The Abu Dhabi Investment Office convened the inaugural Al Ain Industrial Council at the Al Ain ADNEC Center, gathering representatives from government entities, industrial companies, and partners within the industrial ecosystem. The purpose was to discuss the future of the industrial sector in Al Ain and explore growth opportunities in both regional and global markets.
This event featured specialized presentations, panel discussions, and networking activities for businesses. Participants emphasized the leading role of the industrial sector in Al Ain and the partnership opportunities it offers. They noted that the city’s strategic location, advanced infrastructure, and support for innovation and digital transformation further solidify its status as a key player in the nation’s industrial landscape.
The Abu Dhabi Investment Office also showcased its enabling programs for active industrial companies in Abu Dhabi, including those in Al Ain, aimed at supporting manufacturers in establishing, growing, and expanding their businesses to compete on a global scale. These initiatives include the Energy Support Program, Land Support Program, Smart Manufacturing Accelerator Program, Local Content Program, and the “Golden Supplier” initiative, which has attracted around 217 industrial entities in Al Ain. Additionally, the office presented digital trade tools designed to simplify export processes, reduce transaction costs, and enhance the access of industrial companies to international markets.
During the event, the Abu Dhabi Investment Office announced a new training program focused on environmental, social, and governance (ESG) responsibilities, set to launch in the fourth quarter of 2025. This initiative aims to equip Emirati talent with leadership skills and embed principles of sustainability and governance into the future of the industrial sector in Abu Dhabi.
These initiatives are part of the Abu Dhabi Industrial Strategy 2031, which seeks to establish the emirate as a global industrial hub through innovation, sustainability, and economic diversification. The Abu Dhabi Investment Office plays a critical role in implementing this strategy by developing its operational framework, providing regulatory support, and coordinating partnerships. The office is one of the key enablers of the “Falcon Economy” vision, contributing to enhancing the competitiveness of the UAE by accelerating industrial growth, attracting quality investments, and opening new export opportunities in priority sectors, ensuring Abu Dhabi’s position as a global center for innovation and advanced industries.
In this context, Mohammed Al Kamali, CEO of Industry and Trade at the Abu Dhabi Investment Office, stated, “Al Ain is a strategic industrial and commercial center in the UAE, owing to its favorable location, developed infrastructure, skilled workforce, and diverse industries. As part of the Abu Dhabi Industrial Strategy 2031, we are dedicated to enhancing the industrial and export capabilities of the emirate, enabling industrial and commercial enterprises throughout Abu Dhabi, including Al Ain. Through the organization of the Al Ain Industrial Council, we invite manufacturers, investors, and innovators to collaborate with the office and explore the opportunities presented by the city to boost the competitiveness of the industrial and commercial sectors.”
The integration of the city into the Hafit railway network has enhanced its logistics services and facilitated foreign trade by providing a direct link to the Port of Sohar in Oman, enabling the transport of over 4 million tons of goods annually, thus reinforcing Al Ain’s role as a leading regional hub for trade and industry.
The industrial sector in Al Ain continues to expand, currently hosting more than 400 active industrial licenses across key sectors such as steel, cement, food manufacturing, construction materials, aviation, and energy. It is home to several leading companies, including Emsteel, one of the region’s largest producers of steel and construction materials, Al Ain Farms, the first and largest integrated dairy and poultry producer in the country, and Strata Manufacturing, which specializes in producing aircraft components from composite materials and is wholly owned by Mubadala Investment Company, collaborating with renowned global firms like Airbus, Boeing, and Pilatus.
Al Ain is the second-largest city in the Abu Dhabi emirate, and the industrial sector plays a pivotal role in creating job opportunities, driving economic growth and diversification, and achieving the sustainable development goals for the emirate.