Dr. Sultan bin Ahmed Al Jaber, UAE Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology, has recently highlighted the remarkable growth within the UAE’s industrial sector. The sector’s contribution to the national GDP has surged by an impressive 57%, with future projections indicating it may exceed AED 210 billion. Since the inception of the Ministry in 2020, UAE industrial exports have also seen substantial growth, increasing by 63% with expectations to surpass AED 190 billion. This rapid expansion underscores the UAE’s strategic commitment to bolstering its industrial capabilities and enhancing its economic resilience.
Innovative Strategies Driving Industrial Success
At the heart of this industrial renaissance is the ambitious ‘Operation 300 bn’ strategy, designed to amplify the in-country value and elevate industrial production to ensure sustainable supply chains and self-sufficiency. Complementing this is the dynamic “Make it in the Emirates” campaign, which invites local and international investors and innovators to participate in the UAE’s journey toward industrial expansion. The campaign has played a crucial role in stimulating economic growth, with its associated forum identifying over 2,000 products worth AED 143 billion for local manufacturing. To date, the initiative has secured AED 7 billion in purchases and attracted AED 20 billion in new industrial investments, marking a significant stride towards transforming the UAE into a global manufacturing powerhouse.
Empowering Local Economy through the National In-Country Value Programme
The National In-Country Value (ICV) Programme, a cornerstone of the UAE’s strategic “Projects of the 50”, has redirected over AED 300 billion back into the national economy. This programme has led to a 181% increase in spending by participating companies and entities, significantly boosting the local economy. The ‘Industrialist Programme’, under the ICV umbrella, has been particularly successful, creating 19,000 private-sector jobs for Emiratis within a year, including 2,500 positions in the advanced and service industries. These efforts showcase the UAE’s proactive approach to nurturing a skilled workforce and fostering job creation in cutting-edge sectors.
Leading the Charge in the Fourth Industrial Revolution
Dr. Al Jaber also highlighted the UAE’s pioneering role in the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) and its advancements in technology. The Industrial Technology Transformation Index (ITTI) has evaluated over 500 factories, enhancing the UAE’s industrial framework and establishing a benchmark for future technological integration. The ministry has certified more than 50 local assessors and 35 international assessors from 12 countries, ensuring that the UAE’s industrial sector remains at the forefront of global competitiveness. This strategic focus is supported by a robust ecosystem of enablers and incentives, including access to over AED 19 billion in financing solutions, with AED 3.2 billion dedicated specifically to pioneering technology projects.
Raising Standards and Facilitating Global Market Entry
The UAE’s relentless pursuit of excellence is further evidenced by the implementation of over 28,000 national standards, which enhance the competitiveness of UAE products and facilitate their seamless entry into global markets. This strategic approach not only bolsters the UAE’s standing as a leader in industrial quality and innovation but also aligns with its long-term goals for sustainable development and economic self-reliance. Through these comprehensive initiatives, the UAE is not only reshaping its industrial landscape but also setting a global benchmark for industrial innovation and economic growth.
Discover the UAE’s renewed partnership with the World Economic Forum to drive technological innovation and enhance global health systems through the UAE Centre for the Fourth Industrial Revolution.