'Make it in the Emirates' Forum examines UAE's potential for becoming a global industrial hub
The first day of the ''Make it in the Emirates'' Forum, which began yesterday , spotlighted the UAE's industrial capabilities, advantages and enablers that it offers manufacturers, in addition to the world-class logistics and communication infrastructure and facilities that support the industrial sector to be globally competitive and position the UAE as a global manufacturing hub.
This came during a session entitled ‘Why Make it in the Emirates?', which saw the participation of Humaid Mohammed bin Salem, Secretary-General of the Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry in the UAE; Sameh Al Qubaisi, Director-General of Economic Affairs at Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED); Captain Mohamed Juma Al Shamsi, Managing Director and CEO of Abu Dhabi Ports Group; Ahmed Al Naqbi, CEO of Emirates Development Bank, ADDED; Saud Abu Al Shawareb, Manager Director of Dubai Industrial City, and Rola Abu Manneh, CEO of Standard Chartered Bank in the UAE.
In a session entitled 'Industrial Opportunities: Building Resilience', participants discussed the exceptional resilience of the UAE’s economy and supply chains.
The sessions also discussed various opportunities in technology, hydrogen, petrochemicals and renewable energy, which supported the UAE's rise as a global hub for clean energy, having completed the construction of leading solar power plants. The oil and gas sector in the UAE has provided unparalleled opportunities for innovation in the field of clean energy, making the country a major driver of the global energy transition.
The session featured Tareq Abdul Rahim Al Hosani, CEO of Tawazun Economic Council, Faisal Al Bannai, Executive Chairman of the Board of EDGE Group, Abdel Nasser Ibrahim bin Kalban, CEO of Emirates Global Aluminium, and Farhan Malik, CEO of Pure Health, Ismail Ali Abdulla, CEO of Strata Manufacturing, and Khalifa Al Shamsi, CEO of Etisalat - Consumer Digital Services.
The third session, titled 'Industrial Growth', examined how leading national companies are boosting industrial growth and localizing supply chains. The session showcased current and future opportunities within the industrial sector.
Participants also debated how the energy sector, alongside other sectors, contribute to the UAE’s economic diversification, creating new opportunities. Panelists explored the In-Country Value Program's key role in bolstering industrial efforts and discussed steps the UAE has taken to enhance the adoption of technology across the sector.
Jasim Thabet, CEO and Managing Director of the Abu Dhabi National Energy Company (TAQA) participated in the third session, along with Khaleefa Al Muhairi, Acting CEO of Ta'ziz, Adel Abdullah Al- Breiki, CEO of Aldar, and Abdel Moneim Al Kindi, Director of Exploration, Development and Production at ADNOC.
Entitled ‘Manufacturers' Outlook’, the fourth and final panel witnessed a discussion between industry leaders on the UAE’s industrial expertise and its position as a hub for large global corporations, SMEs, and local companies.
During the session, attendees heard about manufacturers' positive experiences in the country, especially regarding access to financing and important global markets.
Participants included Widad Haddad, Vice President and General Manager of Emerson, Mitsuru Anisaki, General Manager of Al Gharbia Pipe Company, Thierry Conti, CEO of TechnipFMC, Fahad Al Mheiri, Deputy General Manager at Raytheon Emirates, Zaher Ibrahim, Corporate Vice President, Middle East and North Africa, Baker Hughes, and Masoud Ahmed Al Masoud, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Al Masaood Group.
News Source: Emirates News Agency