Page 161 - MOE ENGLISH PR REPORT - MAY 2025 ( Part 2)

Ahmed Al Suwaidi, CEO of Al Dahra, and Dr Shamal Mohammed, Head of AgriTech at Silal and
Head of the Innovation Oasis initiative, shared insights on deploying next-generation technologies
to enhance agricultural productivity and competitiveness.
Al Suwaidi said, “Innovation in agriculture is especially important for countries like the UAE, with its
hot climate and salinated water. Inspired by the founding father, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan,
who faced doubts about growing anything here but insisted we would grow everything, we now
cultivate 56,000 hectares of arable land. We collaborate with investment partners, think tanks, and
universities to build an innovation ecosystem that significantly increases crop yields while reducing
water use by up to 70%. Our efforts extend beyond the UAE to strategic markets such as the US,
Serbia, Romania, Spain, and Egypt, where we focus on agritech solutions to feed more people with
fewer resources.”

Dr. Mohammed added: “Emiratis have a mindset that views challenges as opportunities, making
the country the right place at the right time for growth. Agricultural engineering has traditionally
attracted limited interest among local youth, so we are actively engaging and investing in local
talent, having recruited 12 graduate trainees from UAE universities.”

The third edition of the Make it in the Emirates Awards capped the morning’s sessions with a
celebration of excellence across the industrial value chain. Categories included Factory of the
Future, ICV Champions, Industry Enablers and Strategic Partners, Leadership and Talent
Development, and UAE Traditional Crafts. The awards recognize entities and individuals who have
contributed exceptionally to the UAE’s industrial transformation.
Opening the ceremony, His Excellency Omar Suwaina Al Suwaidi, Undersecretary of MoIAT, said:
“These awards honor more than industrial excellence — they recognize the power of collaboration,
resilience, and national pride. Every winner is a partner in shaping the future of the UAE industry.”

Winners across each category will be announced in a dedicated release.

As the day unfolded, attendees engaged with breakthrough products such as AI-enabled robotics,
sustainable construction materials, and 3D-printed prototypes reimagining transportation, retail,
and mobility. Throughout the halls, Emirati SMEs, youth startups, and global industrial leaders
stood side by side — a snapshot of the UAE’s evolving manufacturing ecosystem.

The UAE’s industrial sector has grown substantially, contributing AED 210 billion to the GDP in
2024, while industrial exports surged 68 percent to AED 197 billion compared to 2020. Since its
launch, the National In-Country Value (ICV) Program has channeled more than AED 347 billion into
the national economy and facilitated over 22,000 private sector job opportunities for Emiratis in
industry.

Make it in the Emirates 2025 runs until May 22 at Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre. It is hosted
by MoIAT, organized by Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Company Group, and held alongside
strategic partners the Ministry of Culture, the Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO), and ADNOC.
The platform reinforces the UAE’s commitment to advancing industry, fostering strategic
partnerships, and accelerating the adoption of advanced technologies — building a future that is
competitive, connected, and Made in the UAE.

https://www.wam.ae/en/article/15krscy-make-the-emirates-2025-opens-with-drive-strengthen