to the country’s economic diversification. The forum has also become a space for launching innovation challenges, hackathons, and pilot programs that address sector-specific needs and push the boundaries of what is technologically possible.
The inclusion of strategic partners from across the globe is another standout feature of the forum. This year, delegations from Asia, Europe, and North America are attending in larger numbers, attracted by the UAE’s stable business environment, forward-looking regulation, and access to regional markets. Through targeted sessions and bilateral meetings, these international stakeholders are exploring joint ventures and cross-border collaborations that could bring cutting-edge technologies to the Emirates while offering UAE-based companies a gateway to export their products globally. With industrial free zones such as Khalifa Industrial Zone Abu Dhabi (KIZAD) and Dubai Industrial City playing a supportive role, the country is increasingly viewed as a springboard for regional manufacturing and logistics.
An equally important focus of ‘Make it in the Emirates’ the forum is sustainability and the integration of green technologies into manufacturing. In line with the UAE’s Net Zero 2050 strategic initiative, a substantial number of sessions are dedicated to decarbonization strategies, circular economy models, and the use of renewable energy in industrial processes. Companies are being encouraged to adopt eco-friendly production methods and digital tools like AI, IoT, and blockchain to enhance operational efficiency and transparency. Presentations from leading innovators have demonstrated how digital transformation can drive both profitability and environmental stewardship, thereby making sustainability not just an ethical imperative, but also a business advantage.
In addition to its role as a business and innovation platform, ‘Make it in the Emirates’ the forum also serves as a talent incubator. Education and workforce development have become increasingly integral to the discussions, with universities, vocational training centers, and industry associations offering insight into how the next generation of engineers, technicians, and entrepreneurs can be nurtured. Several sessions are devoted to skilling initiatives, especially in high-demand fields like robotics, mechatronics, and precision manufacturing. The UAE’s young and tech-savvy population is seen as a key asset in this transformation, and policies are being aligned to ensure that educational outcomes match industrial requirements.
