UAE unveils Dh1 billion industrial resilience fund to secure supply chains
New policies push localisation drive and expand national products presence
DUBAI – The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has unveiled a series of sweeping decisions aimed at strengthening industrial resilience, boosting local production, and securing supply chains across key sectors.
The measures, approved during a Cabinet meeting chaired by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, include the launch of a Dh1 billion National Industrial Resilience Fund and policy shifts designed to prioritise UAE-made products.
The announcements come as preparations intensify for the fifth edition of the Make it in the Emirates platform, set to convene global investors and manufacturers in Abu Dhabi next month.
اعتمدنا حزمة من المبادرات والقرارات لدعم القطاع الصناعي الوطني … تشمل إنشاء صندوق وطني بقيمة مليار درهم للمرونة الصناعية بما يدعم توطين الصناعات الحيوية، ويعزز مرونة سلاسل الإمداد، ويسرع من تبني تقنيات الذكاء الاصطناعي في الإنتاج والتشغيل والتخطيط…
— HH Sheikh Mohammed (@HHShkMohd) April 26, 2026
كما أقررنا توسيع نطاق… pic.twitter.com/mrf2cJ6ddQ
Fund launch
At the centre of the new strategy is the National Industrial Resilience Fund, established with a capital of Dh1 billion. The fund is designed to support the localisation of critical industries, strengthen supply chain continuity, and enhance the UAE’s self-sufficiency across priority sectors.
It will finance projects that expand local manufacturing capacity, build strategic reserves, and advance industrial value chains. Key sectors targeted include food security, manufacturing, primary metals, mechanical and electrical industries, chemicals, pharmaceuticals and active pharmaceutical ingredients, medical supplies, advanced technology, and construction.
The initiative also integrates artificial intelligence into industrial operations, particularly in forecasting demand and managing risks. This approach is expected to improve efficiency and ensure uninterrupted supply of essential goods, reinforcing economic security.
Mandatory programme
A significant policy shift accompanies the fund, with amendments to the National In-Country Value Programme. Previously incentive-based, the programme will now become mandatory across federal entities and companies in which the government holds at least a 25 per cent stake.
The move directs public sector demand towards locally produced goods, effectively using government spending as a mechanism to stimulate domestic manufacturing. It is expected to strengthen supply chain readiness, ensure continuity of supply, and reduce dependence on imports.
The broader target is to localise more than 5,000 critical products. This ambition reflects a long-term strategy to embed industrial resilience within the national economy, while supporting the growth of UAE-based manufacturers.
Retail expansion
In parallel, the Cabinet has approved a policy to strengthen the presence of UAE-made products across retail outlets and digital platforms. The initiative focuses on increasing visibility, raising consumer awareness, and integrating local products into major supply chains.
The first phase will prioritise essential goods with scalable domestic production. These include bottled water, dairy products, eggs, fresh and chilled poultry, bread, flour, locally packaged vegetable oils, and seasonal vegetables.
Retailers and online platforms will allocate dedicated shelf and digital space for UAE-made products, in line with defined standards. The policy aims to stabilise markets and ensure consistent availability of essential items, while encouraging consumers to support local industries.
Make it in the Emirates
The Cabinet also reviewed preparations for the fifth edition of the Make it in the Emirates platform, scheduled to take place from 4 to 7 May at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre.
The event is expected to attract more than 120,000 visitors and over 1,000 exhibitors across 12 industrial sectors. Small and medium-sized enterprises will account for 61 per cent of participants, highlighting their growing role in the UAE’s industrial landscape.
The platform will showcase procurement opportunities, support localisation efforts, and introduce new initiatives such as a Start-ups Hub, a Quality Infrastructure Platform, and the “House of Industry” museum documenting the country’s industrial development.
Data framework
Further strengthening the strategy, the Cabinet approved the establishment of a National Industrial Data Committee. Chaired by Hasan Jassim Al Nowais, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology, the committee will include representatives from federal and local entities.
Its mandate includes identifying priority industrial data, improving data availability, and ensuring integration with national systems. The committee will also address existing data challenges and propose solutions to enable real-time access, including recommending legislative updates where required.
The data-driven approach is intended to support informed decision-making, enhance transparency, and improve coordination across the industrial sector.
Dr Sultan bin Ahmed Al Jaber, Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology, said the decisions reflect a broader vision to build a resilient and sustainable industrial model. The focus remains on localisation, strengthening supply chains, and accelerating the adoption of advanced technologies to enhance competitiveness and economic growth.