Participation advanced key priority of Dubai Economic Agenda, D33
The Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) showcased the emirate’s advanced, future-ready manufacturing ecosystem at the Dubai Pavilion during ‘Make it in the Emirates 2026 that took place from 4–7 May at ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi.
Held under the theme ‘Advanced Industry. Emerging Stronger’, the forum reflected the UAE’s commitment to building a sustainable, technology-driven industrial base anchored in innovation and global partnerships.
Dubai entered the forum bolstered by a standout performance, having achieved 6.4% GDP growth in Q4-2025, with total GDP reaching AED 937bn for the full year, underscoring steady economic momentum despite global headwinds.
DET’s participation aligned with the goals of the Dubai Economic Agenda, D33, which targeted more than doubling manufacturing value-added output in the decade up to 2033, while reinforcing Dubai’s position as a leading destination for industrial investment.
Key entities
At the Dubai Pavilion, DET brought together key entities including Dubai Industrial City, National Industries Park, Dubai Integrated Economic Zones Authority (DIEZ), Dubai Chambers, Dubai Future Foundation, Food Tech Valley, and other strategic partners.
“Dubai’s leadership has consistently taken decisive, policy-driven action to safeguard growth and stability. Our manufacturing sector reflects this approach: it is diversified, technologically advanced, and fully integrated into global value chains,” emphasised HE Hadi Badri, CEO, Dubai Economic Development Corporation (DEDC).
Range of initiatives
As part of its participation, DET highlighted a range of initiatives designed to support industrial scale-up and export expansion. These included the Export Assistance Programme (EAP), which enables Dubai-based manufacturers to access international markets, and the Elite Buyer Programme, which strengthened Dubai’s position as a global sourcing hub.
Additional initiatives such as Industry 4.0 enablement programmes, In-Country Value (ICV) promotion, and industry-friendly power policies were also highlighted, reinforcing Dubai’s commitment to advanced manufacturing technologies and local capacity building.
