The UAE has witnessed a significant growth in its industrial exports, amounting to Dh70 billion over the past three years, under the guidance of the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology (MoIAT). Dr. Sultan bin Ahmed Al Jaber, Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology, emphasized the ministry’s pivotal role in this achievement since its establishment in 2020.
Under Dr. Al Jaber’s leadership, MoIAT has launched strategic initiatives to empower the national industrial sector and enhance its competitiveness. This approach has led to an increase in the industry’s contribution to the UAE’s GDP by 49 percent, with industrial exports growing by 60 percent since MoIAT’s inception. As of 2023, the industry’s contribution to GDP stands at a projected Dh197 billion, up from Dh132 billion in 2020.
One of MoIAT’s key initiatives, the National In-Country Value (ICV) Programme, has been particularly impactful, redirecting more than Dh237 billion previously spent outside the UAE into the national economy. This programme has significantly contributed to the growth and competitiveness of the industrial sector, enhancing self-sufficiency and creating jobs for over 16,000 Emiratis.
Dr. Al Jaber highlighted the ministry’s efforts in advancing technology adoption within the industry, including the promotion of advanced technologies and Industry 4.0 solutions. This focus has resulted in the growth of high-tech exports and the UAE’s improvement in global rankings for technology readiness.
Additionally, MoIAT’s contributions to the legislative system have been instrumental in enhancing the growth and competitiveness of the industrial sector. The Federal Decree-Law No. 25 of 2022 represented a historic shift, creating a unified and attractive investment ecosystem.
Looking ahead to the third edition of the Make it in the Emirates Forum, Dr. Al Jaber expects it to further strengthen relationships between investors, innovators, and developers, both domestically and internationally. The forum is set to focus on sustainable practices and technological solutions to reduce carbon emissions in the industrial sector, aligning with the UAE’s sustainability targets.
