The UAE’s ambitious Operation 300 Billion initiative, designed to elevate the industrial sector’s contribution to the economy from AED 133 billion to AED 300 billion by 2031, has achieved significant milestones, officials announced during Abu Dhabi Business Week on Thursday.
Osama Amir Mohamed Fadhel, Assistant Undersecretary for the Industrial Accelerator Sector at the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology (MoIAT), revealed that the initiative has already reached AED 205 billion, marking substantial progress toward its 2031 target. “Operation 300 Billion lays the foundation for a diversified, advanced economy, attracting global investments and driving innovation through cutting-edge technologies,” Fadhel stated.
Speaking at the event, Fadhel emphasized the importance of robust industrial standards to ensure safety, quality, and the seamless adoption of advanced technologies. These frameworks, he said, are integral to establishing a reliable and innovative manufacturing sector that aligns with the UAE’s vision of becoming a global industrial hub characterized by sustainability, resilience, and forward-thinking policies.
The UAE has been actively reducing its reliance on oil revenues by fostering growth in non-oil sectors. The success of initiatives like Make it in the Emirates reflects this shift, serving as a role model for other nations, according to Dr. Farah Al Zarooni, Assistant Undersecretary for Standards and Regulations at MoIAT.
Highlighting Abu Dhabi’s role in the UAE’s industrial transformation, Mohammed Kamali, Chief Trade and Industry Officer at the Abu Dhabi Investment Office, noted the capital’s progress under its Abu Dhabi Industrial Strategy. Launched in June 2022, the strategy aims to double the manufacturing sector’s contribution to the emirate’s GDP.
“The industrial sector is central to our journey of building resilience, embracing technology, and creating a future-ready economy,” Kamali said. He pointed out that the strategy has already delivered tangible results, with the manufacturing sector’s contribution increasing from AED 83 billion in 2022 to AED 101 billion by the end of 2023.
The UAE’s vision for industrial growth aligns with its broader economic transformation goals, as it seeks to position itself as a hub for innovation and sustainability. By diversifying its economy and prioritizing advanced technologies, the nation is working to secure a future that is less dependent on hydrocarbons and more resilient in the face of global economic shifts.
The conference highlighted the UAE’s proactive approach to industrial development, reinforcing its ambition to lead on a global scale while setting benchmarks for sustainability and technological innovation.
