1:37 am - February 16, 2026
Abu Dhabi: The UAE has unveiled a landmark AED 40 billion financing initiative under the “Make it in the Emirates” framework, partnering with leading banks to support SMEs, advanced manufacturing, and AI innovation, reinforcing the nation’s ambitious strategy for industrial diversification and sustainable economic growth.
In a significant advancement for its industrial sector, the UAE has announced a substantial AED 40 billion financing initiative under the “Make it in the Emirates” framework. This initiative is a crucial component of the country’s ongoing efforts to diversify its economy and foster sustainable growth through innovation and industrialisation. The initiative was marked by the signing of five Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with leading national banks during the forum in Abu Dhabi, witnessed by His Excellency Dr. Sultan bin Ahmed Al Jaber, Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology.
The MoUs involve prominent banks such as First Abu Dhabi Bank, Emirates NBD, Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank, Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank, and WIO Bank, collectively representing over AED 40 billion in commitments aimed at bolstering the UAE’s industrial landscape. These agreements are designed to facilitate tailored financial solutions that will empower small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and stimulate investment in advanced technologies. This aligns seamlessly with the UAE’s wider national strategy to create a diversified and knowledge-based economy driven by innovation.
His Excellency Omar Al Suwaidi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology, noted the importance of these agreements in enhancing financial access for the industrial sector. “These innovative financing solutions are designed to enable sustainable industrial growth, aligned with the UAE’s vision of a diversified, knowledge-based economy driven by innovation,” he stated. His comments reflect a growing recognition of SMEs as critical players in the national economic framework, capable of adopting advanced technologies and contributing significantly to the National Strategy for Industry and Advanced Technology.
The financial backing from national banks comes amid a broader industrial strategy that includes AED 23 billion in guaranteed procurement opportunities, enhancing the total to AED 143 billion for over 2,000 products. This comprehensive approach not only aims to boost manufacturing capabilities, but also reinforces the economic resilience of the region. As part of the strategy, AED 370 million will be directed towards supporting AI innovation programmes tailored for technology startups, further amplifying the UAE’s commitment to fostering a robust industrial ecosystem.
Recent data highlights the substantial role that bank financing has played in energising the industrial sector. In just the first nine months of 2024, banks in the UAE injected approximately AED 5.5 billion into the manufacturing sector, which is integral to the goals of the “Operation 300 Billion” initiative that seeks to further diversify and strengthen the national economy.
Prominent financial leaders expressed their backing for the initiative, with the group CEO of Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank, Mohammed Abdelbary, emphasising his institution’s commitment to fostering growth within the industrial and SME sectors through ethical, Sharia-compliant financing. He remarked on the importance of aligning financial strategies with national development priorities. Meanwhile, Hana Al Rostamani, group CEO of First Abu Dhabi Bank, reiterated the bank’s dedication to advancing the UAE’s industrial development through a renewed commitment of AED 5 billion, characterising this partnership as a vital factor in ensuring the growth of a competitive industrial ecosystem.
Additionally, Jayesh Patel, CEO of Wio Bank, highlighted the role of digital banking in transforming the industrial landscape. He noted plans to extend up to AED 1 billion in working capital to eligible businesses, emphasising the need for smarter access to financial services that will underpin the UAE’s economic transformation.
The importance of this initiative cannot be overstated. With the industrial sector identified as a cornerstone of sustainable economic growth, it has the potential to significantly impact the UAE’s development trajectory. The National In-Country Value (ICV) Programme, which has redirected over AED 73 billion into the UAE economy, stands testament to this commitment. This programme has not only fostered growth among industrial and service companies but has also created substantial employment opportunities, with over 19,000 Emiratis now working for certified private sector firms.
As the UAE continues to develop its industrial capabilities, the collective efforts from both government and financial sectors highlight a strategic vision dedicated to creating a sustainable and diversified economic future. This dual focus on innovation and investment serves not only to enhance the competitiveness of the UAE on a global scale, but also to solidify its status as a premier hub for advanced manufacturing and industry.
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Source: Noah Wire Services
- https://economymiddleeast.com/news/make-it-in-the-emirates-uae-launches-aed-40-billion-financing-initiative-to-power-industrial-innovation/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=make-it-in-the-emirates-uae-launches-aed-40-billion-financing-initiative-to-power-industrial-innovation – Please view link – unable to able to access data
- https://www.khaleejtimes.com/uae/dh40-billion-incentives-investment-opportunities-how-uae-aims-to-boost-industrial-sector – The UAE has announced over Dh40 billion in incentives and initiatives to boost its industrial sector. This includes an additional Dh23 billion in guaranteed procurement opportunities, bringing the total to Dh143 billion for over 2,000 products. The initiatives also involve new industrial projects worth Dh20 billion, co-lending financial solutions of Dh1 billion, and competitive electricity tariffs in the northern Emirates. Additionally, Dh370 million will be allocated to support AI innovation programs for technology startups. These efforts aim to enhance the UAE’s industrial ecosystem, create investment opportunities, and strengthen economic resilience. ([khaleejtimes.com](https://www.khaleejtimes.com/uae/dh40-billion-incentives-investment-opportunities-how-uae-aims-to-boost-industrial-sector?utm_source=openai))
- https://www.khaleejtimes.com/business/robust-bank-financing-spurs-uae-industrial-sector-growth – The UAE’s industrial sector has experienced significant growth, supported by robust financing from both governmental and private entities. In the first nine months of 2024, banks operating in the UAE injected Dh5.537 billion into the manufacturing sector. This financial backing is crucial for driving industrial growth and achieving the objectives outlined in the “Operation 300 Billion” initiative, which aims to diversify and strengthen the national economy. ([khaleejtimes.com](https://www.khaleejtimes.com/business/robust-bank-financing-spurs-uae-industrial-sector-growth?utm_source=openai))
- https://www.moiat.gov.ae/en/media-center/news/2025/01/02/cornerstone-of-sustainable-economic-growth – The UAE’s industrial sector is a cornerstone of sustainable economic growth, with the National In-Country Value (ICV) Programme redirecting over AED 73 billion in corporate spending into the national economy as of Q3 2024. This initiative has fostered growth and integration among industrial and service companies while creating social impact, with over 19,000 Emiratis employed in private sector companies certified by the programme. ([moiat.gov.ae](https://www.moiat.gov.ae/en/media-center/news/2025/01/02/cornerstone-of-sustainable-economic-growth?utm_source=openai))
- https://www.edb.gov.ae/posts/edb-commits-aed-5-billion-to-propel-uaes-manufacturing-sector-during-make-it-in-the-emirates-forum – Emirates Development Bank (EDB) has committed AED 5 billion in financing for 2024 to accelerate the growth of the UAE’s manufacturing sector, aligning with the UAE Industrial Development Strategy. This financing aims to drive advancements in technology adoption, economic resilience, and diversification, supporting the nation’s vision for a sustainable and diversified economic future. ([edb.gov.ae](https://edb.gov.ae/posts/edb-commits-aed-5-billion-to-propel-uaes-manufacturing-sector-during-make-it-in-the-emirates-forum?utm_source=openai))
- https://www.moiat.gov.ae/en/media-center/news/2025/01/02/cornerstone-of-sustainable-economic-growth – The UAE’s industrial sector is a cornerstone of sustainable economic growth, with the National In-Country Value (ICV) Programme redirecting over AED 73 billion in corporate spending into the national economy as of Q3 2024. This initiative has fostered growth and integration among industrial and service companies while creating social impact, with over 19,000 Emiratis employed in private sector companies certified by the programme. ([moiat.gov.ae](https://www.moiat.gov.ae/en/media-center/news/2025/01/02/cornerstone-of-sustainable-economic-growth?utm_source=openai))
- https://www.edb.gov.ae/posts/edb-commits-aed-5-billion-to-propel-uaes-manufacturing-sector-during-make-it-in-the-emirates-forum – Emirates Development Bank (EDB) has committed AED 5 billion in financing for 2024 to accelerate the growth of the UAE’s manufacturing sector, aligning with the UAE Industrial Development Strategy. This financing aims to drive advancements in technology adoption, economic resilience, and diversification, supporting the nation’s vision for a sustainable and diversified economic future. ([edb.gov.ae](https://edb.gov.ae/posts/edb-commits-aed-5-billion-to-propel-uaes-manufacturing-sector-during-make-it-in-the-emirates-forum?utm_source=openai))
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:
9
Notes:
The narrative references current leadership and recent data from 2024, including bank financing figures and ongoing UAE initiatives, indicating the information is up to date. No indication that the information is recycled or based on outdated announcements. The mention of new MoUs and recent funding commitments suggest original recent reporting rather than recycled content.
Quotes check
Score:
7
Notes:
Several direct quotes are included from prominent officials such as H.E. Omar Al Suwaidi and CEOs of major banks. These quotes likely originate from the event marking the MoUs signing, and no earlier source was found, suggesting the quotes are fresh and original. The lack of prior references online increases confidence that these are primary-source statements.
Source reliability
Score:
8
Notes:
The narrative comes from Economy Middle East, a regional publication focused on economic and industrial developments in the Gulf. While not a global mainstream outlet, it is recognised for business news in the region and regularly covers UAE economic policies, lending moderate to high reliability. No explicit signs of bias or questionable sourcing were observed.
Plausability check
Score:
9
Notes:
The claims align with known UAE economic diversification goals, recent government industrial strategies, and typical bank financing activities in the region. The figures and strategic priorities are consistent with publicly announced national programmes, supporting the plausibility of the initiative and financial commitments described.
Overall assessment
Verdict (FAIL, OPEN, PASS): PASS
Confidence (LOW, MEDIUM, HIGH): HIGH
Summary:
The narrative presents a fresh and plausible account of a major UAE industrial financing initiative with original quotes from key stakeholders. It is sourced from a credible regional economic outlet and aligns with recent government policies and data from 2024. No evidence of outdated material or recycled reporting was detected.
