How the UAE plans to bring robotics and automation into local factories

The UAE has concluded its participation in the China International Industry Fair 2026 in Shanghai, with discussions focused on industrial technology, smart manufacturing, automation, robotics and investment opportunities.

A delegation led by Hasan Jasem Al Nowais, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology (MoIAT), attended the exhibition alongside representatives from UAE companies and entities, including the Abu Dhabi Investment Office, Mubadala, Emirates Development Bank, Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone (RAKEZ), Emirates Global Aluminum, EDGE Group and Aldar.

The participation builds on the ministry’s international efforts to strengthen industrial cooperation, accelerate the adoption of advanced technologies, and attract manufacturing investment. Recent engagements in Japan focused on robotics, automation, digital and precision manufacturing under the Factory Forward UAE initiative.

In China, the delegation met with robotics, automation and smart manufacturing companies, including HIKROBOT, ESTUN, HollySys, Inovance, ABB Robotics and Mech-Mind Robotics, to discuss potential pilot projects in UAE factories, assembly, maintenance and distribution services, and regional expansion opportunities.

Visits to ABB Robotics, Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China (COMAC), SAIC Motor, GCL, ROX Motor, AgiBot and SEVNCE Robotics explored cooperation in industrial robotics, aviation supply chains, electric vehicle assembly, clean-industry materials, humanoid robotics and inspection systems for industrial and energy facilities.

Additional visits to Inovance and GCL focused on control systems and materials used in clean industries, while meetings with ROX Motor, AgiBot and SEVNCE Robotics examined opportunities in supply-chain localization, humanoid robotics and inspection systems for industrial facilities and the energy sector.

MoIAT said the partnerships could help UAE factories transition to smart manufacturing through robotics and automation, improving production efficiency, quality and productivity. Testing technologies locally would enable performance assessments using real-world data, while training engineers, technicians and Emirati talent in software, control systems and advanced manufacturing.

The ministry added that partnerships could expand technology options, cost competitiveness and investment models, reducing reliance on individual suppliers. UAE factories could also serve as testing and demonstration sites for industrial technologies, including solutions developed through partnerships that retain intellectual property in the country.

These efforts could support industrial and supply-chain localization while strengthening the UAE’s position as a regional manufacturing and investment hub.

Al Nowais said the UAE aims to improve the competitiveness of locally manufactured products, increase the industry’s contribution to GDP, and reinforce its position as a regional hub for innovation and technology.

Al Nowais also described China as an important partner in industry, technology and investment, noting that engagements with Chinese manufacturers provide opportunities to explore automation, robotics and smart manufacturing solutions, as well as partnerships to localize industries and supply chains.

The 26th edition of the China International Industry Fair brought together companies and industry leaders working across advanced manufacturing, automation, robotics, and smart and green manufacturing.