Hasan Jasem Al Nowais told The National that the establishment of the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology in 2020 unified industrial policy, advanced technology and national standards, leading to significant growth across multiple metrics. Industrial exports doubled to Dh262 billion while the National In-Country Value Programme redirected Dh473 billion into the local economy by prioritising UAE suppliers. Medium and high-tech exports met the 2031 target six years early and UAE products now reach three billion consumers worldwide, according to Al Nowais. The undersecretary acknowledged impacts from the Iran war including damage to energy infrastructure but said prior investments in resilience kept the industrial sector stable with production continuing without interruption. Supply chains functioned effectively across key areas as business continuity was maintained. Al Nowais stated that the period has accelerated localisation of vital industries and reinforced investor confidence, adding, “The UAE does not just absorb shocks – it emerges stronger from them.” The ministry launched a Dh1 billion National Industrial Resilience Fund as part of a wider package to support localisation of vital industries, enhance supply chain resilience and accelerate AI adoption across production and operations. Al Nowais outlined that the expansion of the ICV programme into a mandatory framework for all federal government entities as well as companies with at least 25 per cent direct or indirect federal ownership will direct more national spending toward local manufacturers and SMEs. A complementary policy seeks to strengthen the presence of UAE-made products across retail outlets and e-commerce platforms. Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology figures show the ICV programme reached AED67 billion in local spending by the end of 2023, reflecting a 26 per cent growth rate from the previous year.[[1]](https://moiat.gov.ae/en/programs/icv) Investments by ICV-certified companies totalled AED205 billion in the first half of 2024, an increase of 20 per cent compared to the same period in 2023. These developments build on earlier gains where the programme stood at AED53 billion at end-2022. The ministry has assessed more than 620 manufacturing companies through its Industrial Technology Transformation Index, initiating more than 3,000 Industry 4.0 projects and deploying Dh7.8 billion in advanced technology financing. Participating factories reported a 40 per cent rise in productivity and a 70 per cent improvement in sustainability practices, Al Nowais told The National. AI and advanced technology form a central part of plans to optimise operational efficiency alongside localisation and strategic partnerships. For the remainder of 2026 the industrial sector outlook stays positive with industrial gross domestic product nearly doubled since 2020 and sustained investor confidence. Al Nowais said the focus remains on execution, localisation, strengthened supply chains and sustained demand for local manufacturing supported by more than Dh168 billion in offtake opportunities announced through prior editions of Make it in the Emirates. The fifth edition of the platform under way in Abu Dhabi aims to localise about 5,000 products within the UAE this year. The ministry plans further diversification of the industrial base across the full value chain with emphasis on pharmaceuticals and medical technology, advanced manufacturing with AI and Industry 4.0 applications, future energy together with industrial decarbonisation, and the aerospace, defence and automotive sectors. Al Nowais noted that 100 per cent foreign ownership, customs exemptions and 36 comprehensive economic partnership agreements are in place to attract investment into technology-intensive manufacturing, sustainable materials and supplier networks. Public and private sector collaboration will deepen the industrial base with localisation, supply-chain resilience and technology transformation serving as the connective elements.
UAE Industrial Exports Double to Dh262bn Since 2020 as Sector Maintains Stability Amid Regional Tensions
