The UAE has exceeded its national employment target for Emiratis in the industrial and advanced technology sectors a full year ahead of schedule. More than 5,200 jobs have been created through the Industrialists Career Exhibition since the launch of the Make it in the Emirates initiative in 2023.
According to Hassan Al Nowais, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology (MoIAT), the milestone highlights the UAE’s strategy of linking industrial expansion with workforce development. As a result, industrial growth is creating long-term career opportunities for Emirati talent while supporting broader economic objectives.
Make it in the Emirates Drives Workforce Development
Speaking on the sidelines of the second day of the Industrialists Career Exhibition 2026, Al Nowais said the event has become a key implementation platform for both the Make it in the Emirates initiative and the National In-Country Value (ICV) Programme.
He explained that the exhibition helps connect industrial and technology companies with skilled Emirati job seekers. In addition, it enables businesses to transform industrial investment into sustainable, high-quality employment opportunities.
The exhibition also supports the UAE’s National Strategy for Industry and Advanced Technology. Through direct engagement between employers and candidates, the event promotes vocational guidance, career awareness, and professional development across strategic sectors.
More Than 4,500 Job Seekers Attend 2026 Exhibition
Participation increased significantly during the 2026 edition of the exhibition, reflecting growing confidence in the UAE’s industrial sector.
More than 4,500 job seekers attended the two-day event. Furthermore, the first day alone attracted over 1,800 participants and generated more than 7,300 job interviews.
The exhibition also led to the preliminary qualification of more than 800 Emirati candidates for employment opportunities. Meanwhile, over 1,000 vacancies were offered by more than 70 leading national companies.
These opportunities covered high-growth industries such as artificial intelligence, engineering, advanced manufacturing, clean energy, and industrial services.
Industrial Exports Surpass Dh262 Billion
Al Nowais said the UAE’s industrial sector continues to record strong growth across several key indicators.
Most notably, the sector’s contribution to national GDP has increased by approximately 70% since 2021. At the same time, industrial exports exceeded Dh262 billion in 2025.
He noted that these figures demonstrate the effectiveness of the UAE’s industrial policies. They also highlight the country’s ability to attract investment, strengthen manufacturing capabilities, and improve the competitiveness of UAE-made products in international markets.
Industrial Growth Supports UAE Economic Diversification
The latest figures underline the growing role of industry in the UAE’s economic diversification agenda.
As industrial investment accelerates, the government continues to focus on creating employment opportunities for Emiratis while expanding advanced manufacturing capabilities. Consequently, the sector is emerging as a major contributor to economic growth, export expansion, and national talent development.
The success of the Industrialists Career Exhibition demonstrates how the UAE is aligning industrial policy with human capital development to build a more resilient and competitive economy.
