Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan has attended the fifth edition of the Make it in the Emirates forum, underscoring the UAE’s deepening commitment to industrial transformation and economic diversification as the annual event continues to grow into one of the world’s most significant manufacturing and innovation gatherings.
The forum, running at ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi through 7 May 2026, is hosted by the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology 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 “Advanced Industry. Emerging Stronger.”
Sheikh Khaled toured a wide-ranging exhibition spanning national and international pavilions, where he reviewed cutting-edge technological solutions and advanced innovations designed to accelerate industrial transformation across vital economic sectors. The Crown Prince examined flagship projects presented by UAE companies working to strengthen the national industrial ecosystem and position the country as a leading regional and global manufacturing hub.
In remarks during the visit, Sheikh Khaled highlighted the growing role of the industrial sector as a cornerstone of sustainable development and a foundation for building a diversified, resilient national economy equipped to meet the demands of future industries. He stressed that public-private partnerships are a strategic engine for attracting investment and cultivating an innovative industrial environment capable of responding swiftly to technological change and converting national priorities into high-impact projects.
Sheikh Khaled also met with Emirati innovators competing in the Make it in the Emirates 2026 Startup Pitch Competition, engaging directly with entrepreneurs developing intelligent industrial solutions across areas including industrial robotics, autonomous systems and drones, industrial cybersecurity, and electric mobility. The exchange reflected Abu Dhabi’s broader push to position young Emirati talent at the forefront of the next industrial era.
Abu Dhabi has invested heavily in its industrial foundations over recent years, with the emirate emerging as a global destination for advanced manufacturing, clean energy, and technology-driven industries. The capital’s strategic location, world-class infrastructure, and business-friendly regulatory environment have attracted companies and investors from across the globe, reinforcing the UAE’s reputation as one of the fastest-growing industrial economies in the world.
Make it in the Emirates has grown significantly since its launch, becoming the region’s largest industrial gathering and a key platform for connecting decision-makers across the public and private sectors with entrepreneurs, investors, financial institutions, and industry experts. The forum spans priority economic fields including advanced manufacturing, energy, aviation and defence, pharmaceuticals, and smart mobility.
This year’s edition has drawn 1,245 exhibiting companies and more than 2,000 specialised exhibitors showcasing over 5,000 products. The programme features more than 50 panel discussions, dialogue sessions, and workshops, with small and medium-sized enterprises and entrepreneurs representing 61 per cent of total participants, reflecting the forum’s emphasis on nurturing grassroots industrial growth alongside large-scale investment.
Sheikh Khaled was joined during the visit by Sheikh Khalifa bin Tahnoon bin Mohammed Al Nahyan, Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Court; Dr Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, UAE Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology; Jassem Mohammed Bu Ataba Al Zaabi, Chairman of the Department of Finance Abu Dhabi; Mohamed Ali Al Shorafa, Chairman of the Department of Municipalities and Transport; Ahmed Tamim Al Kuttab, Chairman of the Department of Government Enablement Abu Dhabi; and Saif Saeed Ghobash, Secretary General of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council and Chairman of the Office of the Crown Prince.
Ewan is a reporter at the Foreign Policy Journal, primarily covering US current affairs and news related to NYSE-listed stocks. He has over two decades of experience in journalism and digital publishing.
