UAE Expects 120,000 Visitors at Make it in the Emirates 2026

Make it in the Emirates 2026, the UAE’s flagship industrial platform, opens Monday in Abu Dhabi with record scale and ambition. Organisers expect over 120,000 visitors across four days.

The fifth edition signals a major step in the country’s push to build a future-ready industrial economy. It also reflects rising investor confidence and stronger global positioning.

Record Scale Underscores UAE’s Industrial Momentum

This year’s edition is the largest in the platform’s history. It features around 1,200 exhibitors spread across 88,000 square metres at ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi.

Moreover, the event spans 12 priority sectors. These include advanced manufacturing, aerospace, pharmaceuticals, energy, and mobility.

The timing is significant. The UAE’s industrial GDP has grown by 70% since 2021. At the same time, exports have more than doubled to AED 262 billion.

As a result, the platform continues to evolve from a networking forum into a deal-making and execution engine. Major agreements between government entities, global firms, and local businesses are expected during the week.

AI, Startups and Innovation Take Centre Stage

Notably, the 2026 edition introduces four new experiential hubs. These hubs aim to move beyond discussions and focus on real industrial capabilities.

Intelligence Hub: AI Meets Industry

The Intelligence Hub serves as the event’s technology core. It showcases AI, robotics, drones, electric vehicles, and smart manufacturing systems.

In addition, the hub highlights three streams: UAE-developed technologies, global innovations, and cross-border collaborations. This structure helps investors and buyers make faster, informed decisions.

Industry NextGen Hub: Boosting Startups

The Industry NextGen Hub supports startups, SMEs, and entrepreneurs. In fact, these groups account for 61% of exhibitors this year.

The hub offers pitch competitions, investor matchmaking, and direct access to procurement pipelines. Therefore, it creates a strong bridge between innovation and commercial scale.

Quality Hub: Driving Global Competitiveness

The Quality Hub focuses on standards and certifications. It helps UAE manufacturers meet global benchmarks. Consequently, it strengthens export readiness and international trust.

‘House of Industry’ Showcases UAE’s Industrial Heritage

For the first time, the event introduces the “House of Industry.” This immersive exhibition traces the UAE’s journey from early trade to advanced manufacturing.

Through film, timelines, and interactive displays, it connects industrial growth with national identity. As a result, it adds a cultural dimension to an otherwise business-focused platform.

Policy Push and ICV Programme Expansion

The Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology will unveil new initiatives during the event. These aim to strengthen industrial resilience and support businesses in a volatile global environment.

A key highlight is the next phase of the In-Country Value (ICV) Programme. So far, the initiative has redirected over AED 473 billion into the national economy.

Furthermore, the platform connects companies to more than AED 168 billion in procurement opportunities. It also supports the localisation of over 5,000 products.

Strategic Platform for UAE’s Economic Vision

The event is hosted by the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology in collaboration with the Abu Dhabi Investment Office and ADNOC, and organised by ADNEC Group.

Together, these entities position the platform as a key driver of the UAE’s long-term strategies, including “We the UAE 2031” and “UAE Centennial 2071.”

Ultimately, ‘Make it in the Emirates’ continues to act as a national engine. It brings together policymakers, investors, and manufacturers under one roof. More importantly, it turns industrial ambition into tangible output.