12 biggest highlights from Make it in the Emirates 2026 in Abu Dhabi
UAE’s industrial platform records largest participation since launch
ABU DHABI – The United Arab Emirates (UAE) concluded its biggest-ever edition of Make it in the Emirates this week, with the event delivering major industrial announcements, investment commitments and localisation agreements worth hundreds of billions of dirhams.
Held over four days at ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi, the country’s flagship industrial platform attracted record participation from manufacturers, investors, government entities and technology companies.
The fifth edition of the event welcomed 146,329 visitors and 1,245 exhibitors across 12 sectors, reinforcing the UAE’s push to expand domestic manufacturing, strengthen supply chains and attract industrial investment. More than 200 agreements were signed during the event, covering financing, procurement, industrial projects and enablement programmes.
Here is a closer look at the biggest announcements, numbers and developments from Make it in the Emirates 2026.
More than 146,000 visitors attended the event
Make it in the Emirates 2026 welcomed 146,329 visitors, marking a 19 per cent increase compared to last year’s edition. The event also featured 1,245 exhibitors spread across 88,000 square metres at ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi, making it the largest edition in the platform’s history.
Over 200 agreements were signed
The event saw the signing of more than 200 agreements across multiple sectors. The deals included industrial investments, procurement contracts, financing arrangements, localisation projects and enablement initiatives designed to strengthen the UAE’s industrial ecosystem.
Dh180bn in cumulative offtakes announced
One of the largest announcements came from His Excellency Dr Sultan Al Jaber, Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology, who revealed cumulative industrial offtakes worth Dh180 billion over the next decade.
The figure represents an increase of Dh12 billion compared to the existing Dh168 billion pipeline announced previously. The programme aims to localise the production of more than 5,000 products within the UAE.
TA’ZIZ unveils Dh104.6bn in chemicals deals
TA’ZIZ announced procurement and feedstock agreements worth Dh104.6 billion to support chemicals production in the UAE. The agreements are expected to strengthen downstream industrial activity and support manufacturing growth at Al Ruwais Industrial City.
Dh36.7bn committed to industrial chemicals projects
TA’ZIZ and Alpha Dhabi Holding jointly announced Dh36.7 billion in capital investments for new industrial chemicals projects in Al Ruwais Industrial City, making it one of the largest investment announcements during the event.
KEZAD, ADIO and RAKEZ sign billion-dirham agreements
Khalifa Economic Zones Abu Dhabi signed agreements worth Dh2.1 billion, while Abu Dhabi Investment Office confirmed Dh1.5 billion in support for new and expanding factories.
Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone also announced agreements valued at Dh1.59 billion linked to industrial development initiatives.
Mubadala and ADNOC announced new industrial investments
Mubadala announced Dh4.5 billion in investments during the event, while ADNOC unveiled Dh480 million across four new industrial facilities aimed at supporting domestic manufacturing capabilities.
New food production policy targets import substitution
A new policy launched by the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology, the Ministry of Economy and Tourism and the National CSR Fund aims to enable Dh2 billion in annual food import substitution through local manufacturing.
The initiative is expected to support up to 200 food factories while increasing local food production capacity by between 15 and 30 per cent.
Al Ain Taaza entered the UAE juice market
Al Ain Farms Group launched Al Ain Taaza during the event, targeting one-third of the UAE’s Dh500 million fresh juice market segment as competition in locally produced food products continues to grow.
Advanced manufacturing deals gained momentum
Industrial technology and advanced materials companies also announced new agreements. Pipetec secured Dh75 million, while NanoCarbonX and Graphene Star signed a Dh50 million manufacturing agreement focused on advanced materials production.
Dh1bn National Industrial Resilience Fund launched
The Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology and Emirates Development Bank launched the Dh1 billion National Industrial Resilience Fund to support manufacturers and strengthen industrial resilience across the UAE.
The ministry also secured an additional Dh18 billion in competitive financing support from Mashreq Bank, Dubai Islamic Bank and Emirates Development Bank.
ADNOC unveils Dh200bn future project pipeline
ADNOC announced plans for Dh200 billion worth of industrial projects over the next three years, creating fresh opportunities for manufacturers, suppliers and industrial service providers operating in the UAE.
The National In-Country Value Programme also expanded during the event, with Du joining as a new participant while Etihad Airways renewed its commitment. A dedicated ICV Day brought together 22 partners and hosted more than 260 matchmaking meetings between manufacturers and suppliers.
The event concluded with organisers confirming that the sixth edition of Make it in the Emirates will take place from May 3 to May 6, 2027, as the UAE continues accelerating its industrial and manufacturing ambitions.