Page 280 - MINISTRY OF CULTURE PR REPORT - MAY 2025 (ENGLISH)

5/27/25, 8:28 AM 'Make it in the Emirates' concludes with new industrial projects valued over Dh11 billion

Additionally, Emirates Development Bank launched the Emirates Growth Fund — an Dh1 billion
investment platform supporting SMEs in strategic sectors such as manufacturing, healthcare, food
security, and advanced technology.
On opening day, MoIAT recognized the winners of the third Make it in the Emirates Awards. This
year’s nine award categories spanned five pillars: Factory of the Future, In-Country Value, Industry
Enablers and Strategic Partners, Leadership and Talent, and UAE Traditional Crafts for Individual
and Companies. For the first time, an Emirati Handicrafts Award was introduced to honor individuals
and companies in this sector.
The ministry also marked National ICV Day by celebrating the contributions of companies and
individuals supporting the National In-Country Value Program, recognizing their role in driving local
competitiveness, productivity, and supply chain sustainability.
Winners of the third Make it in the Emirates Startup Pitch Competition were also honored. The
competition received more than 200 applications from over 30 countries, with 43% submitted by
international startups — a testament to the growing interest both locally and globally.
For the first time, the platform featured a dedicated pavilion for Emirati crafts and heritage
industries, organized by the Ministry of Culture as part of the Year of the Community. The pavilion
hosted live demonstrations of 40 traditional crafts across 10 zones, with participation from 216
Emirati artisans. Their involvement this year enabled them to expand their presence on e-commerce
platforms and bring their products to global markets — turning heritage into economic opportunity.

National in-country value (ICV) programme
The 2025 edition recorded a rise in industrial procurement under the National ICV Program,
reaching Dh168 billion — up from Dh143 billion in the previous edition. The program now covers
4,800 locally manufacturable products. This year, new procurement agreements worth Dh1.3 billion
were signed.

On Day 2, MoIAT signed MoUs with entities including Emaar, Silal, Calidus, and Modon Holding to
join the National ICV Program. This brings the total number of participating companies and entities
to 35.
Launched under the UAE’s Projects of the 50, the program channels procurement by government
and major national companies into the local economy, stimulating industrial and service sectors. By
the end of 2024, cumulative local spending under the program reached Dh347 billion.
On the sidelines of the event, the ministry launched the Global Startup Exchange Program,
connecting UAE and international startups to new markets, incubators, and investors. The first pilot,
developed in collaboration with Japan, sets the stage for broader international expansion — opening
new pathways for growth-stage, technology-focused startups.

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