UAE launches $2.67 billion Abu Dhabi industrial strategy

His Highness Sheikh Khalid bin Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, member of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council and head of the Abu Dhabi Executive Office, launched the Abu Dhabi Industrial Strategy (ADIS) to consolidate the Emirate’s position as the most competitive industrial centre the region.

The Abu Dhabi government intends to invest $2.67 billion through six economic programs that seek to double the size of the manufacturing sector in Abu Dhabi to reach $45.84 billion by 2031 by enhancing the ease of doing business, supporting industrial financing, and attracting foreign direct investment.

The strategy will also create 13,600 skilled jobs, with a focus on Emirati talent, and boost Abu Dhabi’s trade with international markets, with a goal to increase Abu Dhabi’s non-oil exports by 143% to $47.65 billion by 2031.

A number of initiatives, including a new circular economy regulatory framework, as well as new green policies and incentives, will help continue Abu Dhabi’s transition towards a smart, circular economy, powered by an industrial sector that champions responsible production and consumption across waste management, parts supply, and manufacturing.

Comprehensive Industrial Strategy

Mohammed Ali Al Shorafa, chairman of the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED), said: “Abu Dhabi’s blueprint for a comprehensive industrial strategy is an ambitious vision that will guide the future of the emirate’s manufacturing sector, and shape a resilient and diversified economy for decades to come.”

In line with the UAE’s industrial strategy, Operation 300bn, our roadmap will create the ideal environment for businesses to emerge and grow. It addresses our ever-growing productivity goals, helps secure future investor opportunities, safeguards our human capital and boosts job creation, and enables us to pre-empt evolving market conditions and shifting trends.

“ADIS, which includes plans for a smart circular economy, catalyses value creation and ensures cost competitiveness. And with the combination of Abu Dhabi’s enabling public-private partner business ecosystem and investor-friendly regulations, we are ushering in a new era of economic growth,” he added.

While enhancing sustainability across the ecosystem in line with the UAE Net Zero by 2050 and the National Climate Change Strategy, the manufacturing industry’s ongoing evolution will be expedited by the integration of advanced Industry 4.0 technologies to spur growth, competitiveness and innovation.

The strategy’s initiatives will also advance the Emirate’s development into a global hub for future industries, with a focus on seven targeted manufacturing sectors: chemicals, machinery, electrical power, electrical equipment, transportation, agri-foods, and pharmaceuticals.

Alongside the launch of the strategy, several new industry partnerships were signed, with companies and organisations including MADE Competence Centre I4.0 (Italy), TÜV SÜD (Germany); ADNOC and National Oilwell Varco (NOV); and ADNOC and Ingenia Polymers.

Achieve Development

In his comments, Falah Mohammed Al Ahbabi, Chairman of the Department of Municipalities and Transport and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Ports Group, said: “ADIS is a major supporter of the great ambitions of the UAE towards developing tight economic strategies that effectively contribute to achieving development. economy and consolidating the state’s position within the global trade and industry sectors.”

He further said: “The initiative also reflects the vision of our wise leadership and its keenness to build a sustainable economy during the next decade, as building on the huge capabilities and innovative technologies owned by the state, in addition to advancing the development and diversification of the manufacturing sector, will have a great impact in achieving the goals of the next stage.”