Abu Dhabi-UAE. 22 January 2024 – The third edition of the Make in the Emirates Forum, organized by the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology (MoIAT) in collaboration with Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED) and ADNOC, will take place on 28 and 29 May 2024 at the Abu Dhabi Energy Centre. The annual platform showcases enablers and investment opportunities within the UAE’s industrial sector. It comprises the Make it in the Emirates Awards, which celebrate the industry’s biggest contributors to sustainable industrial growth and Emiratization. The two-day forum aligns with the objectives of the National Strategy for Industry and Advanced Technology and the Make it in the Emirates initiative, focusing on the theme of “Investment, Sustainability, Growth”. The event offers a knowledge exchange platform for local and international industrial community members to discuss expansion, investment, and partnership opportunities, as well as incentives and enablers. Make it in the Emirates is expected to attract extensive participation from decision-makers, government and private sector officials, local and international private companies, experts, entrepreneurs, financing entities, investors, startups and SMEs. Investment opportunities His Excellency Omar Al Suwaidi, Undersecretary of MoIAT, said: “The Make it in the Emirates Forum aligns with the leadership’s directives to enhance the UAE’s conducive ecosystem, creating hundreds of industrial investment opportunities every year. This is in line with the National Strategy for Industry and Advanced Technology, aimed at supporting the growth and competitiveness of the UAE's industrial sector, as well as offering incentives and enablers to investors through the ministry’s initiatives. These initiatives include the National In-Country Value Program, which leverages government expenditure to drive industrial growth, as well as the Technology Transformation Program supporting the transformation, efficiency, and sustainability of industrial companies.” His Excellency noted that the ministry’s initiatives are aimed at strengthening the UAE's position as a regional and global hub for manufacturing and innovation, and a leading destination for industrial investment. He added: "The second edition of the forum saw significant growth in agreements, with UAE companies committing to AED 120 billion in investment. The number of products identified for local manufacturing surged to over 1,400 in comparison to 300 announced during the first edition, with AED 6 billion in financing provided by national strategic partners including First Abu Dhabi Bank and Mashreq. More than 5,000 officials, investors, manufacturers, major local and international industrial companies, technology developers, government entities, and financial institutions were in attendance." UAE’s competitiveness Al Suwaidi pointed to the annual forum’s sessions and events, which focus on the UAE’s vital industrial sectors, including advanced industries, clean energy, foods and pharmaceutical manufacturing, technological investment, digital transformation. He emphasized how the event recognizes successful industrial companies, leading national companies, the private sector, startups, and SMEs. He also highlighted the UAE industrial sector’s capabilities and leading position, supported by a robust legislative framework that attracts local and international investments. Incentives and enablers The second Make it in the Emirates Forum and accompanying exhibition witnessed the announcement of the 13 winners of the inaugural Make in the Emirates Awards. The awards encompass 10 categories grouped under four main pillars: Factory of the Future, In-Country Value Contribution, Industrial Enablers, and Leadership and Talent. The ceremony supports transformational projects and companies that contribute to raising the competitiveness of the industrial sector and promoting the adoption of advanced technologies and sustainable practices. Make it in the Emirates reflects the commitment of MoIAT to empower and incentivize both national and international companies operating in the UAE's industrial sector. This commitment aims to increase their contributions to achieving the objectives of the National Strategy for Industry and Advanced Technology. The event also supports Emirati youth, entrepreneurs, and startups by providing a platform to launch their projects and introduce investment collaboration opportunities. It enables them to showcase their success stories, highlighting innovation and product development capabilities, thus enhancing the competitiveness of companies and achieving sustainable economic growth.