Dr. Sultan Al Jaber, UAE Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology, has underscored the critical importance of sustained investment in emerging industrial sectors, calling it a defining pillar of the nation’s long-term economic transformation. Speaking at a high-level government forum, he emphasized that the UAE’s next phase of growth will be shaped by industries that combine advanced technology, clean energy, and modern manufacturing capabilities.
Dr. Al Jaber noted that the UAE’s industrial sector has reached a pivotal moment, driven by rapid technological adoption and major national programs such as Operation 300bn, Make It in the Emirates, and the National Energy Strategy. These initiatives, he said, are positioning the UAE as a global hub for next-generation industries by enabling innovation, attracting new investments, and accelerating the transition to a knowledge-based economy.
He highlighted that emerging industries including clean hydrogen, advanced materials, autonomous mobility, aerospace manufacturing, biotech, and smart logistics—represent enormous economic potential. Investing in these sectors today, he stressed, will not only create long-term value but also generate high-skilled jobs for the future workforce. According to Dr. Al Jaber, each dirham invested in modern industrial capabilities multiplies across the economy, strengthening supply chains, boosting exports, and enhancing national competitiveness.
A major focus of his remarks was the synergy between industrial growth and the UAE’s clean energy transition. As the founding CEO of Masdar and a leading architect of the nation’s climate and energy policies, Dr. Al Jaber reiterated that the UAE’s industrial future must be aligned with its sustainability commitments. He described clean hydrogen, decarbonized manufacturing, and renewable-powered industrial zones as “cornerstones of a low-carbon economy that can deliver growth without compromise.”
Dr. Al Jaber also pointed to the UAE’s growing ability to attract global partners in technology-driven fields. He cited recent strategic agreements in AI-powered manufacturing, advanced robotics, space-system components, and green aviation fuels as examples of how international companies now view the UAE as a destination for cutting-edge industrial projects. These partnerships, he said, not only inject capital but also facilitate knowledge transfer, enabling Emirati talent to take on leadership roles in future industries.
Central to his message was the importance of building a resilient industrial base that can withstand global shocks. Dr. Al Jaber explained that global events over the past few years have revealed vulnerabilities in traditional supply chains, making self-sufficiency and diversification more critical than ever. By investing in technology-enabled manufacturing and expanding local production capabilities, the UAE can safeguard economic stability and ensure uninterrupted access to essential goods.
He also spoke about the role of youth in shaping the industrial landscape. With thousands of Emiratis entering engineering, digital technology, and scientific fields, Dr. Al Jaber emphasized the need for continuous training, mentorship, and innovation-friendly environments. “Our young talent is one of our greatest strengths, and equipping them with skills for emerging industries is an investment in the UAE’s future,” he said.
Dr. Al Jaber concluded by reaffirming that the UAE will continue to prioritize strategic industrial investment as a cornerstone of national development. This, he said, is not simply about building factories but about building the future one powered by innovation, sustainability, and globally competitive industries that position the UAE at the forefront of economic transformation.
