UAE Ministry of Industry Honors Innovators at Make it in the Emirates Awards 2026

Celebrating Industrial Excellence in the UAE

The Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology (MoIAT) unveiled the winners of the Make it in the Emirates Awards 2026 on May 4, marking the beginning of the fifth edition of the Make it in the Emirates initiative. The event, hosted at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC), runs from May 4 to May 7 and showcases the UAE’s commitment to fostering innovation and industrial growth.

The awards ceremony was attended by prominent figures, including His Excellency Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Minister of Foreign Trade; His Excellency Sheikh Salem bin Khalid Al Qassimi, Minister of Culture; and His Excellency Badr Jafar, CEO of Crescent Enterprises. These awards aim to recognize and celebrate the contributions of industry leaders, innovators, and manufacturers who are shaping the future of the UAE’s industrial sector.

The awards reflect the UAE’s strategic focus on enhancing industrial growth, technological transformation, and economic diversification. They highlight the importance of sustainability and innovation in building a resilient industrial ecosystem that supports the nation’s long-term economic goals.

Diverse Categories and Notable Winners

The Make it in the Emirates Awards 2026 featured several categories, each designed to recognize outstanding achievements in various sectors. The judging panel included experts from government, industry, and academia, ensuring a comprehensive evaluation of the nominees. The awards acknowledged excellence in six categories: Tech Frontier Award, National Industrial Growth Award, Quality and Compliance Award, Inspirational Industrial Leader Award, Next-Generation Industrial Leader Award, and UAE Traditional Craft Award.

Among the notable winners, Halcon Systems received the Tech Frontier Award for large enterprises, while Borouge, PLC and Global Pharma were recognized in the National Industrial Growth category for large enterprises and SMEs, respectively. Emsteel and RMEA Manufacturing LLC were awarded in the Quality and Compliance category, showcasing their commitment to high standards.

The Inspirational Industrial Leader Award was presented to Dr. Bakheet Al Katheeri, CEO of Mubadala’s UAE Investment Platform, while Abdulla AbuEbeid, Co-founder and CEO of VIAI Technologies, won the Next-Generation Industrial Leader Award. The UAE Traditional Craft Award honored individual artisans Saeed Al Shahi, Atija Al Muhairbi, and Fatima Al Mansoori, as well as Ajzal Studio for their contributions to traditional crafts.

Driving Future Growth and Innovation

The Make it in the Emirates initiative, launched by MoIAT in 2023, serves as a national platform aimed at promoting industrial growth and enhancing the UAE’s global competitiveness. This year’s awards emphasize the country’s commitment to advanced technology and innovation as key drivers of economic resilience and diversification.

The initiative also aligns with the UAE’s broader economic strategies, including the We the UAE 2031 vision and the UAE Centennial 2071 plan. By fostering partnerships between policymakers, industry leaders, and investors, Make it in the Emirates aims to accelerate the adoption of advanced manufacturing and artificial intelligence across priority sectors.

Through programs like the National In-Country Value (ICV), the initiative connects local manufacturing capabilities with demand, reinforcing supply chains and supporting the localization of over 5,000 products across key industries. The platform is designed to unlock over AED 168 billion in manufacturing and procurement opportunities, driving sustainable economic growth in the UAE.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the Make it in the Emirates Awards?

The awards recognize industry leaders and innovators contributing to the UAE’s industrial growth and technological advancement.

Who were the key winners at the 2026 awards?

Winners included Halcon Systems, Borouge, PLC, Global Pharma, and Dr. Bakheet Al Katheeri, among others.

What is the purpose of the Make it in the Emirates initiative?

The initiative aims to promote industrial growth, enhance global competitiveness, and support economic diversification in the UAE.

How does the National In-Country Value program support local industries?

The ICV program connects local manufacturing capabilities with demand, strengthening supply chains and localizing products.

When is the Make it in the Emirates event held?

The event for 2026 is taking place from May 4 to May 7 at ADNEC in Abu Dhabi.