To guide and facilitate private sector players’ transition to Industry 4.0 technologies, applications, and methods, the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED) launched the Abu Dhabi Smart Manufacturing Index.  

The index offers a framework for evaluating industrial facility capabilities, spotting gaps, and suggesting possible measures for achieving the desired Industry 4.0 maturity.

The Abu Dhabi Industrial Strategy, launched in June, is a push by the Government of Abu Dhabi to expedite the adoption of Industry 4.0 across all manufacturing and industrial players to transform the sector and align it with international benchmarks and best practices.

“The Abu Dhabi Industrial Strategy has ushered in a new era, not only for the manufacturing sector but for the whole economic landscape in the region. To further enhance a smart, circular, and sustainable economy, we are forging ahead with taking the manufacturing sector to the next level by empowering industrial facilities to keep pace with the latest trends and solutions,” said Mohamed Ali Al Shorafa, chairman of ADDED.

The index provides a clear and simple road map by breaking complex ideas into six building blocks. It begins by assessing the current state of a production facility, then suggests ways to improve readiness levels, suggests steps for transforming their facilities, and identifies the best production options to help reap the benefits of switching to advanced manufacturing.

The ambitious goals of the Abu Dhabi Industrial Strategy, including the targeted expansion of the sector to over $46 billion, the creation of 13,600 new employment, and an increase in the Emirate’s non-oil exports to over $48 billion by 2031, have been met since the strategy’s implementation by ADDED.

“Backed by strong fundamentals and a unique business ecosystem, Abu Dhabi continues to cement its status as a leading industrial hub in the region. We believe it is of paramount importance to equip manufacturers with vital, seamless, and effective mechanisms to transition to Industry 4.0 technologies and applications to drive future growth and pre-empt shifts in demand and supply. The ‘Abu Dhabi Smart Manufacturing Index’ addresses all aspects of the transition to methods of tomorrow’s manufacturing,” Al Shorafa added.

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