Make it in the Emirates 2026 opens in Abu Dhabi with 120,000 visitors expected and first-ever AI showcase unveiled.
ABU DHABI: Make it in the Emirates 2026 opens Monday as the UAE’s flagship industrial forum returns at record scale, bringing together global industry leaders, investors, and innovators under one roof. The fifth edition is set to welcome 120,000 visitors over four days at ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi, reinforcing the country’s expanding industrial ambitions.
Spanning 88,000 square metres, the event features around 1,200 exhibitors across 12 priority sectors including advanced manufacturing, aerospace, energy, pharmaceuticals, and sustainable materials. Organisers say the scale reflects the UAE’s rapid industrial growth, with industrial GDP rising by 70 percent since 2021 and exports exceeding AED 262 billion.
A key highlight of Make it in the Emirates 2026 is the introduction of four experiential hubs designed to move beyond traditional exhibitions. The Intelligence Hub, making its debut this year, focuses on artificial intelligence, robotics, drones, and smart manufacturing technologies, offering a hands-on look at industrial innovation.
Supporting entrepreneurship, the Industry NextGen Hub connects start-ups and SMEs with procurement opportunities through pitch sessions, investor meetings, and workshops. SMEs and start-ups now represent 61 percent of exhibitors, underlining their growing role in the sector.
The Quality Hub provides guidance on certification and standards, helping UAE-made products compete globally. Meanwhile, the House of Industry presents the country’s first immersive industrial heritage experience, showcasing its journey from early trade to advanced manufacturing.
As Make it in the Emirates 2026 unfolds, major deals are expected between government entities, global firms, and local businesses, alongside new initiatives from the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology to strengthen resilience and supply chains.
