Why the UAE’s National Industrial Resilience Fund matters for global companies entering the market

• AED 1 billion has been allocated to establish the National Industrial Resilience Fund.
• The ‘Make it in the Emirates 2026’ event is set to welcome 120,000+ visitors and 1,000+ exhibitors.
• Industrial reforms in the UAE seek to strengthen procurement alignment, supply chains, and industrial coordination.

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, has announced the establishment of the National Industrial Resilience Fund, with an allocation of AED 1 billion, approximately US$272 million. The fund aims to strengthen the UAE’s industrial sector by supporting the localisation of vital industries, enhancing supply chain resilience, building strategic stockpiles, and accelerating the use of artificial intelligence across production, operations, forecasting, and risk management.

The announcement comes as the country prepares for the 5th edition of Make it in the Emirates, which will take place from 4 to 7 May 2026 at ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi. The event is expected to welcome more than 120,000 visitors and more than 1,100 exhibitors across 12 industrial sectors, bringing together manufacturers, investors, SMEs, startups, decision-makers, and industry leaders.

اعتمدنا حزمة من المبادرات والقرارات لدعم القطاع الصناعي الوطني … تشمل إنشاء صندوق وطني بقيمة مليار درهم للمرونة الصناعية بما يدعم توطين الصناعات الحيوية، ويعزز مرونة سلاسل الإمداد، ويسرع من تبني تقنيات الذكاء الاصطناعي في الإنتاج والتشغيل والتخطيط…

كما أقررنا توسيع نطاق… pic.twitter.com/mrf2cJ6ddQ

— HH Sheikh Mohammed (@HHShkMohd) April 26, 2026

For global companies entering and scaling in Dubai, this matters at a practical level. The fund sits within a wider policy package that includes mandatory In-Country Value expansion, stronger visibility for UAE-made products, industrial data coordination, and procurement opportunities linked to the localisation of thousands of products. These are the kinds of changes that affect how companies assess the market, choose partners, build supply chains, and position themselves for long-term growth.

Take a European med-tech SME, for instance. The expanded ICV mandate means public-sector tenders will systematically favour locally produced components. That could be the difference between running a pilot and building a long-term manufacturing footprint.

What is the Industrial Resilience Fund?

The National Industrial Resilience Fund is a AED 1 billion initiative from the UAE government aimed at boosting industrial capacity, making supply chains more stable, and building long-term economic strength. The fund helps localise important sectors and supports the country’s overall industrial strategy. It also promotes the use of artificial intelligence in production, operations, and planning to improve efficiency, forecasting, and readiness in key sectors.

The program focuses on areas like manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, medical supplies, chemicals, metals, and advanced technologies. By investing in these areas, the initiative helps grow domestic production, reduces dependence on foreign supply chains, and supports a more competitive sector globally.

It further supports companies across all emirates in integrating into national supply chains and scaling operations more effectively, contributing to a more stable business environment for industrial investment and growth.

UAE Cabinet greenlights industrial reforms: Key decisions and updates

The Cabinet has introduced measures to make it easier to do business in the UAE, particularly targeting market access and industrial coordination. The actions include:

1. Expanding the In-Country Value (ICV) system to all federal entities and government-linked companies
2. Implementing policies to increase the visibility of local products in retail and online platforms
3. Setting up a National Industrial Data Committee for improved data access and integration
4. Preparing for “Make it in the Emirates 2026” to connect investors with procurement opportunities
5. Linking supply chain planning to national demand for important goods

Collectively, the initiatives make market entry more structured and predictable for investors considering doing business in the UAE, especially in the manufacturing and supply chain sectors.

To elaborate, the mandatory ICV framework ensures that government and institutional spending directly supports domestic production. Additionally, the new retail policy will designate specific space for UAE-made goods, such as bottled water, dairy, poultry, and flour, which enhances distribution channels and strengthens market access for SMEs and manufacturers throughout the emirates.

The National Industrial Data Committee is focused on enhancing industrial intelligence by improving data accessibility, thus facilitating smoother business operations. The “Make it in the Emirates 2026” gathering will unveil new initiatives, including the Start-ups Hub, the Quality Infrastructure Platform, and the “House of Industry”, a national museum showcasing the UAE’s industrial expansion.

Takeaways for businesses operating in the UAE

The recent decisions by the Cabinet make the UAE a strong, resilient industrial and investment hub. By strengthening supply chains, emphasising local production, and improving policy frameworks, the government fosters a stable environment for investors.

For businesses ready to act, here’s where to focus:

• Localisation check: Review whether your product is among the thousands now targeted for local production. If it is, procurement doors are opening.

• ICV-ready supply chain: Re‑evaluate your partners and sourcing decisions. Government‑linked contracts will increasingly reward local value, so early alignment builds a competitive edge.

• Show up where decisions happen: Plan to attend or follow Make it in the Emirates 2026. It’s the single most concentrated opportunity to meet buyers, partners, and policymakers in one place.