Dubai Industrial City commemorates its 20th anniversary as the foremost manufacturing and logistics center in the Middle East, exemplifying the strength of collaboration between public and private sectors.
Launched in November 2004 as one of TECOM Group PJSC’s ten dynamic business districts, Dubai Industrial City was established to promote economic diversification and industrial innovation both within Dubai and beyond its borders.
To celebrate two decades of collaborative success, Dubai Industrial City hosted a gala dinner at the Jumeirah Emirates Towers, attended by distinguished officials including Her Excellency Eng. Alia Abdul Rahim Al Harmoudi, assistant under-secretary for the Sustainable Communities Sector at the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE); His Excellency Ahmed Al Naqbi, CEO of Emirates Development Bank (EDB); Abdulla Belhoul, CEO of TECOM Group PJSC; and Saud Abu Alshawareb, executive vice president of Industrial at TECOM Group. The event focused on outlining a roadmap for future growth in the industry, Dubai Media Office reported.
Building a thriving ecosystem
Over the past two decades, Dubai Industrial City has cultivated a vibrant ecosystem of internationally recognized manufacturing leaders. As of the end of September 2024, the ecosystem expanded by eleven point five percent, surpassing 1,100 local, regional, and international businesses, including notable names such as Unilever, A.P. Moller-Maersk, Patchi, and Al Barakah Dates. The workforce within the district has grown to over 17,000 professionals, reflecting a year-on-year increase of thirteen percent in the first nine months of this year, while the number of operational factories rose by sixteen percent during the same timeframe, exceeding 350.
Commitment to a manufacturing powerhouse
Abu Alshawareb expressed that Dubai Industrial City was founded on a strategic vision aimed at establishing the UAE and Dubai as a global manufacturing powerhouse, and they have fulfilled that commitment over the past 20 years. He emphasized that the flourishing ecosystem serves as a single-window gateway for global growth and sustainable development, promoting industrial excellence that enhances the global visibility of the ‘Made in UAE’ brand.
He further noted that the legacy of Dubai Industrial City is reflected in the success of over 1,100 local, regional, and international clients, along with more than 350 operational factories that contribute directly to a more resilient manufacturing sector. He reaffirmed their dedication to advancing innovations in the industrial sector and preparing it for sustainable long-term growth, in alignment with the vision of Operation 300bn, Make it in the Emirates, and Dubai Economic Agenda ‘D33’.
Reinforcing its dedication to fostering industrial excellence for sustainable development, Dubai Industrial City has announced a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the global technology firm Siemens.
This MoU will enable collaboration between the district and Siemens in areas such as the Industrial Technology Transformation Index (ITTI) Assessments. Customers within Dubai Industrial City will gain insights into digitalization, sustainability, and operational efficiencies through ITTI Assessments conducted under the UAE’s Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology (MoIAT), as part of this partnership.
Enhancing factory competitiveness
Additionally, the collaboration will grant Dubai Industrial City’s community access to Siemens’ Green Lean Digital Factory Roadmaps and Greenfield Digital Factory Planning services, aimed at enhancing factory competitiveness within the district and promoting greater sustainability. Siemens will also assist in training and capacity building, as well as providing sustainability enhancement support, further underscoring the district’s commitment to advancing the manufacturing sectors of Dubai and the UAE.
Advancing industry growth
Dubai Industrial City continues to expand as it attracts a growing number of global manufacturers, adding 13.9 million sq. ft. of industrial land this year alone. Over the past two years, the district has drawn more than AED2 billion in private sector investment, recently signing musataha agreements for MD Pharma Factory’s AED130 million pharmaceutical facility and OZON Pharmaceuticals’ AED293 million manufacturing hub. Furthermore, Silver Line Gate Group commenced construction on an AED200 million integrated facility in Dubai Industrial City this October.
Strategic connectivity for seamless operations
Strategically situated near key global trade routes, including Jebel Ali Port, Al Maktoum International Airport, and the Dubai Industrial City Etihad Rail freight terminal, the district ensures seamless connectivity for a diverse range of customers. It features six sector-specific zones dedicated to various manufacturing sectors—base metals, machinery, minerals, food and beverage, transport, and chemicals—designed for operational efficiency, waste minimization, and the promotion of a circular economy.
Manufacturing excellence
As Dubai continues to be a global leader in attracting greenfield foreign direct investments (FDI), the newly introduced National Investment Strategy 2031 aims to triple the UAE’s cumulative FDI balance to AED2.2 trillion by 2031. The manufacturing, logistics, and storage sectors are poised to remain vital drivers of economic growth. In the second quarter of this year, Dubai’s manufacturing sector was valued at AED10.6 billion, contributing nine point one percent to the city’s GDP, which was worth AED116 billion during that period. Meanwhile, the transport and storage sector, valued at AED15.85 billion, accounted for thirteen point six percent of Dubai’s GDP.
Supporting economic growth initiatives
Dubai Industrial City aligns with Operation 300bn and Make it in the Emirates, encouraging investors, innovators, and developers to take advantage of the favorable manufacturing climate. It also supports the Dubai Economic Agenda ‘D33’, which is creating new opportunities for growth within the manufacturing sector as Dubai fortifies its diversified economic foundation. This alignment is further strengthened through its Make Brilliance global awareness campaign, launched in May 2023, connecting manufacturers and industry leaders from around the world with Dubai. The campaign was initiated in collaboration with MoIAT, MOCCAE, EDB, and the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (Dubai DET) to promote advanced manufacturing in both Dubai and the UAE.
Commitment to innovation and sustainability
The ecosystem of Dubai Industrial City underscores its commitment to innovation and sustainability, with the co-location of global leaders fostering collaborations that promote a circular economy. These initiatives are bolstered by efforts to encourage the adoption of renewable energy, with customers in the district generating over 70 megawatts of clean energy annually.
Celebrating 20 years of achievements
Celebrating its 20th anniversary, Dubai Industrial City recognized achievements that embody the ethos of Make Brilliance, honoring its Strategic Partners including MOIAT, MOCCAE, EDB, Dubai DET, Dubai Development Authority, Dubai Land Department, Dubai Civil Defence, and Dubai Police. International Humanitarian City was acknowledged for its Brilliance in Humanitarian Support, while Al Khayyat Investments, Dubatt Battery Recycling, and Neelkanth Cables received accolades for Brilliance in Logistics, Sustainability Leadership, and New Avenues, respectively.
Recognizing innovation in the community
Unilever and Standard Carpets were also honored for their Brilliance in Innovation.
A community of manufacturing leaders
These distinguished clients form part of Dubai Industrial City’s community of globally recognized leaders, who have been pivotal in establishing manufacturing excellence in the Middle East for over 20 years.
Infrastructure for growth
Dubai Industrial City boasts world-class infrastructure, including land, storage, and logistics facilities, and is a key component of TECOM Group’s portfolio, which includes Dubai Internet City, Dubai Media City, Dubai Studio City, Dubai Production City, Dubai Knowledge Park, Dubai International Academic City, Dubai Design District (d3), and Dubai Science Park.
