As nations worldwide race to secure resilient economies and future-ready industries, the UAE is charting its own course — one defined by innovation, self-reliance, and strategic partnerships. This vision took center stage with the opening of the fourth and largest edition of Make it in the Emirates, the nation’s flagship industrial platform aimed at accelerating economic diversification and advanced manufacturing.

Hosted by the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology (MoIAT), this year’s edition — themed “Advanced Industries. Accelerated” — features over 700 exhibitors and displays more than 3,800 locally manufactured products across 68,000 square meters. With more than 30,000 participants expected, the event builds on $45.75 billion in offtake agreements across 12 priority sectors.

Dr. Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology, highlighted the UAE’s ambition to lead global industrial transformation. He emphasized resilience, job creation, and supply chain independence, supported by the country’s location, infrastructure, financing, and trade networks. He also noted the value of the UAE’s 27 Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreements (CEPAs), which grant access to over three billion consumers.

In a ministerial panel, HE Dr. Thani Al Zeyoudi, Minister of State for Foreign Trade, and Ahmed Al Zaabi, Chairman of ADDED, explored the intersection of trade and industrial policy. Dr. Al Zeyoudi said, “Trade agreements have demonstrated clear benefits… To date, 21 agreements are in effect, with several more expected in the coming weeks.” Al Zaabi added, “We actively encourage our citizens to pursue careers in industrial fields… the future looks promising.”

Najla Al Midfa introduced the $272 million Emirates Growth Fund to support high-growth ventures. “We aim to channel more than $2.72 billion into high-impact sectors,” she said. “It is time to make SMEs great again.”

Ahmed Al Suwaidi and Dr. Shamal Mohammed participated in an agritech session. Al Suwaidi said, “We now cultivate 56,000 hectares… reducing water use by up to 70%.” Dr. Mohammed added, “We are actively engaging and investing in local talent.”