meed-logo

line1 line2 line3
SIGN IN / REGISTER

The road ahead for UAE manufacturing

28 October 2022

This article is the first in a series that captures key highlights from the MEED-Mashreq Manufacturing Business Leaders Club held on 29 September in Dubai, discussing the way forward for UAE manufacturing and the role of Operation 300bn in advancing the sector.

Participants at the closed-door event included 30+ manufacturing stakeholders based in the UAE, such as the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology, Ducab and Global Food Industries.

Enabling a flourishing local industrial and manufacturing economy has long been a strategic priority for the UAE.

Since the formation of the federation, the country has successfully built its base in key focus sectors, including metals, petrochemicals, building materials, pharmaceuticals, and high-value downstream processing sectors.

But arguably, the challenges of recent years and the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic have driven home the need to further reduce reliance on imports and to enhance the UAE’s manufacturing competitiveness.

“Fundamentally, many of the things happening in the world are in favour of the UAE’s industries and present many opportunities for success,” said Abdullah Alshamsi, assistant undersecretary, Industry Growth Sector, Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology (MOIAT).

Speaking at the first MEED-Mashreq Manufacturing Business Leaders Club on 29 September, Alshamsi emphasised the UAE government’s seriousness to bolster its manufacturing sector.

“We have embarked on several changes to make the UAE a more attractive place to do business. Operation 300bn is one such example,” he said. “There is more to come, because industry has become a number one priority for our leadership.”

WATCH: Highlights from the MEED-Mashreq Manufacturing Business Leaders Club

Strategic focus

Introduced in March 2021 as the UAE’s national industrial strategy, Operation 300bn aims to expand the contribution of the sector to the GDP from AED133bn currently to AED300bn by 2031 – by no means an easy feat.

Spearheaded by the MOIAT, the programme will see a greater incorporation of advanced technologies, sustainability, and investments in talent to achieve the overarching goal.

The ministry is working closely with the Emirates Development Bank, which has allocated AED30bn to support priority industrial sectors and finance 13,500 large firms and SMEs over a period of five years.

The ministry is further introducing 17 initiatives – including a national in-country value programme, an updated industrial law, a unified digital platform, and establishing an ecosystem for research and development.

More specifically, the programme will target both established industrial sectors in the UAE, such as plastics, metals and petrochemicals, as well as industries of the future including aerospace and biotechnology; and strategic sectors such as food and healthcare.

“Some of the things we are doing through Operation 300bn include the opening of new markets, made possible through the free trade agreements signed with India, Indonesia and Israel recently,” said Alshamsi. “The UAE’s industries can build on this competitive advantage and enter high-growth markets.”

A crucial part of the programme is ensuring its reputation precedes itself. One way the MOIAT is doing this is through the ‘Make It in The Emirates’ campaign, a comprehensive promotional strategy that invites contributions from investors, innovators and developers to Operation 300bn, and highlights the strengths of the programme.

“The government is open to hearing from industries and to learn how we can make business better,” said Alshamsi. “Open dialogue will help us achieve our goals and ambitions.”

The national in-country value (ICV) scheme meanwhile aims to boost the growth of UAE-based industries by redirecting half of government spending on procurements and tender contracts into the national economy by 2031. In 2021, it redirected more than AED41bn of spend into the national economy.

A concern, however, raised by representatives at the Business Leaders Club is that the ICV scheme hasn’t fully created a level-playing field in many cases because the cheapest bid still wins.

“What you’ve seen of ICV so far was just the first phase,” said Alshamsi. “In the next phase, we’ll relaunch it as ICV, which we hope will be more aggressive and impactful, and will address concerns currently raised by industry players.”

By 2025, the ICV scheme aims to increase the number of ICV-certified companies and spend towards Emirati products and services to AED55bn, from AED33bn in 2020.

Making a case

A question to be raised is – why manufacturing?

Since the oil price crash of 2015-2016, the UAE has increased its efforts to counter economic fluctuations by reducing dependence on oil export revenues.

Manufacturing and industrial growth was quickly recognised as a growth driver. As a sector with easy links to several others – skills, transport, research, services – manufacturing supports a broader segment of the economy.

With the rise of Industry 4.0, manufacturing is benefitting from advancement in technology and innovation, areas that the UAE readily compliments with its own strategic visions.

Several factors are already working in favour of the UAE, many of which have been introduced in recent years. These include 100 per cent foreign ownership of specific businesses; favourable tax environment; long-term visa reforms; dual licensing; and a complementary legal system.

Further supporting the business environment is overall political stability; positive credit outlook; favourable bilateral relations and free trade agreements; and strong infrastructure in areas such as transport, logistics and telecommunications.

But that does not mean the manufacturing landscape is bereft of challenges. Rising competition in the region, especially from neighbouring GCC states has meant that manufacturers in the UAE’s ‘open waters’ have had to reassess their strategic priorities.

At the same time, macroeconomic challenges such as inflation, supply chain delays, rising commodity prices and surging fuel rates are hurting producers and their margins.

“Moving forward, the UAE manufacturing industry can differentiate itself from regional players by being recognised for sustainability, quality and advanced technology,” said Alshamsi. “It’s something in our DNA, something so many other countries lack. This can become a true differentiator for us.”

https://image.digitalinsightresearch.in/uploads/NewsArticle/10141933/main2159.jpg
Mehak Srivastava

Register for MEED's guest program now to access this article.

Click here to register
Exclusive from Meed
Related Articles
  • Jordan starts international stadium construction works

    18 June 2026

    Register for MEED’s 14-day trial access 

    Jordan has started preliminary excavation and site preparation work at its Al-Hussein Bin Abdullah II International Stadium, located east of the capital city of Amman.

    The project is part of the first phase of the Amra City development master plan.

    The development is being implemented by Jordan Cities & Facilities Development Company, a Jordan Investment Fund-owned company.

    The main works are expected to begin early next year, with the stadium slated for completion in 2029.

    The project will cover an area of about 1 million square metres and the stadium will have a capacity of 50,000 spectators.

    The stadium is being built within the Amra City development, which is located about 40 kilometres (km) from downtown Amman and 35km from Zarqa City and Queen Alia International airport.

    The project forms part of Jordan's Economic Modernisation Vision (EMV) 2023-25.

    The EMV – Amman’s flagship reform programme – aims to increase real income per capita by an average of 3% annually, create 1 million jobs, and more than double the country’s GDP over the next decade.

    The strategy envisages a leading role for the private sector, which is expected to account for 73% of the estimated $58.8bn investment required.

    To achieve these targets, a substantial pipeline of public-private partnership (PPP) projects is planned in sectors including water desalination, school construction, clean energy, green hydrogen, transport and road infrastructure.

    Last year, the PPP unit at the Investment Ministry said it was targeting seven key PPP projects in 2025.

    READ THE JUNE 2026 MEED BUSINESS REVIEW – click here to view PDF

    GCC looks beyond the Strait; Iraq’s reform window narrows as fiscal assumptions shatter; MEED Top 100 companies.

    Distributed to senior decision-makers in the region and around the world, the June 2026 edition of MEED Business Review includes:
    To see previous issues of MEED Business Review, please click here
    https://image.digitalinsightresearch.in/uploads/NewsArticle/17325757/main.png
    Yasir Iqbal
  • Chinese firms win $506m Saudi housing project deals

    18 June 2026

    Register for MEED’s 14-day trial access 

    Saudi Arabia’s Municipalities & Housing Ministry has awarded contracts worth over SR1.9bn ($506m) to Chinese contractors for two residential developments in the kingdom.

    The first contract has been awarded to China Architectural Construction Corporation for the construction of 2,010 housing units at the Al-Ruba residential project in Riyadh. The contract value is SR875m ($233m).

    The other contract has been awarded to China State Construction Engineering Corporation for the Al-Rasha Al-Faisaliah residential project in Dammam. The project comprises 2,426 housing units, and the contract value is over SR1bn ($266m).

    The contracts were announced during the official visit of Majed Al-Hogail, Saudi Municipalities & Housing Minister, to China, where he also signed six memorandums of understanding (MoUs) between Saudi and Chinese firms. The MoUs aim to accelerate housing development, localise advanced construction technologies and enhance public-private sector collaboration.

    MEED reported in 2020 that Riyadh planned to oversee the development of more than 1 million homes by 2025 to meet growing demand in the kingdom.

    By 2030, the Saudi capital aims to more than double its population, from 7-8 million to 15-20 million, and to become one of the 10 wealthiest cities in the world.

    READ THE JUNE 2026 MEED BUSINESS REVIEW – click here to view PDF

    GCC looks beyond the Strait; Iraq’s reform window narrows as fiscal assumptions shatter; MEED Top 100 companies.

    Distributed to senior decision-makers in the region and around the world, the June 2026 edition of MEED Business Review includes:
    To see previous issues of MEED Business Review, please click here
    https://image.digitalinsightresearch.in/uploads/NewsArticle/17322994/main.png
    Yasir Iqbal
  • Diriyah awards $727m Waldorf Astoria superblock deal

    17 June 2026

     

    Saudi gigaproject developer Diriyah Company has awarded a SR2.7bn ($727m) contract for the main construction works on the development’s Waldorf Astoria superblock.

    The contract was awarded to the joint venture of Hassan Allam Construction Saudi and UCC Saudi, the local branch of Qatar’s Urbacon Holding.

    The Waldorf Astoria superblock is a mixed-use development comprising a Waldorf Astoria hotel, Waldorf Astoria-branded residences, commercial and residential facilities, and office space.

    The Waldorf Astoria hotel will feature 200 keys, while the residential component will comprise 47 branded residences.

    The project is located on the Grand Boulevard South and Northern Arterial Road in the Boulevard Northwestern district at Diriyah Gate 2. 

    Diriyah Company tendered the contract in November last year, with submissions due in January, as MEED reported.

    Diriyah Company Group CEO Jerry Inzerillo said: “We are delighted to announce this latest major construction contract for the Waldorf Astoria superblock as we continue to progress at pace across the Diriyah development area. The Waldorf Astoria will be a world-class addition to our growing portfolio of globally renowned hospitality brands, further strengthening Diriyah’s appeal as a globally significant destination that offers world-class hospitality and lifestyle experiences.

    “Together with our partners, we look forward to delivering another landmark development that supports the kingdom’s Vision 2030 ambitions and contributes to the continued growth and success of Diriyah.”

    Hassan Allam, chairman and CEO of Hassan Allam Holding, said: “We are proud to support the development of one of the kingdom’s most ambitious and transformative destinations and to continue our partnership with Diriyah Company in bringing its vision to life.

    “Drawing on more than 90 years of experience across the Mena region, we remain committed to delivering the highest standards of quality and excellence on landmark projects that are helping shape the kingdom’s future.”

    Ramez Al-Khayyat, UCC Holding president and group CEO, said: “Being awarded this contract by Diriyah Company marks another important milestone in our growing partnership and reinforces our shared commitment to delivering world-class developments across the kingdom. This project builds on our ongoing collaboration in Diriyah, including the delivery of four luxury hotels and the Royal Diriyah Equestrian and Polo Club in Wadi Safar.

    “We value the opportunity to contribute once again to one of Saudi Arabia’s most ambitious and prestigious urban development destinations, supporting the vision of creating a world-class cultural, hospitality and lifestyle hub.”

    The latest award follows Diriyah Company’s award of an estimated SR730m ($195m) construction contract for civic quarter buildings within the Diriyah development to local contractor Al-Rashid Trading & Contracting Company (RTCC).

    In April, Diriyah announced a SR1.84bn ($490m) construction contract to build the Saudi Arabia Museum of Contemporary Art (SAMoCA) within the Diriyah development. The contract was awarded to a consortium of Egyptian contractor Hassan Allam Construction Saudi and Saudi Arabia’s Albawani.

    In March, Diriyah Company awarded an estimated SR2.5bn ($666m) contract to build the Pendry superblock in the DG2 area.

    The Pendry superblock includes the construction of the Pendry Hotel alongside residential and commercial assets. The package will cover 75,365 square metres and is located in the northwestern district of the DG2 area.

    The previous month, Diriyah Company also awarded a SR717m ($192m) contract for the construction of the One Hotel, located in the Diriyah Two area of the masterplan, with a gross floor area of more than 31,000 sq m.

    The Diriyah masterplan envisages the city as a cultural and lifestyle tourism destination. Located northwest of Riyadh’s city centre, it will cover 14 square kilometres and combine 300 years of history, culture and heritage with hospitality facilities.

    https://image.digitalinsightresearch.in/uploads/NewsArticle/17287718/main.jpg
    Yasir Iqbal
  • AHS Properties acquires Shangri-La hotel for $300m

    17 June 2026

    Dubai-based real estate developer AHS Properties has announced the acquisition of the Shangri-La hotel for AED1.1bn ($300m), marking one of the largest single-asset real estate transactions in recent years.

    AHS Properties acquired the hotel from local firm Mismak Asset Management.

    The Shangri-La Hotel is a 43-storey, 200-metre tower located on Sheikh Zayed Road. Completed in 2003, it was among the first five-star hotels to open along the corridor.

    The acquisition expands AHS Properties’ portfolio, which includes AHS Tower, a Grade A commercial development on Sheikh Zayed Road, and AHS City, the company’s master-planned mixed-use community on the same corridor.

    In a statement, AHS Properties said that AHS Tower, AHS City and the Shangri-La hotel form a strategic “vertical corridor” platform, representing a significant portion of the company’s AED50bn development pipeline through the end of 2026.

    “The transaction reflects AHS Properties’ strategy of deploying capital into high-quality, supply-constrained assets,” the statement added.

    According to the Dubai Land Department, Dubai’s real estate sector recorded AED252bn in transactions in Q1 2026.

    https://image.digitalinsightresearch.in/uploads/NewsArticle/17310101/main.jpg
    Yasir Iqbal
  • UAE moves to clear the path for recovery

    17 June 2026

    Commentary
    Colin Foreman
    Editor

    More than three months after the conflict began to disrupt business across the Gulf, the UAE is moving to resolve the technical challenges that the economy faces as it shifts towards recovery.

    The insurance gap has been a key obstacle to the recovery of aviation and tourism. Several countries continue to maintain advisories against travel to the Gulf, making it difficult or impossible for visitors to obtain conventional cover for trips to or through the region. The concern is twofold: one, becoming stranded should hostilities resume, and two, not being able to secure medical insurance. Both Emirates and Etihad have now moved to address that directly, offering insurance to passengers flying to or through their respective home hubs. The Etihad scheme, backed by DCT Abu Dhabi and underwritten by Daman, will run from July to December and covers eligible visitors for up to 15 days.

    The second area of concern is real estate. Anecdotally, buyers in sectors economically exposed to the conflict have found it increasingly difficult to obtain mortgage financing, a problem that has become especially acute at the point of handover. The recently signed partnership between Dubai Holding Real Estate and Commercial Bank of Dubai is designed to ease that pressure. The programme opens financing from the 30% construction stage once buyers have met a 50% payment threshold, giving purchasers earlier visibility of their borrowing capacity and reducing uncertainty during the off-plan purchase process.

    Taken together, the two initiatives show that the UAE is proactively addressing the technical hurdles as and when they arise. As the recovery gathers momentum, more challenges will surface. The capacity and willingness to address them as they emerge will be crucial to a meaningful recovery.

    https://image.digitalinsightresearch.in/uploads/NewsArticle/17306586/main.jpg
    Colin Foreman