The Ministry of Investment of the UAE has launched a new advanced manufacturing whitepaper and introduced Atlas, a digital investment platform, during the Make it in the Emirates forum in Abu Dhabi.
Together, the two initiatives support the UAE’s plan to become a global hub for advanced manufacturing and technology-led industries.
The whitepaper, titled “UAE: A Snapshot of Manufacturing Excellence – Advancing into Future Industries,” was developed with the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology. It highlights the country’s industrial growth and investment opportunities.
At the event, Mohamed Hassan Alsuwaidi spoke about the UAE’s role as a reliable destination for global capital. He said investors now value stability, resilience, and long-term growth more than ever.
UAE manufacturing sector draws $33 billion in FDI
Alsuwaidi said the UAE attracted nearly $33 billion in manufacturing-related foreign direct investment between 2015 and 2024.
Today, manufacturing is the fifth-largest sector for FDI in the country. It represents 7% of the UAE’s total FDI stock.
The report also showed strong investor confidence in the sector. During the decade, the UAE secured 251 manufacturing-related projects. These investments created an estimated 38,684 jobs.
The United States, the United Kingdom, India, Germany, and China ranked among the top source countries for manufacturing investments.
In addition, Alsuwaidi said the UAE continues to benefit from world-class infrastructure, efficient logistics, and business-friendly policies.
UAE expands focus on advanced industries
The whitepaper outlines the UAE’s shift from a traditional industrial base to a high-value manufacturing economy.
Key sectors now include pharmaceuticals, machinery, chemicals, renewable energy, hydrogen, food processing, and space technology.
At the same time, the UAE is increasing the use of Industry 4.0 technologies across factories and industrial facilities.
Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber said manufacturing has become a strategic priority for the country.
He added that stronger industrial capabilities will improve supply chains, increase competitiveness, and support sustainable growth.
The report also noted that the UAE’s industrial exports rose 25% in 2025 to AED 262 billion. Meanwhile, medium- and high-tech exports reached AED 92 billion. As a result, the UAE exceeded its 2031 export target six years ahead of schedule.
Operation 300 Billion target reaches major milestone
The report highlighted progress under the UAE’s Operation 300 Billion strategy. The programme aims to increase the manufacturing sector’s contribution to GDP to AED 300 billion by 2031.
Officials said the country has already achieved 63% of that target.
Furthermore, national programmes such as Make it in the Emirates, the National In-Country Value Program, and the Technology Transformation Program continue to support industrial growth.
These initiatives encourage local production, technology adoption, and integration into global supply chains.
Atlas platform offers real-time investment insights
Alongside the whitepaper, the Ministry of Investment launched Atlas, a geospatial platform designed for global investors.
The platform gives users access to real-time investment data through interactive maps and analytics tools. Investors can explore sectors, track projects, compare regions, and filter opportunities by country or free zone.
Moreover, officials said Atlas will improve transparency and simplify investment decisions.
The Ministry added that the platform will help investors identify high-growth sectors and emerging industrial clusters across the UAE.
Together, the new whitepaper and Atlas platform strengthen the UAE’s push to attract international investment and accelerate industrial development.
