ADNEC Group on May 2 announced that the fifth edition of Make it in the Emirates will unfold as the largest in the event’s history from May 4 to 7 at its centre in Abu Dhabi. ADNEC Group CEO Humaid Al Dhaheri said the exhibition will cover more than 88000 square metres representing a 30 percent increase over the previous edition while attracting 1245 exhibitors for a 73 percent rise from 2025. Participants will arrive from all seven emirates for the flagship industrial platform hosted by the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology and organised by ADNEC Group with partners including the Ministry of Culture the Abu Dhabi Investment Office and ADNOC Group.
Al Dhaheri highlighted the ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi as the largest event venue in the Middle East equipped with 12 interconnected halls plus a temporary Hall 13 dedicated to new features and small and medium-sized enterprise support. The venue offers advanced infrastructure that meets the highest global standards along with onsite and nearby hotels as well as a wide range of retail and hospitality options. Such facilities underscore the UAE’s commitment to staging world-class events that draw investors and innovators to the industrial sector.
Free park-and-ride services with shuttle buses will help visitors reach the site while ADNEC parking remains limited to permit holders only. Artificial intelligence systems will enhance the experience through smart parking to reduce congestion an integrated building management system for greater sustainability and the Presight platform for traffic management health and safety monitoring crowd tracking and improved movement flow. Al Dhaheri noted that these technologies will deliver a seamless visit for exhibitors and attendees alike.
The platform has established itself as a key driver of industrial investment growth and resilience across the UAE. The previous edition facilitated agreements and procurement contracts worth AED11 billion while drawing notable investments into the national economy according to ADNEC Group. Since its inception the event has supported the National In-Country Value programme by reinforcing local supply chains and advancing the promotion of UAE-made products.
Make it in the Emirates aligns with the Operation 300 Billion strategy that the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology launched to raise the manufacturing sector’s contribution to national GDP toward AED300 billion by 2031. A Ministry of Investment assessment found the target already 63 percent complete with industrial exports climbing 25 percent in 2025 to reach AED262 billion including AED92 billion from medium- and high-technology goods. Between 2015 and 2024 the country secured 251 manufacturing-related foreign direct investment projects carrying total capital commitments of $32.7 billion.
Al Dhaheri said the 2026 edition has shown increased momentum surpassing previous performance and operational benchmarks. This progress further boosts the UAE’s industrial and economic growth he added. The event continues to invite investors innovators and developers to engage with the nation’s vision for sustainable development and stronger global competitiveness.
