New opportunities aim to localize over 5,000 products as the UAE deepens its industrial strategy

The UAE is scaling up its industrial ambitions, announcing USD 49 billion (AED 180B) in new procurement opportunities as part of its ongoing effort to strengthen domestic manufacturing and economic resilience.

The announcement was made at the fifth edition of Make it in the Emirates, the country’s flagship industrial platform, where officials outlined plans to localize thousands of products across sectors tied to economic, food, and healthcare security.

Why You Should Care

The UAE is accelerating a broader shift toward building industrial capacity at home. The expansion of procurement opportunities signals a move to reduce reliance on imports while strengthening supply chain resilience in a period of regional and global uncertainty.

This push is also tied to long-term economic positioning. By directing spending into domestic manufacturing, the country is aiming to convert demand into local investment, job creation, and industrial growth.

The newly announced USD 49 billion (AED 180B) pipeline represents an increase from previously disclosed procurement opportunities and will be rolled out over the coming decade.

A key mechanism behind this growth has been the National In-Country Value (ICV) program, which channels government and corporate spending into domestic suppliers and manufacturers.

Alongside procurement expansion, new initiatives are being introduced to strengthen local supply chains. One example is the Local+ program, which connects contractors with Emirati manufacturers to increase participation in major projects.

Beyond industrial policy, the UAE is also positioning technology as a central pillar of its manufacturing future. Plans are underway to integrate artificial intelligence more deeply into factories, where it is expected to play a role in improving efficiency and supporting decision-making processes.

The Ripple

The scale of procurement and localization efforts is likely to create opportunities across multiple segments of the economy. Manufacturers, suppliers, and service providers stand to benefit from increased demand, while investors may find new entry points into industrial projects.

The strategy also reinforces the UAE’s positioning as a regional industrial hub, supported by infrastructure, logistics capabilities, and access to global markets.

At the same time, the emphasis on domestic investment signals a shift in capital allocation priorities, with greater focus on building local capacity rather than relying on external supply chains.

What to Watch

The next phase will depend on execution. Key indicators will include how quickly procurement opportunities translate into operational projects, the level of private sector participation, and progress in localizing targeted industries.

The integration of AI into industrial processes will also be an area to monitor, particularly in how it impacts productivity and competitiveness.

More broadly, the UAE’s approach reflects a longer-term strategy built around the intersection of energy, technology, and industry. These are sectors that are expected to shape its economic trajectory in the years ahead.