Largest-ever Make it in the Emirates Opens Monday, Anticipating 120,000 Visitors and Debuting AI Showcase Alongside UAE Industrial Heritage Exhibit

Abu Dhabi, UAE: The UAE’s premier industrial forum, Make it in the Emirates, is set to commence on Monday in Abu Dhabi, with an expected attendance of 120,000 visitors over four days. This year’s event introduces several innovative features aimed at enabling businesses to engage with one of the world’s most dynamic industrial growth narratives.

The fifth and largest edition of Make it in the Emirates, themed “Advanced Industry. Emerging Stronger,” will host approximately 1,200 exhibitors across 88,000 square meters at the ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi. The exhibition will cover 12 priority sectors, including advanced manufacturing, aerospace and defense, pharmaceuticals, energy, mobility, and sustainable materials.

The scale of this year’s forum underscores the UAE’s long-term commitment to industrial development, following a remarkable 70% increase in industrial GDP since 2021 and a doubling of exports to AED 262 billion.

Major Deals and Initiatives Expected

During the event, significant agreements are anticipated between government entities, national enterprises, global corporations, and local businesses. The Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology (MoIAT) will announce a series of initiatives aimed at enhancing the UAE’s industrial resilience amid current global uncertainties. These initiatives include the next generation of the In-Country Value (ICV) Program, which has already redirected over AED 473 billion into the national economy, bolstering local employment and supply chains.

New Hubs for AI, Start-ups, and Quality Standards

This year’s edition features the introduction of four dedicated experiential hubs, marking a significant evolution in the forum’s format. These hubs aim to facilitate hands-on industrial capability building beyond traditional deal-making.

The Intelligence Hub, spanning 1,400 square meters, is designed to showcase cutting-edge technologies such as AI, robotics, drones, electric vehicles, batteries, industrial cybersecurity, and smart manufacturing. It is organized into three categories: locally developed technologies, international innovations, and UAE-global collaborations.

The Industry NextGen Hub caters to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), start-ups, and entrepreneurs, who make up 61% of this year’s exhibitors. This hub will provide a direct pipeline into national procurement, featuring pitch competitions, investor matchmaking, and workshops focused on accessing national financing programs and integrating into supply chains.

The Quality Hub will address certification and accreditation frameworks that enable UAE-manufactured products to compete in international markets, offering practical guidance on compliance with global standards.

The House of Industry, touted as the UAE’s first immersive industrial heritage exhibition, will explore the nation’s evolution from early trade to advanced manufacturing through films, timelines, and interactive displays. This heritage experience aims to position the UAE’s industrial narrative at the core of its national identity.

Collaborative Efforts to Drive Industrial Growth

Make it in the Emirates 2026 is organized by MoIAT in partnership with the Ministry of Culture, the Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO), ADNOC, and L’IMAD, with logistical support from ADNEC Group. The platform serves as a national mechanism to align industrial priorities, capabilities, and opportunities, facilitating the UAE’s industrial strategy.

For a detailed agenda, visit: Make it in the Emirates Agenda.

About Make it in the Emirates (MIITE)

Make it in the Emirates (MIITE) is the UAE’s national industrial platform, spearheaded by MoIAT, aimed at driving industrial growth, localization, and global competitiveness. In its fifth iteration, MIITE unites policymakers, industry leaders, investors, and manufacturers to foster partnerships, unlock procurement opportunities, and accelerate the adoption of advanced manufacturing and AI across key sectors.

The ICV program has redirected over AED 473 billion into the national economy, supporting local industries and enhancing supply chains. The platform also connects businesses to more than AED 168 billion in procurement opportunities and facilitates the localization of over 5,000 products.

MIITE is part of the UAE’s broader economic diversification strategy, aligning with initiatives such as “We the UAE 2031” and “UAE Centennial 2071.”

For further information, visit: Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology.

About the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology (MoIAT)

MoIAT is responsible for 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 focuses on strengthening supply chain resilience, supporting technology adoption, and expanding access to global markets. The Ministry is committed to promoting the Fourth Industrial Revolution across key sectors, including food security, healthcare, defense, space, and the digital economy.

Through initiatives like MIITE and the National ICV Program, MoIAT connects manufacturers, investors, and entrepreneurs to opportunities that foster business growth and advance industrial self-sufficiency.

For more details, visit: Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology.

About the Ministry of Culture

The UAE’s Ministry of Culture aims to nurture a culture that inspires the world, promoting a harmonious society rooted in patriotism and inclusivity. The Ministry works to enhance national identity and protect the UAE’s cultural heritage while fostering the cultural and creative industries.

The Ministry has developed a national strategy to empower creators and integrate them into the labor market, enhancing their business environment and attracting new talents.

About the Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO)

ADIO is the government entity responsible for driving Abu Dhabi’s economic transformation. Through comprehensive support services, ADIO facilitates local and foreign investments, focusing on industries that will enhance liveability and technological advancement.

For more information, visit: Abu Dhabi Investment Office.

About ADNOC

ADNOC is a leading energy and petrochemicals group wholly owned by the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, committed to maximizing the value of the Emirate’s hydrocarbon reserves through sustainable practices.

For media inquiries, contact: media@adnoc.ae.

About ADNEC Group

ADNEC Group, part of Modon Holding, is a key player in global business and leisure tourism, managing strategic assets that contribute to Abu Dhabi’s economic growth. The Group operates the largest event venue in the MENA region and is recognized for its commitment to excellence and sustainability.

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Published on 2026-05-03 18:13:00 • By the Editorial Desk