MIITE 2025: driving economic diversification and global competitiveness

On May 19, Abu Dhabi launched the fourth edition of the ‘Make it in the Emirates’ Forum, a pivotal platform underscoring the UAE’s ambition to become a global hub for advanced industries and innovation.

Official ministerial statements highlighted the forum’s role in advancing economic diversification, fostering public-private partnerships, and enhancing the UAE’s global competitiveness, aligning with the ‘We the UAE 2031’ vision to double the nation’s GDP to AED 3 trillion by the next decade.

H.E. Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy, emphasised the UAE’s strides in diversifying its economy, with non-oil sectors now contributing 74.6% to real GDP.

The industrial sector, a cornerstone of this transformation, accounted for 11.3% of real GDP (AED 149.4bn) in the first nine months of 2024, a 2.3% increase from 2023, and over 15% of non-oil GDP.

“The sector is expected to contribute AED 193bn to the national economy in 2024,” H.E. Al Marri noted, adding that it attracted AED 40bn in foreign direct investment (FDI) by 2022, representing 7% of total FDI.

He described the Forum as a catalyst for industrial growth, fostering digital transformation and collaboration to build a knowledge-based, innovation-driven economy.

“The UAE boasts an advanced economic legislative framework that fosters an attractive investment environment and stimulates innovation and productivity,” he said, reinforcing the nation’s vision to lead the global new economy by 2031.

H.E. Dr. Thani Al Zeyoudi, Minister of State for Foreign Trade, praised the Forum’s tangible economic impact, noting its role in integrating economic, industrial, and trade policies.

“Make it in the Emirates is a successful national model…empowering the industrial sector, enhancing national value, and supporting the growth of our industrial exports,” he said.

In 2024, industrial exports reached AED 197bn, driven by quality and innovation.

Through Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreements (CEPAs) and collaboration, the Ministry is expanding export opportunities, positioning UAE-made products as globally competitive.

Dr. Al Zeyoudi underscored the Forum’s alignment with the UAE’s leadership vision to elevate local industries on the world stage.

A collaborative environment

H.E. Suhail bin Mohammed Al Mazrouei, Minister of Energy and Infrastructure, highlighted the Forum’s role in uniting key sectors, particularly energy, which he described as “a central enabler of industrial development.”

He noted the industrial sector’s contribution to economic competitiveness and sustainability, with energy playing a critical role amid global shifts toward renewable sources like green hydrogen.

“The UAE’s focus on clean energy, artificial intelligence, and Fourth Industrial Revolution solutions meets development needs while ensuring resource sustainability,” he said.

The nation’s advanced infrastructure and energy sector further enhance its appeal for foreign investment, making the Forum a vital platform to explore synergies between energy, industry, and technology.

H.E. Mohamed Hassan Alsuwaidi, Minister of Investment, emphasised the Forum’s strategic importance in expanding investment opportunities and strengthening the UAE’s business-friendly ecosystem.

“Make it in the Emirates directly contributes to economic sustainability and expands the local production base,” he said, noting its role in attracting capital to advanced industries through robust public-private partnerships and cross-border collaboration.

The platform supports FDI inflows and industrial activity, solidifying the UAE’s position as a leading industrial and technological hub amid global economic shifts.