Make it in the Emirates 2025, the UAE’s premier industrial platform, recently concluded at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Center after a four-day run.
Held under the theme “Advanced Industries. Accelerated”, the event was hosted by the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology (MoIAT), organized by Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Company Group, and held alongside strategic partners, the Ministry of Culture, Abu Dhabi Investment Office and ADNOC.
The event drew broad participation from local and international stakeholders and featured innovative showcases by leading industrial and technology companies and pioneering innovators. Spanning 68,000 square meters of exhibition space, this year’s edition was the most expansive and comprehensive. It attracted over 122,000 visitors and participants — more than 20 times the number of attendees at the third edition.
Over 187 strategic agreements signed
More than 187 agreements and MoUs were signed during the event. They focused on localizing supply chains, transferring technological know-how, vocational training and Emirati employment, reinforcing the UAE’s commitment to achieving self-sufficiency in priority sectors. Additionally, new offtake agreements worth AED7.8 billion were signed during the event.
The MoIAT alone signed 24 MoUs and cooperation agreements with government entities and private sector entities. These agreements reflect a shared commitment to enhancing regulatory cooperation and creating a competitive industrial environment, especially with leading global manufacturers operating in the UAE.
Make it in the Emirates 2025 has firmly established the UAE as a global hub for industrial innovation and excellence. The event highlighted investment opportunities enabled by the UAE’s competitive advantages and incentives, which continue to attract capital across priority sectors.
This year’s edition announced new industrial projects valued at over AED11 billion ($3 billion). More than 720 local and international industrial, technological, financial and service institutions participated in the exhibition, showcasing the latest solutions to support industrial growth and enhance the sector’s GDP contribution. Exhibitors also presented breakthrough technologies aimed at advancing industrial and technological capabilities.
Impactful financing solutions take center stage
During Make it in the Emirates 2025, the MoIAT signed a landmark agreement with national banks to provide over AED40 billion in competitive financing over five years. This initiative will support small, medium and emerging enterprises and innovative projects that strengthen the industrial sector and enhance the competitiveness of locally manufactured products.
Additionally, Emirates Development Bank launched the Emirates Growth Fund — an AED1 billion investment platform supporting SMEs in strategic sectors such as manufacturing, healthcare, food security and advanced technology.
Make it in the Emirates Awards 2025
On opening day, the MoIAT also recognized the winners of the third Make it in the Emirates Awards. This year’s nine award categories spanned five pillars: Factory of the Future, In-Country Value, Industry Enablers and Strategic Partners, Leadership and Talent, and UAE Traditional Crafts for Individual and Companies. For the first time, an Emirati Handicrafts Award was introduced to honor individuals and companies in this sector.
The ministry also marked National ICV Day by celebrating the contributions of companies and individuals supporting the National In-Country Value Program, recognizing their role in driving local competitiveness, productivity and supply chain sustainability.
Winners of the third Make it in the Emirates Startup Pitch Competition were also honored. The competition received more than 200 applications from over 30 countries, with 43 percent submitted by international startups — a testament to the growing interest both locally and globally.
For the first time, the platform also featured a dedicated pavilion for Emirati crafts and heritage industries, organized by the Ministry of Culture as part of the Year of the Community. The pavilion hosted live demonstrations of 40 traditional crafts across 10 zones, with participation from 216 Emirati artisans. Their involvement this year enabled them to expand their presence on e-commerce platforms and bring their products to global markets — turning heritage into economic opportunity.
Industrial procurement hits AED168 billion
Make it in the Emirates 2025 recorded a rise in industrial procurement under the National ICV Program, reaching AED168 billion — up from AED143 billion in the previous edition. The program now covers 4,800 locally manufacturable products. This year, new procurement agreements worth AED1.3 billion were signed.
On Day 2, MoIAT signed MoUs with entities including Emaar, Silal, Calidus and Modon Holding to join the National ICV Program. This brings the total number of participating companies and entities to 35.
Launched under the UAE’s Projects of the 50, the program channels procurement by government and major national companies into the local economy, stimulating industrial and service sectors. By the end of 2024, cumulative local spending under the program reached AED347 billion.
Global Startup Exchange Program launched
On the sidelines of Make it in the Emirates 2025, the ministry launched the Global Startup Exchange Program, connecting UAE and international startups to new markets, incubators and investors. The first pilot, developed in collaboration with Japan, sets the stage for broader international expansion, opening new pathways for growth-stage, technology-focused startups.
For its part, ADNOC reaffirmed its support for the platform through an ambitious five-year plan to channel up to AED200 billion into the national economy. This includes purchasing locally manufacturable products valued at up to AED90 billion by 2030 — further strengthening the UAE’s industrial base and reinforcing supply chain resilience.
The “Industrialists” Career Fair, jointly organized by MoIAT, the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratization, and the Nafis Program, took place over three days. It aimed to expand private sector opportunities for Emiratis and highlight career paths within the industrial sector.
More than 3,000 young Emiratis attended the fair, participating in over 10,000 on-the-spot interviews — including AI-assisted screening — with more than 95 companies. These companies offered 1,200 job opportunities alongside extensive training and upskilling programs.
During Make it in the Emirates 2025, MoIAT and the Abu Dhabi Investment Office also announced a strategic partnership to support the Industrialists Program, intending to deepen Emirati participation in the industrial workforce.
Read: EMSTEEL signs 11 strategic partnerships at Make it in the Emirates 2025
Industrial sector creates over 22,000 jobs for UAE nationals
Thanks to the National ICV Program, the industrial sector created over 22,000 jobs for UAE nationals by the end of 2024. The Industrialists Career Fair alone helped place 2,500 Emiratis in private sector roles.
Young Emiratis actively participated throughout the fourth edition of Make it in the Emirates, presenting breakthrough ideas, SME projects and AI-powered technologies to support industrial transformation. Youth-led exhibitions highlighted the intersection of entrepreneurship, national development, and smart manufacturing.
The event also saw the announcement of Made in the Arab World – UAE Edition, part of the seventh cycle of the Youth Solutions initiative by the Arab Youth Center. The initiative promotes youth-led industrial startups, scalable innovation, and sustainable development across the Arab region.
Throughout the platform, young entrepreneurs shared experiences and advice — inspiring the next generation of industrial leaders and building momentum for the UAE’s startup ecosystem.
