Abu Dhabi: The Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology (MoIAT) has announced the agenda and official slogan for the fourth edition of ‘Make it in the Emirates’, one of the UAE’s comprehensive economic programmes. The event is set to take place from 19-22 May 2025 at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre under the theme ‘Advanced Industries. Accelerated’.
According to Emirates News Agency, the announcement was made during a press conference organised by the Government Media Office at Emirates Towers, attended by key figures including Dr. Sultan bin Ahmed Al Jaber, Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology. This year’s edition is strategically significant, highlighting the UAE’s focus on industrial development as a pivotal element of economic growth and technological advancement.
The press conference also saw the presence of Omar Al Suwaidi, Under-Secretary of MoIAT; Mubarak Al Nakhi, Under-Secretary of the Ministry of Culture; Humaid Matar Al Dhaheri, Managing Director and Group CEO of Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Company Group; Mohammad Ali Al Kamali, Chief Trade and Industrial Officer at Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO); and Dr. Saleh Al Hashmi, Director of the Commercial and ICV Directorate at ADNOC. The event drew local and international media, underlining the anticipation for the largest industrial gathering in the region.
Hosted by MoIAT and organised by Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Company Group, Make it in the Emirates 2025 is a significant step in the UAE’s industrial landscape evolution. It is supported by strategic partners such as the Ministry of Culture, ADNOC Group, and ADIO, leveraging Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre’s infrastructure and logistics capabilities.
Dr. Al Jaber highlighted the UAE’s achievements, crediting the legacy of the Founding Father, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, and the vision of current leaders. He emphasized the ongoing modernization of the UAE’s industrial sector and its contribution to a diversified, competitive, and knowledge-based economy. Make it in the Emirates aims to connect investors, manufacturers, and local opportunities, promoting national products and job creation for Emiratis.
The National Strategy for Industry and Advanced Technology, launched in 2021, aims to increase the industrial sector’s GDP contribution, establish a resilient industrial sector, and transform the UAE into a hub for future industries. The upcoming edition of Make it in the Emirates comes amid global geopolitical challenges, testing nations’ resilience and adaptability. The UAE is positioned as a preferred destination for investment, manufacturing, and export, supported by comprehensive economic agreements and robust infrastructure.
The UAE’s industrial exports reached AED 197 billion in 2024, a 68% increase from 2020. Local spending in the sector through the National In-Country Value (ICV) Program totaled AED 347 billion. These figures represent tangible achievements and a strengthened national economy. The fourth edition will feature significant participation from experts and stakeholders exploring new industrial growth pathways.
The event will unveil numerous projects, financing solutions, and investment opportunities across 12 sectors. It will also introduce a pavilion for Emirati handicrafts and heritage industries, innovative financial solutions, and initiatives focused on advanced technologies. The Industrialists Career Exhibition will offer job opportunities for UAE nationals.
Dr. Al Jaber extended an invitation to investors and entrepreneurs to explore opportunities at Make it in the Emirates 2025, highlighting the UAE’s incentives and enablers. Al Suwaidi noted the event’s role in shaping the UAE’s industrial future and enhancing its position as a regional and global hub for advanced industry. The event will feature award programs, ministerial sessions, strategic discussions, and partnerships.
Al Suwaidi emphasized the theme ‘Advanced Industries. Accelerated’, reflecting MoIAT’s commitment to innovation and sustainability. The event will showcase over 1,200 job opportunities from 100 companies for Emirati talent and introduce offtake opportunities. The Global Exchange Program will allow startups to explore the Japanese market.
Al Dhaheri highlighted the event’s expansion, with space increasing to 68,000 square meters and over 700 exhibitors anticipated. The Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Company Group aims to attract more than 30,000 visitors, supporting national industries through investment opportunities and partnerships.
Al Nakhi noted the event’s reflection of leadership’s commitment to reinforcing national identity and sustainable economy. The Artisans Handicrafts pavilion will feature traditional crafts, performances, and workshops, supporting generational ties to heritage.
Al Kamali highlighted Abu Dhabi’s advanced industrial ecosystem and ADIO’s support for innovation and global supply chain integration. The Abu Dhabi Industrial Strategy achieved significant milestones in 2024, boosting industrial output and establishments.
Dr. Al Hashmi praised collaboration with MoIAT in advancing the industrial sector. ADNOC’s ICV program has significantly contributed to the national economy and job creation, with future plans to further redirect investments.
The official agenda and slogan for the event emphasize the UAE’s commitment to industrial innovation. Over four days, Make it in the Emirates 2025 will cover AI-driven manufacturing, smart industrial transformation, and national content. Day one will feature discussions on redefining industry, trade, and investment, while honoring previous award winners.
Subsequent days will focus on national ICV impact, smart manufacturing, and global trade. The event will include a Startup Pitch Competition for AI innovations and showcase investment opportunities and incentives.
The fourth edition anticipates more than 30,000 visitors, over 700 exhibitors, and a wide range of local manufacturing products. Startups will have dedicated platforms to pitch ideas to investors and decision-makers.
MoIAT invited manufacturers, investors, and entrepreneurs to participate in Make it in the Emirates 2025, the largest industrial event in the region. It aims to amplify the impact of the National Strategy for Industry and Advanced Technology, localizing supply chains, and fostering industrial growth through partnerships and innovation.
