The UAE is accelerating its industrial ambitions with the launch of a AED1 billion ($272 million) national industrial resilience fund, timed ahead of the fifth edition of Make it in the Emirates (MIITE) 2026, running May 4–7 at ADNEC Centre in Abu Dhabi.
The cabinet-approved fund is designed to localize the production of essential industries, strengthen supply chain resilience, and build strategic stockpiles. Targeted sectors include food manufacturing, base metals, mechanical and electrical industries, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, advanced technology, and construction.
Central to the initiative is the localization of approximately 5,000 products within the UAE—a target MIITE 2026 has been specifically structured to deliver. The event will bring together more than 1,100 exhibitors spanning 12 industrial sectors, with small and medium enterprises making up 61 percent of participants. Over 120,000 visitors are expected, including international investors, manufacturers, and decision-makers.
The National In-Country Value (ICV) Programme has been simultaneously upgraded to a mandatory framework, now covering all federal government entities and companies with at least 25 percent federal ownership. This ensures national procurement consistently supports local industry growth.
A new retail and e-commerce policy will also require UAE-made products to have a stronger presence across platforms, starting with essentials such as bottled water, dairy, eggs, poultry, bread, flour and seasonal agricultural produce.
Dr. Sultan Al Jaber, Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology, said the UAE’s industrial sector is entering a new phase — moving beyond a domestic role to become a globally influential force, powered by AI and exceptional resilience.
Supporting the initiative is the newly established National Industrial Data Committee, designed to accelerate real-time data collection and improve decision-making speed across the sector.
MIITE 2026 will also feature platforms showcasing robotics, autonomous systems and AI-powered manufacturing solutions, reinforcing the UAE’s positioning at the intersection of industrial policy and advanced technology.
For investors and manufacturers eyeing the UAE market, MIITE 2026 represents a critical window of opportunity as the country builds one of the region’s most ambitious industrial ecosystems.
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