Emirates Growth Fund Strengthens UAE Industrial Landscape with Landmark Agreements at MIITE 2026
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates — At the Make it in the Emirates 2026 (MIITE 2026) event, the Emirates Growth Fund (EGF) solidified its position as the UAE’s growth capital partner for industrial small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The event featured the launch of the National Champions Program, a trilateral agreement with the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology (MOIAT) and ADNOC, and the establishment of a collaborative network with key banks and ecosystem partners to enhance SME access to growth capital.
Key Developments at MIITE 2026
The MIITE 2026 event at ADNEC marked a significant milestone for EGF, concluding its inaugural year with a series of impactful initiatives. Over four days, EGF transitioned from commitment to action, uniting ministers, industry leaders, institutional partners, and high-growth UAE manufacturers under a common goal: transforming UAE SMEs into resilient and globally competitive enterprises.
EGF’s participation was highlighted by three major developments. The National Champions Program was officially launched, providing a structured pathway for UAE manufacturers to access essential capital, governance support, and institutional backing necessary for scaling operations. Additionally, the trilateral agreement with MOIAT and ADNOC established a national framework aimed at localising critical supply chains and integrating UAE manufacturing SMEs into the energy and industrial sectors. Furthermore, a series of collaborative agreements with leading banks and ecosystem partners expanded EGF’s support network, ensuring that the companies it backs can access comprehensive institutional infrastructure.
National Champions Program: A Strategic Initiative
The National Champions Program (NCP) was launched in partnership with MOIAT and the Ministry of Economy and Tourism. This flagship initiative aims to identify, accelerate, and scale high-potential UAE manufacturing SMEs into national champions. It provides not only growth capital but also governance support, strategic guidance, and access to a robust institutional network.
The program addresses a critical gap in the UAE’s manufacturing sector. Many promising manufacturers have demonstrated their potential but struggle to transition from early-stage support to large-scale industrial policy due to a lack of capital structure, governance, or partnerships. The NCP is designed specifically to bridge this gap, offering a framework for growth while EGF supplies the necessary capital.
The launch event was attended by H.E. Dr. Ahmad Belhoul Al Falasi, Minister of Sports and Chairman of EGF, alongside H.E. Abdulla Bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy and Tourism, and H.E. Najla Al Midfa, Vice Chair and Managing Director of EGF. A high-level Manufacturing Roundtable followed, gathering government leaders, institutional partners, and selected UAE manufacturers identified as candidates for the NCP, reinforcing the program’s commitment to the country’s industrial stakeholders.
Trilateral Agreement and Institutional Partnerships
A significant highlight of MIITE 2026 was the trilateral strategic agreement between EGF, MOIAT, and ADNOC. This agreement aims to enhance UAE industrial resilience, promote the localisation of critical supply chains, and integrate UAE manufacturing SMEs into ADNOC’s industrial and energy ecosystem.
In conjunction with this agreement, EGF established collaborative partnerships with leading UAE banks and industrial ecosystem partners. This coordinated network is designed to ensure that no high-potential UAE manufacturer is hindered by gaps in capital, banking access, or institutional connectivity. EGF and its partners are committed to closing these gaps collectively.
Khalifa Al Hajeri, Chief Executive Officer of EGF, emphasized that the week represented the core mission of EGF: to invest and build companies. The partnerships formalised during MIITE 2026, along with the newly launched program and commitments made with MOIAT and ADNOC, are all aimed at empowering UAE manufacturers with the resources needed to become national champions.
Reflecting on One Year of Progress
MIITE 2026 also marked the first anniversary of EGF’s establishment. The fund hosted a private lunch at ADNEC for its Board, portfolio founders, institutional partners, and key stakeholders, reflecting on the progress made over the past year. EGF has evolved from a mandate into a significant growth capital partner with a growing portfolio, flagship programs, and robust institutional relationships.
About Emirates Growth Fund
The Emirates Growth Fund (EGF) serves as the UAE’s leading growth equity investor. Launched by H.E. Dr. Sultan Al Jaber at Make it in the Emirates 2025 and supported by Emirates Development Bank, EGF is strategically focused on scaling UAE-based companies across four critical sectors: manufacturing, food and agriculture, healthcare, and advanced technology.
As the only fund in the UAE dedicated exclusively to growth-stage businesses, EGF provides strategic minority growth equity along with active value creation. Through its partnerships, EGF empowers founders to institutionalise their operations and expand market reach, enabling local businesses to transition from regional players to globally competitive enterprises.
At MIITE 2026, EGF reaffirmed its role as the Exclusive Growth Capital Partner, solidifying its position as a central institution driving the UAE’s industrial growth agenda.
Source: www.zawya.com
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Published on 2026-05-08 14:53:00 • By the Editorial Desk
