The fourth edition of the Make it in the Emirates Forum, a premier global platform for Industrial and technological advancements, is set to take place in partnership with the Adnec Group in Abu Dhabi from May 19 to 22, 2025, a report said.

The forum aims to significantly enhance the UAE’s industrial sector, which currently contributes AED 205 billion ($56 million) to the national gross domestic product (GDP) by the end of 2023, Emirates News Agency, WAM, said.

As part of its expansion strategy, the Ministry of industry and Advanced Technology (MoIAT) will collaborate with Adnec Group to amplify the forum’s success by highlighting industrial enablers, incentives, investment opportunities, AI innovations, and sustainable manufacturing practices.

Dr Sultan bin Ahmed Al Jaber, Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology, said: “Aligned with our leadership’s vision to drive industrial growth, supply chain resilience, enhance economic diversification, MoIAT is committed to empowering the industrial sector and increasing its resilience.

“The industrial sector contributed to the national economy, which reached an impressive AED 205 billion by end of 2023.”

He emphasised that this initiative invites investors and companies to leverage the opportunities presented by the UAE’s burgeoning industrial sector.

In addition to the enablers, incentives, and financial solutions that are designed to support growth and competitiveness.

“Since the launch of the National Strategy for Industry and Advanced Technology (Operation 300bn), we have focused on achieving its objectives through implementing various initiatives, plans, and programmes designed to transform the UAE into a global hub for industry and innovation.

“The fourth edition of the Make it in the Emirates Forum will be characterised by collaboration between the public and private sectors, including the partnership between MoIAT and Adnec, benefitting from both sectors’ logistical capabilities, financial solutions, and incentives to enhance the forum’s impact.

This edition will create promising opportunities for investors to establish and expand their businesses, helping them to access key markets and boost their products’ competitiveness regionally and globally.

Sheikh Salem bin Khalid Al Qassimi, Minister of Culture, said: “We recognise the profound impact of productive nations on the journey of humanity and the achievements they bring to life. We take pride in the efforts that position the UAE as a leader in industry, driven by skilled national talent equipped with world-class knowledge, expertise, and science.

“This event underscores our commitment to advancing the goals of the National Strategy for Industry and Advanced Technology, the Operation 300bn, and the ‘Make in the Emirates’ campaign.”

A highlight of this edition will be the introduction of a dedicated pavilion for Emirati handicrafts, showcasing local talent and the cultural heritage of the UAE.

It will be presented alongside cutting-edge sectors such as advanced manufacturing food and beverage, agritech, pharmaceuticals, medtech, shipbuilding, metals and fabrication, handicrafts, AI and Industry 4.0, chemicals, plastics and sustainable materials, oil and gas, hydrogen and energy, electrical equipment, machinery and construction material, aerospace, automotive and defence.

Reinforcing the forum’s focus on innovation and sustainability. The collaborative efforts aim to build upon the success of past editions, which saw significant engagement from both local and international entities.

As the fourth edition approaches, key stakeholders will further highlight the importance of public-private partnerships. MoIAT and Adnec’s collaboration ensures logistical capabilities, financial solutions, and incentives to amplify the forum’s impact.

The event aims to facilitate international agreements and opportunities worth billions of dirhams, offer diverse job opportunities, and showcase success stories from international companies active in the UAE.

The upcoming edition is expected to unveil more purchasing agreements for UAE-based industrial companies, building on the AED 143 billion, comprising 2,000 products for local manufacturing, already announced through previous editions.

In addition, the previous editions witnessed the announcement of new enablers and incentives, including competitive financing solutions for industrial companies worth AED16 billion via Emirates Development Bank, First Abu Dhabi Bank, and Mashreq Bank, including AED 3.1 billion in technology financing. In 2025, exhibition space is expected to grow to more than 50,000 square meters, and anticipated visitor numbers of over 20,000 compared to 6,1000 visitors in 2024.

Make it in the Emirates Awards

As part of the forum, the Make in the Emirates Awards will continue to commend excellence in the industrial sector, featuring 10 categories across fields such as sustainability, innovation, and leadership.

The Make it in the Emirates Startup Competition will also return, providing startups with significant opportunities to develop technologies aligned with UAE’s industrial growth.