According to WAM, Mohamed Sharaf, chief operating officer for investment attraction at the Dubai Economic Development Corporation, affirmed that the emirate enjoys strong industrial growth prospects supported by an integrated ecosystem capable of attracting high-quality investments. The industrial sector’s contribution to the overall economy is set to rise further as Dubai moves toward a more production-oriented model. This development directly supports the objectives of the D33 agenda, which seeks to double the size of the emirate’s economy over the coming decade.
The corporation participated in the Make it in the Emirates 2026 pavilion to promote investment opportunities within the industrial sector, the news agency reported. Its involvement brought together strategic partners ranging from government and semi-government entities to free zones and established industrial companies. These collaborations are intended to create new avenues for both local and international manufacturers and producers to expand their operations and reach fresh markets using Dubai as a base.
DEDC prioritises the attraction of investments into high value-added industrial segments and extends a range of incentives to encourage new manufacturers, Sharaf stated through the agency. Export support programmes form a central part of this approach, alongside the Elite Buyers initiative that draws major global purchasers to review locally produced goods. In addition, the In-Country Value programme works to expand opportunities for UAE-based firms to participate in government procurement projects.
Factors underpinning Dubai’s appeal for industrial investors include world-class infrastructure such as ports and logistics hubs, a wide network of international trade agreements and ongoing sustainability drives that encompass solar energy projects, the corporation explained. Regulatory adjustments have also been introduced to lower operational costs and boost profitability for businesses in the sector. Collectively these advantages reinforce Dubai’s standing as a leading regional and global hub for industry, with potential to lift the sector’s share of gross domestic product.
The Make it in the Emirates exhibition, hosted by the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology and organised by ADNEC Group, marks the fifth anniversary of the national initiative aimed at accelerating industrial transformation across the UAE, according to event organisers. Running from May 4 to 7, 2026, in Abu Dhabi, the gathering serves as a premier platform for showcasing Emirati products and forging connections that enhance their footprint in international markets. DEDC’s presence aligns with these national efforts to foster innovation and production at scale.
According to the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism, non-oil sectors including manufacturing have driven much of the emirate’s recent economic performance. This momentum underpins the D33 agenda’s target to double GDP by 2033 through focused investment in advanced technologies and production. The corporation has indicated that expanded industrial activities will play a pivotal part in achieving these long-term targets.
