Dubai is gearing up to make a significant impact at the upcoming Make it in the Emirates 2026 forum, showcasing its advanced manufacturing landscape. Scheduled for May 4–7 at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC), the event embodies the UAE’s commitment to a sustainable and innovative industrial ecosystem.

Showcasing Dubai’s Manufacturing Strengths

The Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) will represent the city’s sophisticated manufacturing infrastructure at the Dubai Pavilion. This participation underscores Dubai’s commitment to operational continuity and its resilience amid global challenges. Recently recording a remarkable GDP growth of 6.4% in Q4 2025, Dubai’s total GDP hit AED 937 billion for the entire year, showcasing robust economic momentum. This positive outlook is especially significant considering the ongoing global economic fluctuations.

This year’s forum adopts the theme “Advanced Industry: Emerging Stronger,” indicating a unified effort toward building a technology-driven industrial base supported by innovation and international partnerships. The DET’s representation is closely aligned with the Dubai Economic Agenda, known as D33, which aims to more than double manufacturing output by 2033. This ambitious initiative seeks to solidify Dubai’s reputation as a prime destination for substantial industrial investment.

Connecting Local and Global Markets

As one of the UAE’s premier industrial events, Make it in the Emirates serves as a vital platform bringing together government agencies, national champions, manufacturers, and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to foster collaboration. DET aims to position Dubai as a global hub for advanced manufacturing. Participants will discover how businesses here can access over 130 export destinations, facilitated by Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreements (CEPA) and expedited customs processes that guarantee smooth trade operations.

DET will assemble key organizations such as Dubai Industrial City, the National Industries Park, and the Dubai Integrated Economic Zones Authority (DIEZ) under the Dubai Pavilion. This collaboration aims to create an interactive environment where stakeholders can explore investment and partnership opportunities, driving the local manufacturing sector further.

Strategic Support for Manufacturers

Hadi Badri, CEO of the Dubai Economic Development Corporation (DEDC), highlighted the proactive measures taken by Dubai’s leadership to ensure growth and stability in the manufacturing sector. His insights reveal a well-diversified, tech-savvy, and integrated industrial landscape that continues to thrive despite regional uncertainties. Dubai is committed to reinforcing its value proposition through tailored incentive frameworks that attract new investments and encourage plant expansions.

In addition, the Dubai Pavilion will serve as a platform to underscore initiatives supporting industrial growth and export expansion. Key programs like the Export Assistance Programme (EAP) and the Elite Buyer Programme are designed to enhance Dubai’s appeal as a global sourcing destination. TECHNOLOGY-FOCUSED initiatives such as Industry 4.0 programs and In-Country Value (ICV) promotion will also be on display, emphasizing Dubai’s dedication to advancing manufacturing technologies and building local capacity.

The involvement of DET at this year’s Make it in the Emirates forum is not just about showcasing the emirate’s strengths; it’s also about reinforcing collaborations at a national level. By aligning efforts with the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology and other stakeholders, Dubai aspires to ensure coherent progress in accordance with the UAE’s overarching national strategy. Several partnerships with major entities in logistics and banking sectors are anticipated, reflecting confidence in Dubai’s industrial growth trajectory.

In summary, the 2026 Make it in the Emirates forum presents a crucial opportunity for Dubai to turn its D33 industrial aspirations into tangible results. As it continues to thrive as a leading industrial hub, Dubai’s engagement at this pivotal event promises to create lasting impacts for businesses in the emirate and beyond.