Make it in the Emirates 2026 Welcomes 146,000+ Visitors as UAE Secures AED180 Billion Industrial Commitments

The UAE has wrapped up the fifth and largest edition of Make it in the Emirates 2026, setting new records for attendance, investment commitments, and industrial partnerships as the country continues its push to become a global manufacturing powerhouse.

Held over four days at ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi, the event attracted an impressive 146,329 visitors — up 19% compared to last year. More than 1,245 exhibitors from 12 industrial sectors showcased their products and technologies across an exhibition space covering 88,000 square metres.

This year's edition wasn't just bigger in size. It also delivered major outcomes, with over 200 agreements signed across industrial investment, procurement, financing, localisation, and strategic partnerships.

UAE Reinforces Its Manufacturing Ambitions

Opening the event, His Excellency Dr. Sultan Al Jaber, Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology, said the UAE continues to turn global challenges into opportunities by focusing on innovation, resilience, and industrial growth.

He stressed that the country's long-term vision is centred on building a diversified and sustainable economy, supported by advanced manufacturing, stronger supply chains, and greater private-sector participation.

The strong turnout and high-value deals signed during the event underline the UAE's growing reputation as an attractive destination for industrial investment.

AED180 Billion in Industrial Offtakes Announced

One of the most significant announcements at the event was the increase in cumulative industrial offtakes to AED180 billion over the next decade.

The figure represents a substantial rise from the AED168 billion announced previously and is expected to accelerate efforts to localise more than 5,000 products across strategic industries.

Among the major announcements:

• TA'ZIZ unveiled AED104.6 billion in procurement and feedstock agreements to expand the UAE's chemicals sector.
• A new initiative by the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology, the Ministry of Economy and Tourism, and the National CSR Fund is expected to enable around AED2 billion annually in food import substitution.
• The food localisation initiative could support up to 200 factories and increase domestic food production capacity by 15% to 30%.

These measures are aimed at reducing reliance on imports while strengthening the country's industrial self-sufficiency.

Billions Invested Across Key Industrial Sectors

Several of the UAE's leading industrial and investment entities used the platform to announce large-scale projects and expansion plans.

Some of the biggest announcements included:

• TA'ZIZ and Alpha Dhabi Holding committed AED36.7 billion towards industrial chemicals projects in Al Ruwais Industrial City.
• Khalifa Economic Zones Abu Dhabi (KEZAD) signed agreements worth AED2.1 billion.
• Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO) confirmed AED1.5 billion in support for factory expansions and new industrial facilities.
• Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone (RAKEZ) secured agreements valued at AED1.59 billion.
• Etihad Water and Electricity announced plans for a new AED1 billion desalination plant.
• Mubadala unveiled AED4.5 billion in industrial investments.
• ADNOC announced AED480 million in investments across four industrial facilities.

The scale of these commitments reflects growing investor confidence in the UAE's industrial ecosystem and long-term economic vision.

New Financing Programs to Support Manufacturers

Financing and industrial resilience were also major themes during the event.

The Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology, together with Emirates Development Bank, launched the AED1 billion National Industrial Resilience Fund (NIRF). The fund is designed to help manufacturers improve sustainability, strengthen operations, and expand production capabilities.

In addition, MoIAT secured AED18 billion in competitive financing support through partnerships with:

• Mashreq Bank
• Dubai Islamic Bank
• Emirates Development Bank

The new funding mechanisms aim to make it easier for manufacturers to invest, grow, and compete both locally and internationally.

ADNOC Expands Localisation Strategy

ADNOC also used the event to announce AED200 billion worth of planned projects over the next three years, reinforcing its commitment to industrial localisation and economic growth.

The National In-Country Value (ICV) Program continued to expand, welcoming new participants including Du, while Etihad Airways renewed its commitment to the initiative.

A dedicated ICV Day brought together:

• 22 strategic partners
• More than 260 business matchmaking meetings
• Numerous procurement and supplier development initiatives

The program remains a key driver of local manufacturing and aims to create more opportunities for UAE-based suppliers and SMEs.

Innovation and Food Manufacturing Take Centre Stage

Innovation-focused companies also made their mark during the event.

Al Ain Farms Group launched "Al Ain Taaza", a new brand targeting a larger share of the UAE's fresh juice market, which is valued at around AED500 million.

Meanwhile:

• Pipetec secured AED75 million in investment commitments.
• NanoCarbonX and Graphene Star signed a manufacturing agreement worth AED50 million.

These announcements highlight the UAE's growing focus on advanced materials, food security, and technology-driven manufacturing.

Make it in the Emirates 2027 Confirmed

Organisers also confirmed the dates for the next edition of the event.

Make it in the Emirates 2027 will take place from May 3 to May 6, 2027, with expectations that the event will continue expanding as the UAE strengthens its position as a regional and global manufacturing hub.

Looking Ahead

Make it in the Emirates 2026 was more than just an industry exhibition. It showcased the UAE's broader economic ambitions — from building resilient supply chains and attracting global investment to creating a world-class manufacturing ecosystem powered by innovation.

With AED180 billion in industrial offtakes, billions more in investments, and strong collaboration between government and industry, the event offered a clear message: the UAE is accelerating its transformation into one of the world's most competitive industrial economies, and the momentum shows no signs of slowing down.