MAKE IT IN THE EMIRATES
THE POWERHOUSE FOR GLOBAL EXCELLENCE
KHALEEJ TIMES | TUESDAY, MAY 20, 2025
UAE SETS THE STAGE FOR INDUSTRIAL SELF-SUFFICIENCY
A national mission to localise production, enhance resilience, and drive growth
Sana Eqbal sana@khaleejtimes.com
As global supply chains face unprecedented shifts and trade dynamics grow more complex, the UAE is stepping forward with a clear vision: to reshape its industrial future from within. At the heart of this transformation is the Make it in the Emirates initiative, led by the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology (MoIAT). More than just a campaign, it’s a strategic movement aimed at localising production, strengthening economic resilience, and positioning the UAE as the industrial gateway to the wider Middle East.
The event runs until May 22 at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (Adnec), where the fourth edition of the Make it in the Emirates Forum is going to unfold under the theme “Advanced Industries Accelerated”.
Bringing together over 1,300 delegates, including top government officials, global investors, and industry innovators, the forum is set to spotlight opportunities across 12 priority sectors, driving new partnerships and unlocking long-term industrial growth.
One of the most significant announcements in the lead-up to this year’s forum
is the UAE’s ambitious plan to locally manufacture 2,000 essential products that are currently imported. Announced by Dr Sultan Al Jaber, UAE Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology, this move aims to achieve strategic self-sufficiency while supporting high-demand industries such as healthcare, food production, energy, space technology, and construction materials.
“By identifying these 2,000 essential imported products, we are creating a roadmap for businesses and investors to tap into priority sectors with strong domestic demand,” Al Jaber stated during a recent press conference. “This is not just a call for investment - it’s a call to innovate, collaborate and build a future-ready industrial base for the UAE.”
The updated focus goes well beyond traditional sectors. While metals, petrochemicals, and machinery remain vital, the forum will also spotlight fast-growing industries including electrical equipment, pharmaceuticals, plastics, and advanced technologies. The UAE-based
manufacturers are encouraged to seize these opportunities, with support from national procurement strategies and long-term government partnerships.
ECONOMIC RESILIENCE THROUGH LOCAL PRODUCTION
The shift towards self-reliant manufacturing is more than just a response to global supply chain volatility - it is a strategic economic pivot. In 2024, the UAE recorded a foreign trade volume exceeding Dh5 trillion, with a trade surplus of over Dh490 billion. However, as global geopolitical shifts, protectionist policies, and trade tariffs create uncertainty, the UAE is doubling down on domestic capabilities to ensure uninterrupted access to critical goods and materials.
Al Jaber highlighted how the UAE is leveraging its geographic advantages, strong logistics infrastructure, and regulatory transparency to build bridges with global manufacturers and partners. “We are distinguished by our adaptability,” he noted. “The UAE is not just keeping pace with
EMSTEEL is reinforcing its commitment to elevating Abu Dhabi’s role as an industrial powerhouse on a global scale
EMSTEEL has emerged as a key enabler of the UAE’s National In-Country Value (ICV) Programme and views its contribution not just as a compliance obligation, but as a strategic enabler for investing in the growth and resilience of the national industrial ecosystem. In 2024, EMSTEEL invested nearly Dh3.5 billion in local procurement, engaging over 1,365 UAE-based suppliers and directing 48.2 per cent of its procurement spending towards local businesses. Furthermore, 86 per cent of new suppliers in the Group’s Steel Division and 34 per cent in the Cement Division were ICV-certified, reflecting the company’s deliberate efforts to enhance local sourcing and amplify the multiplier effect across the national economy. The company currently commands a significant share of the UAE’s industrial output, contributing 10 per cent to Abu Dhabi’s
Engineer Saeed Ghumran Al Remeithi, Group CEO, EMSTEEL
non-oil manufacturing sector and holding a 60 per cent share of the national steel market. Through the integration of advanced manufacturing technologies, the company produces high-quality steel and building materials that serve the needs of the construction, engineering, and energy sectors both locally and globally. Aligned with the UAE’s Operation 300bn strategy, EMSTEEL has launched comprehensive initiatives to support Emiratisation and nurture the next generation of industrial leaders. The company is proud to report an Emiratisation
rate of 52 per cent across leadership, operational, and strategic planning roles. The strong representation of UAE nationals highlights EMSTEEL’s dedication to creating sustainable and aspirational career pathways for Emiratis in the manufacturing sector. As a key player in the UAE’s industrial transformation and the first steelmaker in the world to capture part of its CO2 emissions, EMSTEEL continues to set benchmarks for sustainable innovation and performance, building a stronger, more resilient future for the country’s economy.
global trends - it is helping to define them.”
The Make it in the Emirates platform is as much about enabling business as it is about building factories. Investors attending the forum are introduced to a suite of competitive incentives — from advanced technology and equipment financing via Emirates Development Bank (EDB), to long-term golden residency visas, and full foreign ownership options across most sectors. The government also offers robust support through export credit insurance, favourable land lease terms, and streamlined licensing procedures. This business-friendly environment is backed by access to global markets through an extensive network of trade agreements, allowing manufacturers to re-export with ease. Furthermore, the forum provides exceptional visibility into national procurement needs. By aligning industrial priorities with purchasing plans of the UAE’s largest companies, the initiative offers unmatched clarity and confidence to investors planning long-term operations.
As a key player in ‘Make it in the Emirates 2025’, Ducab reinforces its role in advancing the UAE’s Vision 2031
As the UAE accelerates toward becoming a global hub for sustainable industrial development, Ducab Group stands proudly at the forefront of this transformation. A leading provider of end-to-end energy solutions, Ducab’s participation in the 2025 edition of Make it in the Emirates underscores its commitment to local manufacturing, innovation, and the national economic vision.
DRIVING INDUSTRIAL
EXCELLENCE FROM THE UAE TO THE WORLD
With operations spanning more than 75 international markets, Ducab is a leader of Emirati industrial capability. Jointly owned by ADQ and the Investment Corporation of Dubai (ICD), the company has aligned itself closely with the UAE’s national industrial strategy. Today, over 60% of Ducab’s production is exported; a testament to both the quality of its products and the global demand for its solutions.
“In 2024, we reached a significant milestone with an In-Country Value (ICV) score of 96.89%, and now locally source 40% of our industrial raw materials,” said Gert Hoefman, Interim Group CEO, Ducab. “Our participation in Make it in the Emirates is a reaffirmation of our belief in homegrown capabilities and in the value of industrial collaboration.”
INNOVATION, ENGINEERED IN THE UAE
At the heart of Ducab’s success lies a deep-rooted culture of innovation. The company has developed over 85,000 cable variants,
FROM PLATFORM TO NATIONAL PROGRAMME
What began as an industrial forum has now evolved into a comprehensive economic programme. The Make it in the Emirates platform has grown to reflect the UAE’s overarching industrial strategy: to diversify the economy, increase the contribution of the manufacturing sector to GDP, and create a sustainable base of high-value jobs. In fact, 12 of the UAE’s largest companies have already identified more than 300 products across 11 sectors for local production. With a combined purchase value of Dh110 billion, these agreements are expected to add Dh6 billion annually to the GDP. This year’s edition will go further, with a focus on product localisation and showcasing over 5,000 goods now made in the UAE. From textiles and crafts to space tech and AI-driven manufacturing, the forum highlights the country’s industrial evolution and its readiness to lead in the fourth industrial revolution.
SHARED VISION
A
As Al Jaber puts it, Make it in the Emirates is “more than just an event — it’s a movement.” It brings together manufacturers, government agencies, financiers, entrepreneurs, and technology leaders with a shared goal: building an inclusive and sustainable industrial future.
The forum’s theme, Invest, Partner, Grow, reflects a broader national ambition — one rooted in economic diversification, regional cooperation, and global competitiveness. It is a signal to the world that the UAE is not just open for business, it is actively shaping the business of tomorrow. With the tools, infrastructure, leadership, and vision in place, the UAE’s call to “make it” is now louder and more compelling than ever. And for those looking to be part of the Middle East’s industrial revolution, there may be no better time or place to start.
handle the demands of a changing energy landscape. Ducab’s R&D team continues to push boundaries, integrating sustainable practices and engineering excellence into every product.
“Our cables are not only made in the UAE; they are designed to endure the unique regional climate while
terials while contributing to the local economy. These collaborations, coupled with Ducab’s active role in iconic national projects, have helped position it as a trusted and agile partner in the UAE and abroad.
CERTIFICATIONS THAT SPEAK VOLUMES
Ducab’s commitment to quality is backed by a portfolio of global certifications, including ISO 9001, BASEC, LPCB UK, Lloyd’s Register, and KEMA. Each product is tested in world-class labs and independently verified, ensuring consistent excellence across all touchpoints. This rigorous compliance regime has helped Ducab establish a reputation for reliability in more than 75 markets worldwide.
FUELING EXPORT AMBITIONS
The Make it in the Emirates platform has played a key role in accelerating Ducab’s global expansion. “This event amplifies our export plans by connecting us with industrial partners and highlighting the UAE as a credible global manufacturing hub,” said Hoefman. “It allows us to scale with confidence while contributing to the country’s non-oil trade growth.”
ALIGNING WITH UAE VISION 2031
Ducab’s journey is tightly aligned with the broader goals of UAE Vision 2031 and Dubai Clean Energy Strategy 2030. By championing industrial diversification, pioneering sustainable technologies, and expanding its export footprint, the company is helping to shape a future built on knowledge, innovation, and resilience. “As we look to the future, we remain committed to powering the UAE’s progress — at home and on the global stage,” concluded Gert.
supply of high-quality ma-
DESERTBOARD:
A SUSTAINABLE SOLUTION ROOTED IN THE PALM GROVES OF THE GULF
Suneeti Ahuja-Kohli
On the outskirts of Abu Dhabi, nes-
tled within the Khalifa Economic Zones (KEZAD), sits a factory that may hold one of the Gulf’s most intriguing sustainability secrets. Here, amidst the mechanical hum of pressed fibre, millions of discarded palm fronds — once destined for landfills or burn pits — are being transformed into high-performance construction boards. It is the home of DesertBoard, the world’s first industrial-scale facility to manufacture engineered wood boards from pruned palm fronds.
A product born of necessity and visionDesertBoard’s Palm Strand Board (PSB®) is a rare example of environmental innovation thriving in the arid Gulf landscape. At a time when global construction is under increasing pressure to decarbonise, this UAE-made material may offer something revolutionary: a building product that is carbon negative, zero formaldehyde, and circular by design.
“We are not just producing a board,” says Kamal Farah, one of the visionaries behind the project and part of the leadership team at DesertBoard.
“We’re producing the most sustainable wooden board in the world — and doing it right here in the Emirates.”
AN IDEA ROOTED IN THE PAST
DesertBoard’s chairman Hatem Farah recalls speaking to a friend years ago about the volumes of palm raw material generated across the UAE — branches that are pruned annually by the government to maintain the health of the trees, yet had no productive end use. The thought struck him: could these fronds, layered and pressed, form something stronger?
Initial trials were unsuccessful. Prototypes failed multiple times. “The engineers told us to abandon the idea,” Hatem says. “But I insisted on one final attempt. That was the breakthrough.”
From that moment, DesertBoard invested heavily in R&D, engineering the first machinery of its kind to process palm raw material into building-grade wooden boards. The effort has resulted in an operational facility that spans 55,000 square metres — described by some visitors as “a mini oil refinery”, given its scale and automation.
The result is a sustainable wooden board that has quietly started replacing traditional plywood, MDF, and gypsumbased products in construction and interior fit-outs, with applications ranging from fire-rated doors and
How a UAE-grown innovation is turning palm by-product into a climate-positive building material, placing the Emirates on the global green construction map
wall partitions to wardrobes, cabinets, flooring and shuttering.
GREEN CREDENTIALS
At a glance, DesertBoard looks like any other engineered wood board. But its environmental credentials are game-changing. Unlike conventional particle boards, which are notorious for their formaldehyde emissions and heavy reliance on virgin timber, DesertBoard’s PSB® contains zero formaldehyde, emits no volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and is manufactured entirely from agricultural byproduct .
An independent life-cycle assessment by IMQ (Istituto Italiano del Marchio di Qualità), an Italian certification institute that verifies the safety, quality, and performance of building materials, found the board to be carbon negative — even after factoring in logistics, processing energy, and transport emissions. In climate accounting terms, it functions as a carbon sink: locking in the CO2 absorbed by palm trees through photosynthesis and preventing it from re-entering the atmosphere via decomposition or combustion.
“No other building board on the market can claim that,” Kamal says. “We’re taking something nature has grown, and turning it into a value-added, circulareconomy material that contributes directly to the UAE’s 2050 Sustainability Vision. Specifically, it supports Abu Dhabi’s Industrial Diversification Strategy by decreasing reliance on imported materials. It also contributes to the UAE’s 2030
Green Agenda, particularly through the “Green Diversification Program,” which incentivises factories to support green manufacturing and minimise industrial waste. The global appetite for such products is growing. DesertBoard’s PSB® is already being exported to Saudi Arabia, India, Japan, and the United Kingdom, with interest from Canada and Europe. In fact, Emaar, one of the UAE’s largest developers, has approved the use of the board in wardrobes, kitchens, and doors across its new projects. Other leading UAE-based developers, including Aldar Properties and Select Group, have also incorporated DesertBoard’s PSB® into their projects — using it for doors, flooring, vanities, walls, cupboards, wardrobes, cabinets, rails, and other bespoke interior installations. Despite this international traction, Kamal remains firm: “This is not an experiment—it’s industrialised. We can produce enough boards in a single day to fill 16 20-feet shipping containers. And we’re scaling up.”
A SUSTAINABLE PRODUCT WITH EMIRATI ROOTS
Part of the PSB® wooden board’s allure is its deep cultural connection to the UAE. Palm trees, especially date palms, have long been central to the country’s identity — used for shade, food, building, and ritual. The late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, founding father of the UAE, famously offered cash incentives in the 1970s to citizens who planted date palms and spearheaded cloning programmes in Al Ain to conserve the species. Hatem sees DesertBoard as an extension of that legacy. “If Sheikh Zayed were alive today, I’m sure he would have been very proud of this factory. It’s everything he stood for — preserving nature, giving back to the land, and creating something useful for society.”
Currently, palm raw material in the UAE is either buried or burnt, both environmentally problematic. Buried fronds decompose slowly, releasing methane, while burning emits CO2 and creates fire hazards. “We’ve found a productive solution for a long-ignored problem,” Kamal notes. With millions of date palms across the UAE, the raw material supply is abundant. Still, sourcing requires coordination with farms and municipal authorities. “It’s a challenge,” Kamal admits. “But it’s a necessary part of creating a circular supply chain.”
TECHNICAL VERSATILITY
MEETS REGULATORY DEMAND
DesertBoard’s PSB® wooden board is more than a green alternative — it’s also technically robust. The boards have
passed rigorous strength, shear, and fire-resistance tests, meeting the UAE, Saudi Arabian, European and American standards for structural and interior use. Its lightweight, high-strength profile also makes it ideal for modular and prefabricated construction, especially in earthquake-prone regions.
Crucially, the product aligns with Scope 3 emissions reduction — a coveted benchmark in corporate sustainability. Few construction products globally meet this bar, particularly in regions with limited access to sustainable forests or biomass. “We’re building as if we have forests — except we’re not cutting any trees,” says Kamal. Authorities in Dubai and Abu Dhabi have acknowledged the board’s environmental performance in their own certifications, particularly its zero-emission status — certified by Al Sa’fat (Dubai Green Building Evaluation System) — and its fire resistance of up to 90 minutes, which has been locally certified by the Ministry of Defence. Yet Hatem and Kamal are still hoping for more structured support. “We’d love to see stronger recognition for local manufacturers,” Hatem says. “This isn’t just good for the climate; it’s good for the ‘Made in the Emirates’ brand.”
WHAT’S NEXT?
The company is already in discussions to build a second production facility, either within the UAE or in neighboring Saudi Arabia. Plans are also afoot to develop prefabricated housing elements using DesertBoard’s PSB®, in line with growing demand for fast, factory-built units. In 2022, Engineering Contracting Company LLC used the DesertBoard’s PSB® to construct 25 refugee houses between the Jordan-Syria border in collaboration with the Red Crescent. It has since built live site mock-ups and is actively working with regulators to enable broader adoption in residential construction. Back in KEZAD, the factory’s operations continue to scale. From raw fronds to finished wooden PSB® boards, the process is fully automated, enabling consistent quality and higher margins. Labour is sourced both locally and internationally, with upskilling programmes in place to train workers in this niche, first-of-itskind technology. And yet, for all the technical prowess and export milestones, Hatem keeps returning to a simpler truth: “In 50 years of construction, we’ve always believed that reputation matters more than profit. If we’re going to build, let’s build for the future. Let’s build for the planet.”
Kamal Farah, Leadership Team of DesertBoard
Hatem Farah, Chairman of DesertBoard
FROM PRINT PRESS TO POWERHOUSE:
Reimagines Industrial Innovation
e7 is positioning itself not just as a manufacturer but as a partner in the UAE’s vision for a resilient, future-ready economy
From its origins as United Printing & Publishing, the UAE’s e7 Group has undergone a sweeping transformation.
Rebranded and refocused, e7 is now an integrated industrial solutions powerhouse, expanding far beyond the printed word into high-tech manufacturing, identity security, logistics, and sustainable packaging. At the centre of this evolution is new management that describes the shift not as a cosmetic overhaul but a structural pivot aligned with the UAE’s broader push for industrial self-reliance under the ‘Operation 300bn’ strategy.
“Our rebranding is not just a facelift — it’s representative of how we now deliver value,” says Esteban Gómez Nadal, Group CEO. “We’re pivoting towards being an integrated, solutions-driven company without silos. Our goal is to offer end-to-end expertise that aligns with national priorities and global excellence.”
ONE COMPANY,
ONE BRAND, 40+ SOLUTIONS
e7’s ambition is to eliminate the friction often encountered when working across fragmented vendors. From printing secure identity documents and personalised banking cards to supplying inflight magazines and educational content, e7 offers over 40 tailored solutions across five core verticals. “The strategy is to provide one reliable partner from design to execution,” explains Gómez Nadal.
A standout example is e7’s work with regional banks: “We print your credit card, the accompanying letter, the marketing material, package it all with innovative designs, and deliver it straight to your door.” In the education sector, e7 offers a one-stop suite that spans textbooks, digital learning tools, and school operations systems. For airlines, it delivers custom-designed onboard packaging and entertainment material. “Clients love that they can rely on one partner to elevate their brand experience,” says Gómez Nadal.
GOING GLOBAL, ONE PASSPORT AT A TIME
A cornerstone of e7’s growth is its prowess in secure identity solutions. With more than 10 industry-leading certifications and long-term contracts with governments in the Middle East, Central Asia, and Africa, the company is becoming a serious contender in the global security printing space.
Its recent framework agreement with the Rwandan government exemplifies its strategic direction — delivering a full suite of identity solutions while establishing an advanced local manufacturing facility. “This is how we plan to grow,” Gómez Nadal notes. “First, by expanding the reach of our core offerings — passports, ID cards, tax stamps—and second, by becoming a full-fledged digital identity player through partnerships and acquisitions.”
With over one billion people worldwide still lacking formal identity documents, and governments increasingly digitising their ID infrastructure, e7 is targeting a sector with high barriers to entry and long-term growth potential.
INVESTING IN SUSTAINABILITY, AND RETURNS
Sustainability is not a sideshow. “It’s a core tenet of our strategy,” says Gómez Nadal. e7 has launched an ESG roadmap backed by annual audits, board oversight, and aggressive decarbonisation goals. Over 70% of paper used in its commercial printing comes from recycled sources; its packaging arm relies on FSC-certified board; and eco-certified banking cards reflect its green commitments. Social initiatives are equally prioritised. Emiratisation, gender diversity, and workforce welfare are core KPIs, alongside university partner-
ships aimed at upskilling the next generation of industrial talent. “We view sustainability in its broadest sense — environmental, social and governance — and that’s embedded in how we operate daily,” Gómez Nadal affirms.
DELIVERING ON THE ‘OPERATION 300BN’
e7’s transformation dovetails with the UAE’s ambition to boost its industrial GDP to Dh300 billion by 2031. The group supports this goal on multiple fronts: investing in high-tech infrastructure, developing local talent, promoting in-country value, and reducing dependency on imports.
“Our packaging business grew 80% last year,” says Gómez Nadal, pointing to e7’s success in aligning national industrial goals with private sector growth. With geopolitical tensions and supply chain disruptions redrawing the global logistics map, the company has built a resilient network of supplier partnerships across Europe, Asia, and the Middle East, enabling it to balance localisation with cost efficiency.
DIGITAL TAX STAMPS AND THE NEXT FRONTIER
In 2025, e7 will enter the digital tax stamps market, backed by a Dh182 million investment to also scale its passport manufacturing fivefold. This move positions the company at the heart of a high-growth sector that tackles global issues such as illicit trade and tax evasion. With over 90 countries already deploying tax stamps on excisable goods, e7’s move is both timely and strategic.
“The numbers are staggering,” Gómez Nadal says. “An estimated $2 trillion is lost annually in counterfeiting and pirated goods. Our technology can help governments recover revenue, protect brands, and safeguard consumers.”
A FINANCIALLY FIT,
DIVIDEND-DELIVERING COMPANY
In 2024, e7 reported a net profit before tax of Dh256.7 million, driven by 11% year-on-year revenue growth and a booming packaging segment. Over 70% of its revenue is recurring, underpinned by long-term contracts that offer high visibility and stability.
To mark its strong financial performance, e7 announced a maiden dividend of Dh147.1 million, equivalent to 70% of distributable net profit—well above its minimum payout commitment. The move signals confidence in both its balance sheet and growth outlook.
“Our return on investment isn’t just financial,” Gómez Nadal explains. “We evaluate partnerships and acquisitions based on strategic fit, innovation potential, ESG alignment and cultural compatibility.”
AL KHAZNAH LEATHERS –ETHICALLY PRODUCED, HIGH-QUALITY LEATHER MADE IN THE EMIRATES
From semi-finished hides to luxury leather goods, every Al Khaznah product reflects its commitment to precision, sustainability, and authenticity
One of the highlights of the current edition of the Make it in the Emirates (MIITE 2025) forum is the dedicated pavilion for Emirati handicrafts, where Al Khaznah Leathers are showcasing their metal-free, 100% biodegradable leathers and finished goods.
“Al Khaznah Leathers has always championed the values of heritage, innovation, and sustainability making this an ideal platform to showcase our legacy, craftsmanship, and contribution to preserving and advancing the UAE’s cultural identity through eco-conscious leather manufacturing. Our message at MIITE 2025 is clear: sustainability and innovation can go hand in hand with cultural preservation and craftsmanship. Founded under the visionary leadership of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, Al Khaznah Leathers proudly carries forward his legacy of environmental stewardship and national pride. Our biodegradable leathers and finished goods, demonstrate how we merge traditional Emirati leather artistry with advanced, sustainable manufacturing techniques to create worldclass products rooted in heritage,” informs Shamsa Muaid Al Ahbabi, Managing Director and CEO of Al Khaznah Leathers. Her leadership of the company has focused on
Managing Director and CEO of
transformation, modernising operations, strengthening R&D for sustainable leather innovation, and forging strategic local and global partnerships.
Al Khaznah Leathers is among the few tanneries globally certified. From semi-finished hides to luxury leather goods, every Al Khaznah product reflects its commitment to precision, sustainability, and authenticity.
“Our artisans are trained to preserve the natural beauty of leather while delivering exceptional finish, durability, and design. Our commitment to sustainable luxury has earned the trust of clients across diverse industries, including fashion, footwear, leather goods, upholstery, automotive, aviation, and yacht interiors,” says Shamsa Al Ahbabi.
EBL is the retail division of Al Khaznah. It has introduced lifestyle accessories, limited-edition collaborations, and travel goods, all crafted from its signature sustainable leather. EBL Arabic sandals currently rank third in market share across the UAE, a testament to the brand’s growing appeal. EBL will soon launch seasonal collections for men, women, and children, and open its first outlet in the UAE.
“We see ourselves as ambassadors of Emirati innovation and sustainability. Looking ahead, I envision Al Khaznah expanding across the value chain, increasing its international footprint, and becoming a global benchmark for ethical leather manufacturing from the UAE,” concludes Shamsa Al Ahbabi.
MANUFACTURING LOCALLY: CORNERSTONE OF THE UAE’S INDUSTRIAL FUTURE
Driving economic strength by manufacturing at home
The UAE is boldly redefining its industrial path in an era marked by global uncertainty and shifting economic landscapes. Central to this transformation is the drive to manufacture more products locally; a strategic move that promises to boost the nation’s economic independence, innovation capacity, and sustainability. The ‘Make it in the Emirates’ initiative embodies this vision, accelerating the growth of advanced industries and positioning the UAE as a pioneer in modern manufacturing.
Local manufacturing plays a critical role in strengthening the UAE’s economy by reducing reliance on imported goods. Globally, supply chains have been disrupted by geopolitical tensions, pandemics, and fluctuating trade policies. By focusing on producing essential products domestically, the UAE is building resilience against such external shocks, ensuring stable access to vital goods and services for its population.
Beyond resilience, manufacturing locally contributes significantly to job creation and economic diversification. The UAE has long recognised the importance of moving beyond oil-based revenues to a knowledgedriven economy. Industrial growth fueled by local production creates opportunities across multiple sectors from high-tech manufacturing and pharmaceuticals to food processing and advanced materials. This broadens the employment landscape for Emiratis and enhances skills development in cutting-edge technologies.
Innovation is another key benefit of expanding domestic manufacturing. When companies manufacture products within the country, they gain closer control over quality, design, and development processes. This proximity fosters collaboration between businesses, research institutions, and government entities, driving technological advancement. The ‘Make it in the Emirates’ platform encourages this ecosystem by spotlighting innovation-led industries and facilitating partnerships that push the boundaries of what local manufacturing can achieve.
Sustainability also lies at the heart of the UAE’s manufacturing ambitions. Producing goods locally reduces the carbon footprint associated with long-distance transportation and decreases dependence on global supply chains that may not align with environmental standards. The country’s commitment to clean energy and sustainable industrial practices integrates well with manufacturing efforts, ensuring that growth does not come at the expense of ecological responsibility.
Furthermore, the UAE’s geographic location and world-class infrastructure make it an ideal hub for manufacturing and re-exporting goods. The country’s advanced logistics networks, free trade zones, and investor-friendly regulations attract both domestic and international companies seeking to establish regional production bases. This initiative leverages these strengths by connecting investors and manufacturers to a clear roadmap of priority sectors and essential products that require localisation.
At its core, manufacturing locally strengthens the UAE’s strategic autonomy. It empowers the nation to control critical supply chains, safeguard national security, and enhance economic competitiveness on the global stage. The initiative supports the vision of a diversified, knowledge-based economy that thrives on innovation, sustainability, and inclusivity. By transforming imported goods into proudly Emirati products, the nation is shaping a future where it leads with confidence and progression.
of Sales,
Yokogawa UAE Industry is at the forefront of driving industrial innovation and supporting the UAE’s sustainability goals through local manufacturing, cutting-edge technologies, and strategic partnerships. With advanced capabilities in AI and machine learning, Yokogawa is contributing to the country’s transformation into a global industrial hub.
In support of the “Make it in the Emirates” initiative, Yokogawa established a production line in Abu Dhabi to manufacture transmitters — strengthening the local supply chain and empowering local talent.
This investment is part of a broader expansion, including a new 4,200sqm facility in ICAD 3 focused on assembling smart junction boxes and delivering integrated control and safety systems. Yokogawa’s collaboration with the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology also supports national digital transformation goals, including participation in the Industrial Technology Transformation Index (ITTI).
The company’s partnership with Adnoc is enabling decarbonisation and sustainable production in the Ta’ziz industrial zone, where a new Yokogawa service office is planned for 2025.
“We are committed to contributing to the community and improving people’s well-being by hiring local talent and supporting the circular economy through local manufacturing,” said Muhammed Nadeem, Vice-President of Sales, Marketing & Service at Yokogawa Middle East. Through its innovations in AI, automation, and digital solutions, Yokogawa continues to position the UAE as a hub for advanced industrial excellence.
YOKOGAWA DRIVES INDUSTRIAL INNOVATION AND SUSTAINABILITY FROM THE UAE
With advanced capabilities in AI and machine learning, Yokogawa is contributing to the country’s transformation into a global industrial hub
Suneeti Ahuja-Kohli
Esteban Gómez Nadal, Group CEO of e7 Group
Shamsa Muaid Al Ahbabi,
Al Khaznah Leathers
Muhammed Nadeem, Vice-President
Marketing & Service at Yokogawa Middle East