Dubai Showcases Advanced Manufacturing Ecosystem at ‘Make it in the Emirates 2026’
Key Participation in UAE’s Industrial Forum
Dubai, United Arab Emirates – The Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) is set to present the emirate’s advanced manufacturing ecosystem at the Dubai Pavilion during ‘Make it in the Emirates 2026’, the UAE’s premier industrial forum, scheduled from May 4 to 7 at the ADNEC Centre in Abu Dhabi. This participation underscores Dubai’s commitment to operational continuity and economic resilience, solidifying its status as a globally connected industrial hub.
Economic Growth and Strategic Goals
The forum, themed ‘Advanced Industry. Emerging Stronger’, highlights the UAE’s dedication to establishing a sustainable, technology-driven industrial base rooted in innovation and global partnerships. Dubai enters the event following a notable economic performance, achieving a 6.4% GDP growth in Q4 2025, with a total GDP of AED 937 billion for the year. This growth reflects steady economic momentum despite global challenges. DET’s involvement aligns with the Dubai Economic Agenda, D33, which aims to more than double the manufacturing value-added output by 2033, reinforcing Dubai’s appeal as a prime destination for industrial investment.
Uniting Key Stakeholders
‘Make it in the Emirates’ serves as a significant gathering for various stakeholders, including government entities, national champions, manufacturers, and SMEs. The forum aims to foster tangible outcomes, such as offtake commitments, investment agreements, technology transfers, and strategic partnerships.
DET will showcase Dubai as a globally connected hub for advanced manufacturing, supported by world-class infrastructure and integrated logistics. Participants will learn how manufacturers in Dubai benefit from access to over 130 export destinations, facilitated by Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreements and advanced customs measures that ensure reliable trade flows. The Dubai Pavilion will feature key entities, including Dubai Industrial City, National Industries Park, Dubai Integrated Economic Zones Authority (DIEZ), Dubai Chambers, Dubai Future Foundation, Food Tech Valley, and other strategic partners.
Insights from Dubai Economic Development Corporation
His Excellency Hadi Badri, CEO of the Dubai Economic Development Corporation (DEDC), emphasized the leadership’s proactive, policy-driven approach to ensuring growth and stability in the manufacturing sector. He noted that the sector is diversified, technologically advanced, and fully integrated into global value chains. Despite regional pressures, business continuity remains robust across logistics, trade, and industrial operations. The Dubai Economic Agenda, D33, aims to enhance the value proposition for manufacturers by facilitating new investments and plant expansions through tailored incentive frameworks designed to improve cost competitiveness and reduce barriers to entry.
Badri stated that participation in ‘Make it in the Emirates’ offers an opportunity to forge partnerships and finalize deals that will bolster local manufacturing, stimulate economic momentum, and further establish Dubai as a leading hub for export-led growth.
Engaging Investors and Stakeholders
The Dubai Pavilion will act as a central platform for engaging investors, manufacturers, and stakeholders, providing insights into the emirate’s competitive advantages. DET representatives will also participate in high-level discussions focused on industrial development, investment facilitation, and market expansion into and from Dubai.
As part of its initiative, DET will highlight various programs aimed at supporting industrial scale-up and export expansion. These include the Export Assistance Programme (EAP), which aids Dubai-based manufacturers in accessing international markets, and the Elite Buyer Programme, which enhances Dubai’s status as a global sourcing hub. Additional initiatives, such as Industry 4.0 enablement programs, In-Country Value (ICV) promotion, and industry-friendly power policies, will also be featured, reinforcing Dubai’s commitment to advanced manufacturing technologies and local capacity building.
Strengthening National Collaboration
DET aims to strengthen national collaboration by working closely with the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology and other stakeholders to align with the UAE’s broader national strategy. Several strategic partnerships with major entities in logistics and banking are anticipated to be formalized during the forum, further demonstrating sustained institutional confidence in Dubai’s industrial trajectory.
This year’s ‘Make it in the Emirates’ builds on the strong investment momentum of previous editions, serving as a crucial platform for translating D33 industrial ambitions into measurable outcomes for businesses across the emirate and beyond.
The DET pavilion will be located at stands A15 and A17 at the ADNEC Centre in Abu Dhabi. For more information about Make it in the Emirates 2026, please visit: www.miite.ae.
About the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism
The Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) aims to position Dubai as a leading commercial center, investment hub, and tourism destination. The department supports the government in enhancing the emirate’s economic and tourism competitiveness indicators, in line with the Dubai Economic Agenda, D33, which seeks to double the size of the emirate’s economy by 2033.
DET is committed to enhancing Dubai’s diversified, innovative service-based economy to attract global talent, foster a world-class business environment, and accelerate productivity growth. Additionally, DET promotes Dubai’s vision to become the best city globally for living, working, and visiting by showcasing its diverse offerings and high quality of life.
DET is the principal authority for planning, supervising, developing, and marketing Dubai’s business and tourism sectors. It oversees the licensing and classification of various businesses, including hotels, tour operators, and travel agents. DET’s portfolio includes the Dubai Economic Development Corporation (DEDC), Dubai Business Registration and Licensing Corporation (DBLC), Dubai Corporation for Consumer Protection and Fair Trade (DCCPFT), Dubai SME, Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DCTCM), Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE), and Dubai College of Tourism (DCT).
Published on 2026-05-03 11:29:00 • By the Editorial Desk
