Dubai Showcases Advanced Manufacturing Ecosystem to Strengthen D33 Agenda at ‘Make it in the Emirates 2026’
Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) is set to highlight the emirate’s advanced manufacturing capabilities at the Dubai Pavilion during the ‘Make it in the Emirates 2026’ forum. Scheduled from May 4 to 7 at the ADNEC Centre in Abu Dhabi, this event marks the fifth iteration of the UAE’s premier industrial forum.
DET’s participation underscores Dubai’s ongoing commitment to operational continuity and economic resilience, reinforcing its status as a globally connected industrial hub. The forum, themed ‘Advanced Industry: Emerging Stronger,’ aligns with the UAE’s vision of fostering a sustainable, technology-driven industrial base rooted in innovation and global partnerships.
Economic Context and Growth Metrics
Dubai enters the forum with a robust economic backdrop, having recorded a 6.4% GDP growth in the fourth quarter of 2025. The total GDP for the year reached AED 937 billion, reflecting steady economic momentum amid global challenges. This performance is indicative of the emirate’s resilience and adaptability in the face of external pressures.
DET’s engagement at the forum aligns with the Dubai Economic Agenda, known as D33, which aims to more than double the manufacturing value-added output by 2033. This initiative is designed to position Dubai as a leading destination for industrial investment, further enhancing its competitive edge in the global market.
Key Stakeholders and Strategic Partnerships
The ‘Make it in the Emirates’ forum serves as a significant gathering for various stakeholders, including government entities, national champions, manufacturers, and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The event aims to foster tangible outcomes, including offtake commitments, investment deals, technology transfers, and strategic partnerships.
At the Dubai Pavilion, DET will collaborate with key entities such as Dubai Industrial City, National Industries Park, Dubai Integrated Economic Zones Authority (DIEZ), Dubai Chambers, Dubai Future Foundation, and Food Tech Valley. This collaboration aims to showcase Dubai as a globally connected hub for advanced manufacturing, supported by world-class infrastructure and integrated logistics.
Manufacturing Sector Insights
Hadi Badri, CEO of the Dubai Economic Development Corporation (DEDC), emphasized the proactive measures taken by Dubai’s leadership to ensure growth and stability. He noted that the manufacturing sector is diversified, technologically advanced, and fully integrated into global value chains. Despite regional pressures, business continuity remains uninterrupted across logistics, trade, and industrial operations.
Badri highlighted that the D33 agenda is designed to enhance the value proposition for manufacturers, facilitating new investments and plant expansions through tailored incentive frameworks. These frameworks aim to improve cost competitiveness, reduce barriers to entry, and accelerate the development of high-impact projects. Participation in ‘Make it in the Emirates’ presents an opportunity to forge partnerships that will bolster local manufacturing and drive economic momentum.
Initiatives for Industrial Growth
The Dubai Pavilion will serve as a central platform for engaging investors, manufacturers, and stakeholders, providing insights into the emirate’s competitive advantages. DET representatives will also engage in high-level discussions focused on industrial development, investment facilitation, and market expansion.
Among the initiatives highlighted will be the Export Assistance Programme (EAP), which enables Dubai-based manufacturers to access international markets, and the Elite Buyer Programme, aimed at reinforcing 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 showcased, reflecting Dubai’s commitment to advanced manufacturing technologies and local capacity building.
National Collaboration and Future Prospects
DET aims to strengthen national collaboration by working closely with the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology and other stakeholders to ensure alignment with the UAE’s national strategy. Several strategic partnerships with major entities in the logistics and banking sectors 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’ forum represents a critical platform for translating the D33 industrial ambitions into measurable outcomes for businesses across the emirate and beyond, building on the strong investment momentum established in previous editions.
Source: www.emirates247.com
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Published on 2026-05-03 15:30:00 • By the Editorial Desk
