MoIAT Strengthens Future Industries Lab Through Partnership with PepsiCo to Empower SMEs and Young Emiratis
Abu Dhabi, UAE – The Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology (MoIAT) has formalized a partnership with PepsiCo through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at enhancing the Future Industries Lab in the UAE. This initiative is designed to support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and provide young Emiratis with practical experience in the industrial sector.
The MoU was signed during the fifth edition of the Make it in the Emirates event at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC). With this agreement, PepsiCo becomes the inaugural food and beverage company to join the Future Industries Lab.
Enhancing Industrial Capabilities
This collaboration is part of MoIAT’s broader strategy to bolster industrial capabilities, empower SMEs, and prepare the next generation of Emirati talent through hands-on, industry-focused learning experiences. Under the terms of the MoU, PepsiCo will offer participants insights into various aspects of its operations in the UAE, including brand development, supply chain management, sustainability practices, and financial operations.
Participants will also have the opportunity to visit the facilities of PepsiCo’s bottling partner, Dubai Refreshment Company, to gain firsthand knowledge of manufacturing processes and operational practices.
His Excellency Hasan Jasem Al Nowais, Undersecretary of MoIAT, emphasized the significance of this partnership, stating that it exemplifies the UAE’s commitment to leveraging public-private collaboration to enhance industrial capabilities and support talent development. He noted that the Future Industries Lab opens new avenues for young Emiratis while aiding industrial companies in their growth and competitiveness.
Commitment to Emirati Talent
Wael Ismail, Vice President of Corporate Affairs for International Beverages at PepsiCo, remarked on the importance of this initiative. He highlighted that joining the Future Industries Lab allows PepsiCo to engage more closely with young Emiratis and SMEs, which are pivotal to the future of the UAE’s industrial landscape. Ismail noted that PepsiCo has been a part of the UAE for 60 years and has witnessed the benefits of collaborative efforts between government and business sectors. He expressed hope that participants will gain a comprehensive understanding of daily industry operations and confidence in the opportunities available within the sector.
Through this partnership, PepsiCo joins a network of leading companies from various sectors that contribute to technical and industrial training in areas such as operations, quality assurance, supply chain management, and market access.
About MoIAT
The Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology (MoIAT) plays a crucial role in shaping industrial policies, advancing technological transformation, and enhancing the competitiveness of the UAE’s industrial sector. Established in July 2020, the ministry aims to empower the national industrial sector and accelerate industrial transformation across the UAE.
MoIAT’s initiatives support the growth of a sustainable industrial economy, recognizing the importance of industry in national security and economic stability. The ministry focuses on strengthening supply chain resilience, supporting technology transformation, and expanding access to global markets. It also emphasizes the adoption of Fourth Industrial Revolution technologies across key sectors, including food security, healthcare, defense, space, aerospace, and the digital economy.
In addition, MoIAT enhances national In-Country Value (ICV), fosters entrepreneurship, and empowers Emirati talent, thereby contributing to the competitiveness of UAE-manufactured products in both local and international markets. The ministry connects manufacturers, investors, startups, and entrepreneurs through initiatives such as Make it in the Emirates, the National ICV Program, and the Technology Transformation Program (TTP).
For more information, visit MoIAT’s official website.
About PepsiCo
PepsiCo operates in over 200 countries and territories, with its products consumed more than one billion times daily. In 2025, the company reported nearly $94 billion in net revenue, driven by a diverse portfolio of beverages and convenient foods, including brands like Lay’s, Doritos, Cheetos, Gatorade, Pepsi-Cola, Mountain Dew, and Quaker.
PepsiCo’s guiding vision is to be the global leader in beverages and convenient foods through its pep+ (PepsiCo Positive) initiative. This strategic transformation emphasizes sustainability and human capital as central to creating value and growth while operating within planetary boundaries.
For further inquiries, please contact Bedour Mossa at bmossa@apcoworldwide.co.
Source: www.zawya.com
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Published on 2026-05-08 15:36:00 • By the Editorial Desk
