In a landmark move for the UAE’s industrial landscape, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister of the UAE, and Ruler of Dubai, has approved the establishment of a Dh1 billion national fund for industrial resilience. This initiative signals a decisive step in the UAE’s strategy to localise critical industries, fortify supply chains, and integrate artificial intelligence across manufacturing and production.
For businesses operating across the UAE — including DANF Group’s diverse portfolio — this announcement carries significant implications for procurement, local manufacturing partnerships, and strategic investment planning in the months and years ahead.
“We have approved a package of initiatives and decisions to support the national industrial sector, including the establishment of a national fund worth Dh1 billion for industrial resilience.” — H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum
What the Dh1 Billion Fund Will Accomplish
The UAE industrial resilience fund is purpose-built to accelerate the localisation of vital industries, with a dual focus on supply chain resilience and the adoption of AI-driven tools across production, operations, and strategic planning. The fund’s scope encompasses critical sectors tied to national priorities — most notably food security and essential manufacturing.
Key Objectives of the Fund:
- Localise critical and strategically vital industries within the UAE
- Build and maintain strategic reserves of key industrial goods
- Strengthen value chains across priority sectors
- Integrate AI for predictive analytics, risk management, and operational efficiency
- Enable UAE industrial entities to respond to geopolitical and economic shifts
Artificial intelligence is not a peripheral feature of this initiative — it is central to it. The fund will encourage industrial entities to adopt AI-powered forecasting tools, streamlining everything from demand planning to risk mitigation, giving UAE manufacturers a competitive edge in volatile global markets.
Boosting UAE-Made Products: Retail & E-Commerce Policy
Alongside the fund, a sweeping new policy to promote UAE-manufactured goods across retail outlets and e-commerce platforms has been approved. The policy is designed to create tangible shelf space — both physical and digital — for locally produced goods, integrating national factories into major supply chains.
Phase One Priority Products:
- Bottled water & dairy products
- Eggs, fresh and chilled poultry
- Bread, flour & locally packaged vegetable oils
- Seasonal vegetables
Implementation will be coordinated with federal entities, private sector partners, retailers, and digital platforms — with dedicated space allocated for Made-in-UAE products in line with defined national standards. This creates a structured demand signal for domestic producers, stabilising local markets and reinforcing the competitiveness of UAE industry.
Expansion of the National In-Country Value Programme
The National In-Country Value (ICV) Programme will be expanded and made mandatory across all federal government entities and national companies. This move is expected to catalyse local procurement at scale, with a stated ambition to fully localise more than 5,000 vital products.
For businesses like DANF Group that supply government entities and large national companies, the expanded ICV programme represents both a compliance consideration and a strategic opportunity — companies with strong local manufacturing credentials and UAE supply chain integration will be distinctly advantaged.
Make it in the Emirates 2026: Abu Dhabi’s Global Industrial Stage
Preparations are well advanced for the fifth edition of the “Make it in the Emirates 2026” platform, set to take place in Abu Dhabi. The event is expected to draw more than 120,000 visitors — spanning investors, manufacturers, policymakers, and global industry leaders — making it the UAE’s flagship industrial gathering of the year.
Over 1,000 exhibitors across 12 industrial sectors will participate, with small and medium-sized enterprises representing approximately 61% of participants — underscoring the event’s inclusive vision for industrial growth.
Notable Launches at the Event:
- National Quality Infrastructure Platform — AI-enabled solutions to boost the global competitiveness of UAE products
- New Procurement Opportunities — Localisation of additional strategic products announced
- Start-Up Centre — Connecting entrepreneurs with investors through advanced technology
- House of Industry — A national museum documenting the evolution of UAE’s industrial sector
National Industrial Data Committee: Powering Decisions with Data
The Cabinet has approved the establishment of a National Industrial Data Committee, chaired by Hasan Jassim Al Nowais, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology. The committee will identify priority industrial data, accelerate its availability across national systems, and address data challenges — including any legislative updates needed for real-time access.
This infrastructure investment signals the UAE’s recognition that data is the backbone of modern industrial competitiveness. For sectors reliant on accurate, timely market intelligence — from logistics to manufacturing — the committee’s work will have long-term positive impacts.
“These decisions reflect the leadership’s vision to advance a more resilient and sustainable national industrial model, built on the localisation of critical industries and the strengthening of supply chains.” — Dr. Sultan bin Ahmed Al Jaber, Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology
What This Means for Businesses Operating in the UAE
The combined weight of these announcements — the Dh1 billion fund, the ICV programme expansion, the Made-in-UAE retail policy, and the upcoming Make it in the Emirates 2026 platform — paints a clear picture: the UAE is systematically building an industrial ecosystem that rewards local presence, local production, and local partnerships.
At DANF Group, we see this as a transformative moment. Businesses that align with the UAE’s localisation agenda — investing in domestic supply chains, engaging with national procurement frameworks, and leveraging AI in their operations — will be best positioned to grow alongside the nation’s expanding industrial base.
We will be monitoring the rollout of these initiatives closely and are ready to support our partners in navigating the new landscape. To explore how DANF Group can help your business align with UAE industrial policy and capitalise on emerging opportunities, visit us at www.danfgroup.com.
