The Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) will showcase the city's dynamic manufacturing sector at ‘Make it in the Emirates’, scheduled to be held from May 19 –22, 2025 at ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi.
As one of the UAE’s flagship industrial events, the forum brings together government entities, investors, and manufacturers to advance the nation’s industrial and export ambitions. DET’s participation is aligned with the goals of the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, which aims to position the emirate as a leading destination for future-ready industrial investment, according to Emirates News Agency (WAM).
Key enablers of industrial growth
The Dubai Pavilion will serve as a central platform that brings together the emirate’s key enablers of industrial growth, including Dubai Industrial City (DIC), National Industries Park (NIP), Dubai Integrated Economic Zones Authority (DIEZ), Dubai Chambers, and Dubai South.
This strategic collaboration provides both existing manufacturers and prospective investors with direct access to comprehensive insights, resources, and opportunities, empowering them to explore and capitalise on the competitive advantages that Dubai offers to modern industrial enterprises.
Dubai’s manufacturing sector is a vital contributor to the emirate’s economic development, backed by a range of government initiatives aimed at enhancing its global competitiveness and ensuring sustained growth.
The emirate has successfully attracted new investment into manufacturing, supported by an industrial strategy that prioritises advanced manufacturing technologies and the development of local capacity to serve global markets. In the first nine months of 2024, the manufacturing sector in Dubai recorded a GDP of AED28.3 billion.
Hadi Badri, CEO of the Dubai Economic Development Corporation (DEDC), the economic development arm of the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), said, “Dubai’s manufacturing sector is gaining momentum because we have built the fundamentals for sustained industrial growth, competitive infrastructure, smart regulation, and access to global markets. What we are seeing today is the result of long-term planning, public-private collaboration, and a clear ambition under our wise leadership and the Dubai Economic Agenda D33. This is a market where manufacturers can innovate, scale, and export with confidence.
“Our participation in ‘Make it in the Emirates’ demonstrates DET’s contribution to the UAE’s broader economic diversification strategy. It reinforces our commitment to the ambitious goals of the D33 Agenda, as well as our alignment with the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology’s (MoIAT) strategic objective to strengthen Dubai’s industrial sector.”
DET will showcase how Dubai’s unified industrial landscape provides manufacturers with integrated access to world-class infrastructure, business incentives, and export support. Today, Dubai-based manufacturers supply critical goods to the UAE government and export to more than 130 countries, capitalising on Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreements (CEPAs) to access high-growth markets competitively.
As part of its participation, DET will present a range of initiatives driving Dubai’s industrial growth, including the Export Assistance Programme (EAP), which encourages Dubai-based companies to pursue export promotion activities in foreign markets, offering support to qualifying small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) through a network of international offices.
DET will also highlight the Elite Buyer Programme, which supports Dubai’s strategy to position Dubai as a leading global sourcing hub for high-demand products in fast-growing consumer markets. The pavilion will additionally highlight the Industry Friendly Power Policy that Dubai has introduced as part of the D33 Agenda, aimed at promoting green and cost-efficient energy use across the manufacturing, data centre, and agri-tech sectors. The policy offers incentives such as a 25 per cent reduction in connection charges, interest-free credit, and support for 100 peer cent onsite renewable generation, aligning with the emirate’s net-zero goals.
In 2024, Dubai attracted AED52.3 billion ($14.2 billion) in FDI, a 33.2 per cent increase from the previous year, marking the highest FDI value ever recorded in a single year. Dubai also saw a record 1,117 Greenfield FDI projects and 1,826 announced FDI projects, creating 58,680 jobs.
Manufacturing continued its strong momentum with AED5,767 million ($1,571.4 million) in FDI capital, up from AED2,411 million ($657.1 million) compared to 2023. The city's impressive performance underscores its thriving business environment, world-class infrastructure, and favourable regulations.
‘Make it in the Emirates’ serves as an important step towards advancing the manufacturing sector in the UAE as it plays a crucial role in encouraging innovation and boosting investment. As the country continues to diversify its economy, Dubai remains at the forefront in its support for the industrial sector, ensuring it continues to evolve to meet global standards and contribute to the UAE’s economic growth.
ADNEC Group gears up for ‘Make it in the Emirates 2025’
ADNEC Group has announced that preparations are well underway for the highly anticipated Make it in the Emirates 2025.
Organised by ADNEC Group for the first time, this year’s edition marks a significant milestone, expanding to more than 68,000 square metres, an increase of over 300 per cent compared to the previous edition, and featuring more than 720 exhibitors, a sixteen-fold increase from last year.
Hosted by the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology (MoIAT) and organised by ADNEC Group in strategic partnership with the Ministry of Culture, the Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO), and ADNOC, Make it in the Emirates 2025 will serve as a vital platform for connecting innovators, manufacturers, and investors to explore new opportunities and unlock industrial growth across 12 strategic sectors.
Capital Events, the events management arm of ADNEC Group, is spearheading the delivery of the forum, curating a dynamic exhibition floor and robust agenda that brings together global industrial leaders, policymakers, and innovators.
ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi, the venue for this year’s edition, is fully equipped to welcome over 30,000 visitors. The Centre’s Operations team is deploying a comprehensive plan to ensure a seamless experience, including streamlined traffic flow, enhanced parking access, and well-coordinated entry for all exhibitors, delegates, and VIP guests.
Security protocols have been strengthened to ensure the safety and comfort of all participants throughout the four-day event.
12 feature zones
Capital 360 Event Experiences, a subsidiary of ADNEC Group specialised in event management services of is playing a key role in bringing this event to life. The team is delivering 45 custom-designed stand builds to ensure a standout presence for exhibitors, while overseeing 12 feature zones—including the Media Centre, Investors Lounge, and Networking Lounge—that enhance engagement and connectivity across the event.
With 230 plug-and-play exhibitor pods, venue-wide branding and sponsor activations managed by its dedicated advertising division, and full technical services provided to over 720 exhibitors, Capital 360 is enabling a seamless and high-impact experience.
In total, 32,000 sqm of premium carpeting has been laid to unify the event footprint and elevate the visitor journey.
As the official caterer for ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi, Capital Catering will deliver a premium culinary offering throughout the event. With extensive experience in providing world-class food and beverage services for major exhibitions, Capital Catering will offer diverse menus through indoor and outdoor food trucks, quick-service counters, and VIP lounges featuring refined hospitality.
Together, the business clusters of ADNEC Group are aligned in their mission to elevate Make it in the Emirates 2025 into a world-class industrial platform that contributes to the UAE’s vision of a sustainable, competitive, and innovation-led economy.
