Forges new national partnerships at ‘Make it in the Emirates 2026’
Etihad Airways has signed three strategic agreements at Make it in the Emirates (MIITE) 2026 this week, expanding its role in UAE trade, cargo logistics and industrial growth through partnerships focused on supply chains, local procurement and SME development.
Etihad generates AED 29bn in annual service export revenue through its global operations and drives more than AED 130bn in economic impact across tourism, trade, supply chain and employment in the UAE.
With more than 13,000 UAE-based employees and a global network spanning over 100 destinations, Etihad continues expanding its role as a contributor to the UAE economy through trade, tourism, cargo and industrial partnerships.
Agreements
The first agreement is a Global Air Carrier Services Agreement between Etihad Cargo and EDGE Group, the UAE’s advanced technology and defence conglomerate. Under the agreement, EDGE will consolidate airfreight operations across its portfolio of 35 entities through Etihad’s cargo network, strengthening local logistics capability while supporting EDGE’s global expansion.
Etihad signed two further agreements. The first renews Etihad’s participation in the UAE’s In-Country Value (ICV) Programme with the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology (MoIAT); the second brings Etihad into partnership with Khalifa Fund for Enterprise Development to support the Abu Dhabi SME Champion Programme.
ICV-certified suppliers
The agreements build on Etihad’s growing contribution to the UAE’s industrial and economic ecosystem. Through its Alwatani Local Content Programme, Etihad directed AED 8.3bn to ICV-certified suppliers in 2025, engaging more than 1,200 ICV-certified companies across its supply chain, including around 900 SMEs.
“That generates real economic value here in the UAE, supporting jobs, trade, tourism and industrial growth,” noted Antonoaldo Neves, Chief Executive Officer, Etihad Airways.
