Abu Dhabi: The UAE’s Operation 300bn strategy aims to more than double industrial output by 2031 through advanced technologies like AI and Industry 5.0. The upcoming Make it in the Emirates conference and expanded CEPA trade deals underpin a new era of growth across the Emirates’ diverse manufacturing sectors.
The UAE is positioning itself as a vibrant industrial hub through its ambitious strategy, Operation 300bn, aimed at transforming the manufacturing landscape by 2031. Launched in 2021, this initiative seeks to elevate the industrial sector’s contribution to the national economy from AED 133 billion to AED 300 billion, focusing on developing ‘sunrise industries’ that promise sustained growth and technological advancement.
At the core of this initiative is the upcoming Make it in the Emirates conference, set to take place from May 19-22 in Abu Dhabi. This year’s conference, hosted by the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology, will be significantly larger than prior editions, boasting over 700 exhibitors and covering an expansive area of 68,000 square metres. The focus will be on cutting-edge technologies, notably artificial intelligence and Industry 5.0, which are anticipated to revolutionise the sector.
Industry executives point out that the UAE’s manufacturing ecosystem benefits from a unique position; it is free from the constraints of legacy industries that burden many Western economies. Simon Penney, managing partner of Dubai’s Incrementum CGA, highlighted this advantage, stating, “The good thing about the UAE, when we talk about manufacturing, is it doesn’t suffer from any legacy or historical manufacturing industries.” This fresh start allows the UAE to concentrate on modern sectors that cater to upcoming global demands, thereby establishing itself as a leading player in the region’s industrial sphere.
Central to the Operation 300bn strategy is an emphasis on high-tech industries, including chemicals, construction equipment, food production, and machinery. The UAE government is not merely interested in increasing the number of manufacturers but is strategically targeting specific growth sectors. According to Jeanne Walters, a senior economist at Emirates NBD, significant groundwork has been laid to make these ambitions a reality, affirming that “the strategy is focused on specific areas that will drive future growth.”
In tandem with its industrial strategy, the UAE has entered into 21 Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreements (CEPA) to bolster trade and investment. Agreements with nations like India, Israel, and Turkey aim to enhance the UAE’s status as a crucial logistics hub, bridging East and West. Walters noted that such deals instill confidence among manufacturers considering the UAE as a base for operations.
Complementing these efforts is the In-Country Value (ICV) programme, designed to redirect government procurement spending towards domestic industries, thereby fostering local economic growth. This initiative has seen considerable expansion since its inception and aligns closely with the goals of the Make it in the Emirates campaign.
Abu Dhabi has particularly advanced its manufacturing capabilities, particularly in integrating high-tech tools, automation, and data analytics into production processes. Recent data indicates that manufacturing has become the largest non-oil contributor to the emirate’s GDP, accounting for 9.5 per cent in 2024. The sector has also grown at an annual rate of 2.7 per cent during the same period, which is a testament to the effectiveness of the UAE’s new industrial policies.
Dubai, on the other hand, has launched its own ICV programme aimed at channeling more government spending towards local suppliers, as part of its broader D33 strategy to double the size of its economy over the next decade. Meanwhile, other emirates, such as Sharjah and Ras Al Khaimah, are finding their own niches in the manufacturing sector, with Sharjah’s contributions accounting for around 16 per cent of GDP and Ras Al Khaimah’s reaching as much as 27 per cent.
Emerging success stories within the Emirates’ manufacturing landscape, like Ajmal Perfumes and RAK Ceramics, reflect the growing potential and dynamism of local industries. One notable example is The AM Lab, a 3D printing company founded by Abdallah Alawadi, which seeks to democratise access to modern manufacturing techniques. By leveraging advanced technologies, The AM Lab aims to lower barriers to production, fostering a local supplier network that meets increasing demand and supports other UAE businesses.
As the UAE continues to invest heavily in its industrial future, it stands on the precipice of becoming a prominent player in global manufacturing. Experts believe that the robust foundation laid over the past several years positions the Emirates exceptionally well to attract international manufacturing investments, ensuring that it remains at the forefront of regional industrial development.
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Source: Noah Wire Services
- https://www.thenationalnews.com/business/economy/2025/05/18/uae-manufacturing/ – Please view link – unable to able to access data
- https://www.thenationalnews.com/business/economy/2025/05/18/uae-manufacturing/ – The UAE’s manufacturing sector is experiencing significant growth, driven by the ‘Make it in the Emirates’ initiative. This policy focuses on developing ‘sunrise industries’—sectors poised for future growth and technological advancement. The upcoming ‘Make it in the Emirates’ conference in Abu Dhabi, scheduled for May 19-22, 2025, will highlight these developments, featuring over 700 exhibitors and emphasizing AI and Industry 5.0. Experts note that the UAE’s lack of legacy manufacturing industries allows it to focus on modern sectors, positioning the country as a regional industrial hub.
- https://moiat.gov.ae/en/about-us/about-the-strategy – The UAE’s Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology has launched ‘Operation 300Bn,’ a comprehensive strategy aiming to increase the industrial sector’s contribution to the GDP from AED 133 billion to AED 300 billion by 2031. The plan focuses on developing high-tech industries and Fourth Industrial Revolution ventures, enhancing the UAE’s position as a global hub for future industries. The strategy also emphasizes supporting local demand, promoting exports, and creating quality job opportunities in the industrial sector.
- https://www.wam.ae/ar/details/1395302920337 – His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE, launched ‘Operation 300Bn,’ a 10-year industrial strategy aiming to double the industrial sector’s contribution to the GDP by 2031. The initiative focuses on empowering national industries, enhancing productivity, creating jobs, and increasing competitiveness. It also aims to support over 13,500 small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and increase research and development spending in the industrial sector.
- https://www.khaleejtimes.com/news/operation-300bn-new-uae-industrial-strategy-launched – The UAE has launched ‘Operation 300Bn,’ a new industrial strategy aiming to increase the manufacturing sector’s contribution to the national economy from AED 133 billion to AED 300 billion over the next decade. The strategy includes supporting the establishment of 13,500 industrial companies and increasing spending on research and development in the industrial sector from AED 21 billion to AED 57 billion in the coming years.
- https://gulfbusiness.com/sheikh-mohammed-launches-operation-300bn-strategy-to-foster-uae-industrial-sector/ – Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE, has launched ‘Operation 300Bn,’ a 10-year comprehensive strategy aimed at empowering and expanding the industrial sector to become a driver of a sustainable national economy. The strategy focuses on future industries implementing advanced technology and Fourth Industrial Revolution solutions, with the goal of increasing the industrial sector’s contribution to the GDP from AED 133 billion to AED 300 billion by 2031.
- https://www.tradearabia.com/news/IND_380235.html – The UAE has launched ‘Operation 300Bn,’ a comprehensive industrial strategy aiming to increase the industrial sector’s annual GDP contribution to AED 300 billion by 2031. The strategy focuses on promoting existing industries and developing a new industrial ecosystem, primarily high-tech industries and Fourth Industrial Revolution ventures, to enhance the country’s competitiveness at a regional and global level.
Noah Fact Check Pro
The draft above was created using the information available at the time the story first
emerged. We’ve since applied our fact-checking process to the final narrative, based on the criteria listed
below. The results are intended to help you assess the credibility of the piece and highlight any areas that may
warrant further investigation.
Freshness check
Score:
10
Notes:
The narrative references recent events, such as the upcoming Make it in the Emirates conference and the 2024 GDP figures, indicating that the information is current.
Quotes check
Score:
8
Notes:
Quotes from Simon Penney and Jeanne Walters are provided, but no prior references were found online. This suggests they might be original, though it cannot be verified without further context.
Source reliability
Score:
9
Notes:
The narrative originates from a reputable source, The National News, which is known for its fact-based reporting. However, the exact reliability of all quotes cannot be verified without further context.
Plausability check
Score:
9
Notes:
The claims about the UAE’s manufacturing strategy, including Operation 300bn and the focus on high-tech industries, are plausible given the context of recent economic initiatives and investments in the region.
Overall assessment
Verdict (FAIL, OPEN, PASS): PASS
Confidence (LOW, MEDIUM, HIGH): HIGH
Summary:
The narrative is likely accurate due to its recent context, plausible claims, and origination from a reliable source. The quotes appear to be original but lack prior references online.
