UAE Minister Declares Domestic Investment a National Priority as Make it in the Emirates 2026 Opens

Key facts

• Make it in the Emirates 2026 opened May 4 at ADNEC, running through May 7.
• 1,245 exhibitors are participating, a 73% increase from 2025.
• The event covers 88,000 square meters, 30% larger than last year.
• Procurement opportunities under the ICV Programme will grow from Dh168 billion to Dh180 billion over a decade.
• More than 5,000 products are to be localized under the new Purchase Opportunities initiative.
• Industrial exports reached Dh262 billion, including Dh92 billion in advanced industrial exports.
• The industrial sector's national contribution hit Dh200 billion, marking 70% growth.
• The UAE exited OPEC and OPEC+ effective May 1.

A National Call to Invest at Home

The UAE’s private sector received a direct message on Monday: investing domestically is no longer optional but a national priority. Dr. Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology and ADNOC Managing Director and Group CEO, told delegates at the opening of Make it in the Emirates 2026 that such investment is an "investment in our stability, our economic sovereignty, and the future of generations to come." The event, held at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre, is the largest edition of the industrial platform to date. It is backed by a Dh200 billion project pipeline, expanded procurement opportunities, and new commitments to localize thousands of products across strategic sectors.

Record Scale and Participation

Make it in the Emirates 2026 spans 88,000 square meters, a 30% increase over last year, and features 1,245 exhibitors — a 73% jump from 2025. Organizers expect around 120,000 visitors over the four days. More than 2,000 specialized artisans are showcasing over 5,000 products, a 4% rise from the previous edition. Small and medium-sized enterprises and entrepreneurs account for 61% of total participants. The platform covers 12 priority industrial sectors, including advanced manufacturing, energy, aviation, defense, pharmaceuticals, mobility, and sustainable materials.

New Initiatives and Expanded Procurement

The Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology launched the Purchase Opportunities initiative, aiming to localize 5,000 products within the UAE. Under the National In-Country Value Programme, procurement opportunities will increase from Dh168 billion to Dh180 billion over the next decade. Dr. Al Jaber announced that industrial exports have reached Dh262 billion, including Dh92 billion in advanced industrial exports. The industrial sector’s contribution to the national economy has hit Dh200 billion, representing 70% growth. "These figures are not merely growth … they are proof that our industrial economic model works, produces and continues to accelerate," he said.

Manufacturing as Sovereignty and Resilience

Dr. Al Jaber framed manufacturing as central to national strength. "Those who manufacture, own their decisions. Those who build, own their future. And those who combine both secure their sovereignty and resilience," he stated. He emphasized that the industrial sector provides the foundations of resilience and the ability to adapt when faced with adversity. "It protects our economy from the volatility of global markets. And it strengthens our capacity to endure and remain steadfast when we are tested," he added. The event features more than 50 panel discussions, forums, and workshops focusing on strengthening industrial resilience, technology, and youth innovation.

Warning on the Strait of Hormuz and OPEC Exit

In his clearest statement yet since regional tensions escalated, Dr. Al Jaber issued a strong warning regarding the Strait of Hormuz. "The Strait of Hormuz must never be held hostage or used as a tool of economic coercion and extortion," he said. He added that freedom of international navigation "is non-negotiable and cannot be compromised," warning that any change to the strait’s legal status "would constitute a dangerous and unacceptable precedent and a direct threat to global economic security." He also addressed the UAE’s historic exit from OPEC and OPEC+, effective May 1, describing the decision as "not directed against anyone." He characterized it as part of a broader vision connecting energy, technology, and industry, giving the UAE greater flexibility to accelerate investment and create long-term value.

A Vision for Advanced Industry

The Make it in the Emirates platform supports the UAE’s industrial strategy by serving as a national mechanism to transform ambitions into tangible projects and opportunities. It brings together priorities, capabilities, and industrial opportunities under one umbrella, highlighting the role of reliable supply chains, scalable national companies, and local innovations. The event is organized by the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology in partnership with the Ministry of Culture, the Abu Dhabi Investment Office, ADNOC, L’IMAD platform, and ADNEC Group. The Ministry also unveiled initiatives including the next generation of the National ICV Program, the Industrial Technology Transformation Index, and new financing programs to enhance the resilience of the UAE’s industrial sector amid a volatile global economic environment.

Outlook: Economic Sovereignty in a Turbulent Region

The unprecedented scale of this year’s edition reflects the UAE’s long-term industrial vision and its commitment to building an economy driven by production and innovation. As regional tensions persist and global supply chains face disruption, the UAE is doubling down on domestic manufacturing and self-reliance. The combination of a massive project pipeline, expanded procurement, and a clear warning on maritime security signals that the UAE is positioning itself as a resilient industrial hub. The exit from OPEC further underscores a strategic shift toward flexibility and diversification. For investors and businesses, the message is unambiguous: the UAE is open for business, but on its own terms.

The bottom line

• Make it in the Emirates 2026 is the largest edition yet, with 1,245 exhibitors and 120,000 expected visitors.
• The UAE is investing Dh200 billion in industrial projects and expanding procurement to Dh180 billion.
• More than 5,000 products will be localized under the Purchase Opportunities initiative.
• Industrial exports have grown to Dh262 billion, with the sector contributing Dh200 billion to the economy.
• Dr. Al Jaber warned that the Strait of Hormuz must not be used for economic coercion.
• The UAE exited OPEC effective May 1 to gain flexibility in accelerating investment.