Make it in the Emirates 2023 Showcases UAE’s Industrial Growth

Make it in the Emirates 2023 Highlights Industrial Growth

The fifth and largest edition of Make it in the Emirates, themed ‘Advanced Industry. Emerging Stronger’, commenced at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC) on October 16, 2023. This year’s event has attracted approximately 1,200 exhibitors showcasing innovations across 88,000 square metres, covering 12 priority industries, including advanced manufacturing, aerospace and defence, pharmaceuticals, energy, mobility, and sustainable materials. The scale of the event underscores the UAE’s commitment to a robust industrial future.

This year’s event follows a notable surge in the UAE’s industrial sector, with industrial GDP rising by 70% since 2021 and exports more than doubling to AED 262 billion. Major deals are expected to be announced throughout the week, involving government entities, national enterprises, global corporations, and local businesses, reflecting the UAE’s strategic focus on fostering industrial partnerships.

New Initiatives and Experiential Hubs Unveiled

The Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology (MoIAT) is set to introduce several initiatives aimed at enhancing the UAE’s industrial resilience amid current global challenges. Key among these initiatives is 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 strengthening supply chains.

The event also features four dedicated experiential hubs, marking a significant expansion of the forum’s format. The Intelligence Hub, spanning 1,400 square metres, is designed to facilitate ‘real industrial decisions’ and showcases advancements in AI, robotics, drones, electric vehicles, batteries, industrial cybersecurity, and smart manufacturing technologies. This hub is organized into three categories: locally developed technologies, international innovations, and UAE-global collaborations.

Additionally, the Industry NextGen Hub aims to support SMEs, start-ups, and entrepreneurs, who comprise 61% of this year’s exhibitors. This hub provides a direct pipeline into national procurement, featuring pitch competitions, investor matchmaking, and workshops on national financing programs. The Quality Hub focuses on certification and accreditation frameworks, helping UAE-manufactured products meet international market standards.

Cultural Integration Through Industrial Heritage

A notable addition to this year’s event is the House of Industry, which is billed as the UAE’s first immersive industrial heritage exhibition. This exhibition traces the evolution of the UAE from early trade practices to advanced manufacturing through interactive exhibits, film presentations, and timelines. The introduction of this heritage experience emphasizes the importance of the UAE’s industrial narrative within the broader scope of national identity.

Make it in the Emirates 2023 is hosted by MoIAT in collaboration with the Ministry of Culture, the Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO), ADNOC, and L’IMAD, and is organized by ADNEC Group. The platform is designed to advance the UAE’s industrial strategy, serving as a national mechanism for aligning industrial priorities, capabilities, and opportunities.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the theme of Make it in the Emirates 2023?

The theme is ‘Advanced Industry. Emerging Stronger’.

How many exhibitors are participating in the event?

Approximately 1,200 exhibitors are participating.

What are the key industries represented at the event?

Key industries include advanced manufacturing, aerospace, defence, pharmaceuticals, energy, mobility, and sustainable materials.

What initiatives will the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology unveil?

The Ministry will unveil initiatives to enhance industrial resilience, including the next generation of the In-Country Value Program.

What is the House of Industry exhibition?

It is the UAE’s first immersive industrial heritage exhibition, showcasing the country’s industrial evolution.