The fifth edition of Make it in the Emirates (MIITE) – the UAE’s largest national industrial platform – kicks off on May 4 and will run until May 7 at ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi, hosted by the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology (MoIAT) and in collaboration with the Ministry of Culture, the Abu Dhabi Investment Office, ADNOC, and L’IMAD Holding Company, and organised by ADNEC Group.
Under the theme “Emerging Stronger”, the event presents a practical model that embodies the UAE’s industrial resilience efforts in the UAE.
In its fifth edition, MIITE brings together more than 1,100 exhibitors across 12 industrial sectors, while introducing new procurement opportunities aimed at localizing the production of approximately 5,000 products within the UAE.
SMEs account for 61% of total MIITE 2026 participants, reflecting the success of national efforts to expand the industrial base and empower local enterprises.
The platform is expected to attract over 120,000 visitors, including international investors, manufacturers, decision-makers, and industry leaders from around the world,said the event organisers.
The launch of MIITE 2026 coincides with the Cabinet’s approval of a set of strategic initiatives and decisions aimed at strengthening the resilience of the UAE’s industrial sector, ensuring business continuity, and reinforcing the readiness of the national economy, they stated.
These include the establishment of a national industrial resilience fund valued at AED1 billion to support the localisation of vital industries, enhance supply chain resilience, and accelerate the adoption of artificial intelligence across production, operations, and planning.
The package also expands the National In-Country Value (ICV) program into a mandatory framework across all federal government entities and national companies, alongside a policy to strengthen the presence of UAE-made products across retail outlets and e-commerce platforms.
MIITE 2026 focuses on transforming these national priorities into tangible economic and commercial momentum. It provides the opportunity to explore the UAE’s integrated industrial ecosystem that brings together manufacturers, investors, SMEs, startups, job seekers, and the wider public.
The platform serves as a strategic hub to expand procurement channels, forge partnerships, secure supply chains, and direct high-impact investment effectively, turning national strategic priorities into measurable, on-the-ground outcomes.
Dr Sultan Al Jaber, Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology, ADNOC Managing Director and Group CEO, said that the UAE, guided by its wise leadership, continues to develop the industrial sector and increase its contribution to economic growth, particularly as industry plays a fundamental role in economic resilience and sustainable growth.
"Our national industrial sector continues to raise the bar of ambition, advancing into a new phase where our industries move beyond a local role to become a globally influential force, underpinned by exceptional resilience and artificial intelligence, which is redefining the UAE’s competitiveness and confidently shaping its future," he added.
Dr. Al Jaber said the newly-approved government initiatives will reinforce a more resilient and sustainable national industrial model, as one of the most important drivers of the next phase of growth.
MIITE 2026, he stated, will focus on translating this ambitious agenda into tangible outcomes and has evolved into a space where national industrial priorities are transformed into real opportunities, partnerships, and impactful projects.
The fifth edition of the platform underscores the UAE’s strong industrial foundations, presenting a live model of industrial resilience through reliable supply chains, scalable national companies, and local innovations that generate sustainable value.
The Cabinet-approved initiatives include the establishment of a national industrial resilience fund valued at AED1 billion to support the localization of vital industries, enhance supply chain resilience, and build strategic stockpiles across key sectors such as food, manufacturing, base metals, mechanical, electrical, chemical, and pharmaceutical industries, advanced technology, and construction.
They also include expanding the National In-Country Value (ICV) Program into a mandatory framework covering all federal government entities, as well as companies with at least a 25% direct or indirect federal ownership stake – further directing national spending to support local industry.
In addition, a new policy has been approved to strengthen the presence of UAE-made products across retail outlets and e-commerce platforms, beginning with essential goods such as bottled water, dairy products, eggs, fresh and chilled poultry, bread and basic bakery items, flour, locally packaged vegetable oils, and seasonal agricultural products.
The Cabinet also approved the establishment of the National Industrial Data Committee, chaired by Hasan Jasem Al Nowais, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology (MoIAT), to accelerate the collection, integration, and real-time availability of strategic industrial data, supporting faster decision-making and enhancing sector readiness.-TradeArabia News Service