Abu Dhabi is set to invest AED 10 billion ($2.7 billion) into six initiatives to more than double its manufacturing sector to AED172 billion.

The plans should generate 13,600 jobs and boost non-oil exports in the emirate to AED178.8 billion by 2031, according to officials, Zawya reports.

“The programmes include Talent Development, Ecosystem Enablement, Industry 4.0, Circular Economy, Homegrown Supply Chain and Value Chain Development,” stated Eng Arafat Al Yafei, Executive Director of the Industrial Development Bureau (IDB)

“One year after launching Abu Dhabi Industrial Strategy (ADIS), the number of new industrial licences grew by 16.6%, and total capital investments by manufacturers operating in the emirate have increased by AED12.42 billion to AED384.06 billion by the end of June 2023.”

Al Yafei went on to say during a workshop organised by the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology (MoIAT) and the Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ADCCI) in cooperation with the Industrial Development Bureau (IDB) of the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development: “We are focused to continue working closely with our strategic partners such as the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology and the Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry to raise awareness about programmes and incentives contributing to attracting talents and investments to benefit from ample opportunities in Abu Dhabi industrial sector.”

Furthermore, the ADCCI is focused on providing support to the business community and contributing to the industrial sector’s growth in Abu Dhabi, said the CEO of the Abu Dhabi Chamber, Ahmed Khalifa Al Qubaisi.

“This key sector is advancing steadily, especially following the launch of ADIS by Sheikh Khalid bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council, which aims to consolidate the Emirate’s position as the most competitive industrial hub in the region,” he commented.

In addition, Salama Al Awadhi, Director of the National In-Country Value (ICV) Programme at the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology, said of the initiatives: “Abu Dhabi is undergoing a successful industrial transformation in line with the Abu Dhabi Industrial Strategy, which reflects the emirate’s ambitions to advance the sector. This supports the industrial and technological business community by providing more incentives and opportunities. The ministry is committed to supporting this direction, which aligns with the UAE’s development goals.”