The Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO) has unveiled a transformative economic initiative aimed at establishing the region’s most advanced and comprehensive automotive ecosystem.
Launched during the Make it in the Emirates Forum 2025 (MIITE), the multi-billion-dirham program is set to position the UAE capital as the Middle East’s premier destination for smart automotive manufacturing, R&D, luxury car restoration, premium vehicle auctions, and related industries.
Backed by major global industry players, the initiative is projected to contribute AED100 billion ($27.23 billion) to Abu Dhabi’s GDP by 2045. It is also expected to attract more than AED 8 billion ($2.18 billion) in foreign direct investment (FDI) and generate 7,000 high-skilled jobs, marking a significant milestone in the emirate’s industrial diversification strategy.
The program spans the full automotive value chain — from design, engineering, and assembly to aftersales services — underpinned by cutting-edge R&D and advanced manufacturing capabilities.
Read: Make it in the Emirates launches in Abu Dhabi with focus on AI-driven manufacturing
Participation from Tier 1 and Tier 2 suppliers, along with leading premium original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), ensures a vertically integrated ecosystem designed for long-term competitiveness and innovation.
Automotive excellence and talent development
Beyond manufacturing, the program also embraces the cultural and commercial aspects of automotive excellence. Plans include annual product unveilings, motorsport events, and the development of a global hub for luxury car restoration and exclusive automobile auctions.
A key pillar of the initiative is talent development. In partnership with top universities, ADIO has introduced the region’s first Automotive AI Curriculum, focused on intelligent product design and mobility technologies.
The program blends advanced research, artificial intelligence (AI), vocational training, and international placements to embed Emirati talent across the global mobility value chain.
The launch reaffirms Abu Dhabi’s commitment to sustainable industrial growth, innovation-led development, and positioning the UAE as a global leader in the mobility sector.
Visionary leadership
His Excellency Badr Al-Olama, director general of ADIO, said: “Backed by automotive OEMs, our automotive program is a defining step in Abu Dhabi’s evolution as a global economic powerhouse, reinforcing our strength in advanced manufacturing, future mobility and design excellence.
“It reflects Abu Dhabi’s long-term vision to build not just competitive sectors, but entire ecosystems that shape global standards and unlock innovation. It signals that the emirate is not just a destination for investment, but a global, export-driven hub where talent, technology and bold ambition converge.”
Mohammad Ali Al Kamali, chief industry and trade officer at ADIO, added: “With the launch of the automotive program, we are moving beyond assembly to create an end-to-end manufacturing and innovation ecosystem, where global OEMs, specialist automotive suppliers and emerging technology players can co-locate, collaborate and scale from Abu Dhabi.
“This is how we industrialise opportunity: By combining strategic infrastructure, future-focused talent and global partnerships to make Abu Dhabi a centre of gravity for automotive production and smart mobility systems.”
More than ten major commercial and investment agreements were unveiled during the first day of the Make it in the Emirates Forum (MIITE) as part of Abu Dhabi’s ambitious new automotive program, marking the first comprehensive demonstration of the initiative in action.
Among the highlights, global automotive leaders Genesis and ROX Motors confirmed new manufacturing deals with W Motors, setting the stage for vehicle production in Abu Dhabi for both regional and international markets. The agreements establish the emirate as a key production hub within the global automotive supply chain.
Sector partners
Adding further momentum, AIH Group — one of the world’s largest automotive assembly providers — has officially joined the program as the technical lead for high-volume vehicle production.
The move firmly embeds AIH in Abu Dhabi’s industrial landscape and significantly boosts local capabilities in large-scale manufacturing.
These anchor projects are bolstered by a growing network of local supply chain partners, creating a vertically integrated and fully operational automotive ecosystem. This includes Borouge for advanced lightweight materials, Enercap for next-generation battery systems, and Automotive Precision Technology (APT) for high-performance aluminium components.
Together, these partnerships cover every critical stage of vehicle manufacturing, from component production to final assembly.
The scale and scope of these investments underscore Abu Dhabi’s commitment to becoming a global leader in smart mobility, sustainable manufacturing, and high-tech automotive design. The integrated approach — anchored in advanced technology, international collaboration, and local talent — sets a new benchmark for industrial excellence across the region and beyond.
For more news, click here
