The “Made in UAE” forum and exhibition was launched today in an event that reflects the country’s accelerated approach to establishing itself as a global industrial hub based on technology and competitiveness, amid a global economy facing complex challenges and rising geopolitical tensions.

During the opening statement, Sultan Al Jaber, CEO of Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC), emphasized that the UAE’s decision to withdraw from the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and the OPEC+ alliance led by Saudi Arabia “is not directed against anyone.”

"Made in UAE 2026" launches today: A strategic engine to reshape opportunities

Al Jaber, who also serves as the UAE Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology, stated that the UAE’s sovereign decision to reposition in the global energy system and exit OPEC and OPEC+ “is not directed against anyone.”

He continued, “This is a strategic and well-considered decision reflecting our capabilities and confidence in our ability to build a more diversified economy, and our ambition for a better future.”

Al Jaber clarified that this decision “serves our national interests and long-term strategic goals,” after the UAE faced an intensive campaign of Iranian strikes targeting infrastructure and oil facilities during the war that began with U.S. Israeli strikes on Tehran on February 28.

Al Jaber added that the UAE’s decision “aligns with our industrial, economic, and developmental ambitions, enabling us to accelerate investments, expand, and create value, because strength is not in the abundance of resources, but in how they are utilized to create value and serve the nation.”

In a panel discussion during the “Made in UAE 2026” conference and exhibition, UAE Minister of Energy Mohamed Al Mazrouei said, “We are working on developing our industrial base. The UAE will remain a responsible oil producer.”

He continued, “We will work with many countries in OPEC and OPEC+ on a bilateral basis, and no party should be allowed to control the Strait of Hormuz.”

Faisal Abdulaziz Al Bannai, Secretary General of the UAE Advanced Technology Research Council, said, “We have self-sufficiency in air defense equipment to intercept drones. We will work on increasing the manufacturing of defense capabilities in the UAE.”

UAE Minister of State for Foreign Trade Thani Al Zeyoudi explained, “We have seen significant growth in the UAE over the past years. We have partnerships with several countries to develop local production within the UAE, and infrastructure projects will be a priority in the upcoming phase.”

The forum is gaining increasing importance after its role has gone beyond being a showcase platform to become a strategic tool for driving local manufacturing, enhancing supply chain resilience, and building a more diversified and sustainable economy.

The goals of the current session reflect the widening scope of influence, with an expectation of attracting about 140,000 visitors, including investors and decision makers, compared to 122,000 in the previous edition, along with the participation of more than 1,100 exhibitors and partners across 12 industrial sectors.

The event also aims to localize the manufacturing of about 5,000 products, compared to 4,800 previously, while providing more than 1,500 job opportunities for citizens in the industrial sector.

This momentum enhances the ability of national products to expand regionally and internationally by opening new export channels and building strategic partnerships, making the forum an integrated space that brings together investment opportunities and industrial aspirations.

The forum also cements its position as a platform that brings together industry leaders, investors, and policymakers to shape the future of industry, where the current session becomes a decision-making platform through the launch of qualitative initiatives such as the “Industry Museum,” “Intelligence Platform,” and “Quality Infrastructure Platform,” boosting innovation and strengthening the production base, according to the Abu Dhabi Media Office.