In line with the UAE’s industrial strategy, the platform brings together advanced technology, national ambition and practical implementation. It supports the growth of local industry, deepens industrial value chains and empowers companies of all sizes to manufacture, scale and export from the UAE.
Fostering industrial growth and innovation
Abu Dhabi will host the fifth edition of the Make it in the Emirates 2026 forum and exhibition from 4 to 7 May 2026 at ADNEC Center Abu Dhabi – its biggest edition to date.
The platform aims to advance industrial transformation and support the “Operation 300 Billion” initiative by showcasing investment opportunities to localize more than 5,000 products, with participation from over 1,000 exhibitors in 12 advanced industrial sectors.
Main points
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Participation rate: The biggest edition yet, with over 1,162 exhibitors – an increase of 42% compared to the previous year – on 88,000 square meters.
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Industrial focus: It covers 12 vital sectors, including food, pharmaceuticals, defence, advanced technology and artificial intelligence, and future energy.
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Investment Opportunities: Pre-procurement agreements exceeding AED 168 billion are aimed at developing local supply chains.
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Beginnings: Dedicated support through the Make it in the Emirates startup platform and competition to showcase innovative technology solutions.
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Organizers: Organized by the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology, in collaboration with ADNEC Group, ADNOC and the Abu Dhabi Investment Office.
To participate or register to participate, visit the official ‘Make it in the Emirates 2026’ website.
Industrial Sustainability and Supply Chain Continuity Forum
Last week, the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology hosted the “Supply Chain Continuity and Industrial Resilience Forum” in Abu Dhabi, with high-level participation from ministries, relevant entities, industry leaders, experts and CEOs.
The forum was held as part of ongoing preparations for the fifth edition of Make it in the Emirates, which will take place from 4 to 7 May 2026 at ADNEC Center Abu Dhabi. The event is organized by the Ministry and organized by ADNEC Group, a subsidiary of Modon, in collaboration with the Ministry of Culture, the Abu Dhabi Investment Office and ADNOC Group.
Over five years, the platform has embodied sustained efforts to develop and modernize the industrial sector in line with a well-defined national industrial strategy – laying strong foundations that enable the UAE to navigate global trade changes and transform challenges into opportunities that enhance competitiveness.
Participation in startups
Does your startup have innovative technologies and advanced solutions to showcase on a leading industry platform?
Make it in the Emirates 2026 is your gateway to growth, offering startups two major participation tracks, direct engagement with industry leaders, strategic exposure and opportunities to accelerate expansion.
Explore the options below and apply to the track that best matches your ambitions:
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Initial Platform 2026: Connect with industry leaders, explore collaboration opportunities and become part of a dynamic innovation ecosystem…
The startup platform at Make it in the Emirates 2026 serves as a dedicated hub to showcase startups, innovators and entrepreneurs across the UAE. The platform supports the mission of the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology by strengthening the national industrial ecosystem—by highlighting innovation, enabling commercial opportunities and unlocking investment prospects for companies and individuals that contribute to the objectives of the National Strategy for Industry and Advanced Technology and the Make it in the Emirates initiative.
Features of the platform
The platform enables startups and innovators to:
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Present products, technologies and prototypes to strategic partners, investors and industry leaders.
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Connect with buyers, enablers and government entities to explore pilot opportunities, partnerships and expansion.
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Attend workshops, founder sessions and tailored events designed to support growth and increase readiness.
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Access an integrated ecosystem that brings together startups, innovators, academics, investors, incubators and industrial partners.
Eligibility criteria
Applications are open for:
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Startups registered in the United Arab Emirates (holding a valid commercial or industrial license), or
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Individual student innovators in the UAE (required to present an Emirates ID and student ID).
Advanced projects or innovations must align with and support the UAE’s industrial and technological priorities, including but not limited to:
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Advanced and emerging technologies (such as artificial intelligence, robotics, automation and Industry 4.0)
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Sustainability, circular economy solutions and environmentally friendly materials
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Product design, prototyping or patented inventions
Categories of participation
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strands
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Individuals (Students)
Do it in the Emirates Startup Competition
Submit your ideas, compete for recognition and gain exposure among investors, large companies and relevant government entities…. The Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology invites startups to participate in the “Make it in the Emirates 2026” competition to showcase their solutions and technologies, with a focus on driving innovation in smart manufacturing.
This competition is open to international and local startups.
Technology focus areas
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Electric mobility and batteries
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Autonomous systems and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs)
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Industrial robotics
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Digital twin and smart manufacturing
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Industrial cyber security
Evaluation criteria
Entries will be evaluated based on:
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Innovative solutions: Demonstrating new and unique approaches to addressing key challenges.
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Scalability: Introducing business models capable of growth and adaptation to market demands.
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Durability: Contribution to environmental, social or economic sustainability.
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Market expansion potential: Evidence of clear demand in target markets.
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Competitive advantage: Delivering strong and differentiated value propositions that reinforce market position.
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Economic contribution: Alignment with national agendas and support of strategic priorities.
Eligibility requirements
Applicants must be startups operating between Technology Readiness Levels (TRL) 3–9, with proven visions and directions that demonstrate real-world applicability and strong scalability potential. The proposed solutions should be based on artificial intelligence technologies.
1,162 exhibitors in 88,000 square meters
The Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology has announced the agenda for the fifth edition of “Make it in the Emirates 2026”, the biggest since the launch of the platform. The event will feature 1,162 exhibitors – a 61% increase over last year – across 88,000 square metres, reflecting a 30% increase in exhibition space.
Small and medium-sized enterprises account for approximately 60% of participating companies, underscoring the platform’s key role in empowering this vital sector and increasing the resilience of the industrial ecosystem.
