Abu Dhabi, UAE — Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, and Minister of Defence, reaffirmed the UAE’s commitment to industrial innovation and economic diversification during his visit to the fourth edition of the “Make it in the Emirates 2025” Forum, held at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre from May 19 to 22.
The event, a key platform for showcasing the UAE’s industrial capabilities, has brought together government officials, business leaders, and technology innovators to explore partnerships and chart a course toward a more advanced, sustainable manufacturing future.
In his remarks, Sheikh Hamdan described the national industrial sector as a vital pillar of the UAE’s economy and a cornerstone for achieving long-term strategic goals. He praised the Forum as a symbol of the country’s vision to create a globally competitive industrial base led by skilled Emirati talent and powered by cutting-edge technologies.
“Guided by the leadership of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan and the direction of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the UAE is working to enhance the industrial sector’s contribution to GDP, grow exports, and attract high-quality investments,” Sheikh Hamdan said. “Industry is not merely an economic activity; it is essential to national sovereignty and the growth of human and technological capacity.”
Sheikh Hamdan toured the exhibition held alongside the Forum, viewing advanced innovations from national companies in sectors such as AI, robotics, energy, and real estate. He visited the Dubai pavilion, which brought together major industrial players including Dubai Industrial City, National Industries Park, Dubai Integrated Economic Zones Authority, Dubai Chambers, and Dubai South.
He also stopped by the stands of key industry players such as EDGE Group, International Holding Company, Micropolis Digital Development, Emaar Properties, Ducab, and the Advanced Technology Research Council’s AI Centre.
Accompanying Sheikh Hamdan were several high-ranking officials, including Dr. Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology; Omar bin Sultan Al Olama, Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence; Helal Saeed Al Marri, Director-General of the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism; and Faisal Abdulaziz Al Bannai, Adviser to the UAE President and Chairman of EDGE Group.
The “Make it in the Emirates 2025” Forum is the UAE’s flagship industrial platform, focused on accelerating national manufacturing efforts and strengthening the country’s position as a global hub for industrial innovation, sustainability, and investment.
Also attending the Forum was Sheikh Khalid Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chairman of the Board of Zayed Higher Organisation for People of Determination, who emphasized the event’s strategic value. He highlighted its role in supporting 12 vital industrial sectors and reinforcing the UAE’s global economic competitiveness.
“Investing in local industries is key to the UAE’s global economic strength,” Sheikh Khalid said. “This forum is not only a platform for economic growth, but a foundation for fostering Emirati talent, innovation, and sustainable development.”
He lauded the efforts of ADNEC Group in organizing the event and noted its vital role in encouraging youth engagement and public-private partnerships that drive the UAE’s industrial transformation.
The Forum continues to serve as a beacon for the UAE’s ambitions to lead in industrial excellence and to build a knowledge-based economy rooted in national capabilities and forward-looking policy.
