Page 286 - 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
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.

Industrial procurement hits AED168 billion

Make it in the Emirates 2025 recorded a rise in industrial procurement under the National ICV Program,
reaching AED168 billion — up from AED143 billion in the previous edition. The program now covers 4,800
locally manufacturable products. This year, new procurement agreements worth AED1.3 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 AED347 billion.

Global Startup Exchange Program launched

On the sidelines of Make it in the Emirates 2025, 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.

For its part, ADNOC reaffirmed its support for the platform through an ambitious five-year plan to channel up
to AED200 billion into the national economy. This includes purchasing locally manufacturable products valued
at up to AED90 billion by 2030 — further strengthening the UAE’s industrial base and reinforcing supply chain
resilience.

The “Industrialists” Career Fair, jointly organized by MoIAT, the Ministry of Human Resources and
Emiratization, and the Nafis Program, took place over three days. It aimed to expand private sector
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