Page 285 - MINISTRY OF CULTURE PR REPORT - MAY 2025 (ENGLISH)

5/27/25, 8:28 AM Make it in the Emirates 2025 concludes with over $3 billion in new industrial projects

Impactful financing solutions take center stage

During Make it in the Emirates 2025, the MoIAT signed a landmark agreement with national banks to provide
over AED40 billion in competitive financing over five years. This initiative will support small, medium and
emerging enterprises and innovative projects that strengthen the industrial sector and enhance the
competitiveness of locally manufactured products.

Additionally, Emirates Development Bank launched the Emirates Growth Fund — an AED1 billion investment
platform supporting SMEs in strategic sectors such as manufacturing, healthcare, food security and advanced
technology.

Make it in the Emirates Awards 2025

On opening day, the MoIAT also 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 percent submitted by international startups
— a testament to the growing interest both locally and globally.

For the first time, the platform also 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

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