The Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology (MoIAT) has launched Factory Forward UAE, a national initiative bringing together the country's industrial technology transformation programmes under a single platform aimed at accelerating the adoption of advanced manufacturing tools.
The initiative supports the National Strategy for Industry and Advanced Technology by helping factories integrate Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) technologies more quickly. MoIAT said the move is designed to strengthen the UAE's industrial base, improve competitiveness and reinforce the country's position as a global hub for advanced industry and investment.
Factory Forward UAE guides manufacturers through every stage of technology adoption, from identifying their current capabilities to pinpointing where upgrades are needed. It connects businesses with technical experts, technology providers, financing partners and support programmes, while also sharing case studies of successful transformations to help companies apply proven solutions.
The platform consolidates efforts that have already reached more than 700 factories, including over 620 assessed through the Industrial Technology Transformation Index.
Dr Sultan Al Jaber, Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology, said the initiative reflects the UAE leadership's vision of building a competitive industrial sector through investment in people, skills and technology integration across the value chain. He noted that the ministry's focus remains on helping factories adopt advanced tools, including artificial intelligence, to boost productivity and efficiency.
"Factory Forward UAE builds on the ministry's work to accelerate technology adoption,"
Al Jaber said, adding that it will encourage more manufacturers to access available programmes and apply advanced technology in their operations.
The initiative is backed by a network of public and private partners across three categories: technology partners who assess operational readiness, enablement partners offering training and specialist advice, and financing partners providing access to funding for transformation projects.
News Source: Emirates News Agency
