The region’s first integrated program to support manufacturers in the adoption of 4IR technologies
Opeations 300 billion
In 2021, the UAE launched ‘Operation 300 billion’, a 10-year comprehensive strategy that aims to make the industrial sector the main driver of the national economy. The strategy seeks to raise the sector’s contribution to the GDP from Dh133 billion to Dh300 billion by 2031, focusing on the key sectors of food, agriculture, pharmaceuticals, petrochemicals, electronics and future space industries.
UAE Industry 4.0 is one of the main pillars of Operation 300Bn. It aims to accelerate the digital transformation of the industrial sector, support leading industrialists throughout their journey, boost the sector’s productivity and create thousands of new, high-skilled jobs..
The planned and robust diversification away from oil and the proactive support for non-oil businesses – coupled with the UAE’s handling of the pandemic and supportive macroeconomic policies, among other factors – will result in a 3.5 percent growth in the UAE economy in 2022, driven mainly by non-oil GDP expansion of 3.4 percent, according to the most recent forecast by the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
- UAE industrial exports totalled approximately AED120 billion (US$32.6 billion)
- UAE advances 5 places globally in UNIDO’s Competitive Industrial Performance Index
- 220 new factories go into service and begin production in 2021
- AED10 billion from the Emirates Development Bank to finance advanced technology projects (US$2.7 billion) and another AED5 billion (US$1.36 billion) to support the UAE’s projects in priority sectors
The Ministry has sought to improve the national R&D ecosystem. In September 2021, the Cabinet approved the research and development governance policy, while the Emirates Research and Development Council was also established, chaired by His Highness Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation.
In partnership with the Emirates Development Bank, the Ministry launched an AED5 billion financing program for the next five years, to support projects aimed at accelerating advanced technology adoption. During 2021, AED248 million (US$67.5 million) was granted to finance such projects.
The Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology (MoIAT)
Established in July 2020, the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology (MoIAT) aims to boost the UAE’s industrial sector and increase its contribution to the GDP. The Office of the Minister of State for Advanced Technology, the Emirates Authority for Standardization and Metrology (ESMA) and the Industry sector in the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure have been merged into the structure of the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology since then, and all authorities, responsibilities and duties have been transferred to the newly founded Ministry.
MoIAT develops laws and policies to establish a world-class industrial development framework to attract FDI and bright minds, enhance in-country value (ICV), foster entrepreneurship, create jobs, upskill local talent and boost exports of ‘Made in the Emirates.’ products.
From encouraging the establishment of industrial zones to building capacities in advanced technology, MoIAT accelerates industrial development to contribute to a diversified knowledge-based economy and achieve industrial self-sufficiency.
Also, Quality Infrastructure is considered a crucial component to the success of “Operation 300 Billion”, as the entire system falls under the supervision of the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology, upon the integration of the Emirates Authority for Standardization and Metrology within the Ministry’s structure.
The United Arab Emirates aim to enhance the national industrial sector by accelerating advance technology adoption, boosting quality infrastructure, and building an attractive business and investment environment in the UAE. In addition, we seek to attract high-skill talents and capabilities to upskill our local talent pool in industries of the future and enhance national in-country value of national industries.
12 Industry Champions to kick-start 4IR programme
In october 2021, The MoIAT signed Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with 12 industrial entities – who will form the Champions 4.0 Network – and the Departments of Economic Development of Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Ajman to kick-start the newly-announced Fourth Industrial Revolution Programme, known as “UAE Industry 4.0”.
The MoU signing was witnessed by Dr Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology, Sarah Bint Yousef Al Amiri, Minister of State for Advanced Technology and Omar Suwaina Al Suwaidi, Under-Secretary of Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology.
Launched as part of Projects of the 50 earlier this month, “UAE Industry 4.0” is designed to accelerate the integration of 4IR solutions and applications across the UAE’s industrial sector, enhancing the UAE’s overall industrial competitiveness, driving down costs, increasing productivity and efficiency, enhancing quality, improving safety and creating new jobs.
Participating entities include the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC), EDGE, Honeywell, Unilever, Ericsson, Schneider Electric, Emirates Global Aluminium, Microsoft, CISCO, SAP, AVEVA and Siemens.
Sources: Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technologies, WAM – The Emirates News Agency, ZAWYA.com.
