UAE Unveils Ambitious Plan for World’s First AI-Powered Trade Ministry Amid Global Trade Disruption

Abu Dhabi, UAE – In response to increasing global trade barriers, UAE leaders at the Make it in the Emirates 2026 event emphasized the importance of collaborative and intelligent systems over isolationist policies. During the second day of this flagship industrial platform, senior government officials detailed the UAE’s strategy to integrate localization into various sectors, including trade, healthcare, procurement, talent, and security.

His Excellency Fahad Al Gergawi, Undersecretary at the Ministry of Foreign Trade, highlighted the significance of the UAE’s 36 Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreements (CEPAs). These agreements are designed to help domestic producers expand their reach beyond local markets. Al Gergawi noted that since the inception of the CEPA program, these agreements have facilitated an additional $140 billion in trade.

The UAE’s trade agenda is further bolstered by technological advancements. The Ministry of Foreign Trade is collaborating with G42 to develop what is set to become the world’s first AI-powered trade ministry.

ICV Program Boosting Investor Confidence

Speakers at the event emphasized that guaranteed demand is crucial for transforming localization policies into tangible industrial output. The structured procurement pipelines and the In-Country Value (ICV) framework are instilling confidence in manufacturers, encouraging them to invest, expand, and hire.

In the healthcare sector, His Excellency Dr. Abdulaziz Al Zarooni, Executive Director of Financial Sector and Supporting Services at Emirates Health Services (EHS), reflected on the lessons learned during the COVID-19 pandemic. He pointed out the critical need for ICU items, vaccines, and other essential supplies that require immediate availability in the supply chain.

For manufacturers looking to integrate into the UAE’s supply chains, His Excellency Sharief Habib Al Awadhi, Director General of Fujairah Free Zone, assured that the necessary infrastructure is readily available. He stated, “Whatever you want, it’s at your fingertips.”

AI Has Widened the Skills Gap

The localization agenda in the UAE is as dependent on human resources as it is on policy. His Excellency Dr. Abdulla Al Shimmari, Executive Director of the National Workforce Enablement Sector at the Department of Government Enablement, discussed the challenges posed by artificial intelligence. He noted that AI has exacerbated the global skills gap, which stood at around 50% just a few years ago. With AI becoming more accessible, the skills gap has widened, necessitating structured upskilling initiatives.

Quality is ‘Invisible Passport’

Her Excellency Amina Ahmad Mohammad, CEO of the Emirates International Accreditation Centre, emphasized the role of accreditation as a market access tool, referring to it as an “invisible passport” for products. Her Excellency Dr. Farah Al Zarooni, Assistant Undersecretary for Standardization Affairs at the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology (MoIAT), added that standards are now integral to the UAE’s trade agreements, with a long-term aim of reducing regulatory burdens.

Dr. Al Zarooni stated, “We have a standalone full chapter on technical barriers to trade in our CEPAs. The ultimate goal is zero standards-based regulation — in some areas, we are already self-regulating.” His Excellency Eng. Fahad Gharib Al-Shamsi, Acting Secretary General of the Abu Dhabi Council for Quality and Conformity, echoed this sentiment, stressing that the focus is not on over-regulation but on ensuring market safety and justification.

His Excellency Saleh Lootah, Managing Director of Al Islami Foods, remarked on the need for simplicity in the system, asserting that “Complexity steals clarity … Quality should be the center.”

Food and Defense as Industrial Priorities

The discussions concluded with a focus on industrial sovereignty, particularly in defense capabilities and food security. His Excellency Dr. Nasser Humaid Al Nuaimi, Secretary General of Tawazun Council, affirmed the UAE’s commitment to security, stating, “We have proven in the UAE that we not only take security very seriously, but we deliver.”

His Excellency Eng. Ahmed Othman, Executive Director of Agricultural Affairs at ADAFSA, highlighted that food security has become a national security priority. He noted that the UAE now boasts over 25,000 farms, 24,000 livestock holdings, and more than 3.5 million heads of livestock, forming a robust infrastructure for food security.

His Excellency Hamad Mohammed Al Marar, Managing Director and CEO of EDGE Group, emphasized that resilience is not solely about equipment but also about understanding the UAE’s vision for order, protection, and safety.

The discussions, framed under the theme “The In-Country Value Opportunity: Creating Long-Term Value,” underscored the UAE’s commitment to maintaining an open, stable, and competitive economy amid global market challenges.

Make it in the Emirates 2026 is hosted by the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology (MoIAT), in collaboration with the Ministry of Culture, the Abu Dhabi Investment Office, the ADNOC Group, and L’IMAD. The event is taking place from May 4-7 at the ADNEC Centre in Abu Dhabi, under the theme “Advanced Industry. Emerging Stronger.”

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Published on 2026-05-05 19:37:00 • By the Editorial Desk