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MENAFN- Mid-East Info)
Factory Forward strengthens the UAE's position as a global hub for advanced industry and a destination for investment and partnerships
The initiative brings together technology programs that have supported more than 700 UAE factories
Factory Forward is backed by technology, enablement and financing partners
Dr. Sultan Al Jaber:
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The UAE has built a competitive industrial sector by investing in people, technology, and innovation
Factory Forward supports the ministry's efforts to accelerate technology transformation and help more manufacturers benefit from the programs and enablers that support the sector's growth
The ministry continues to focus on accelerating the use of advanced technology in the industrial sector, including Industry 4.0 solutions and AI
Abu Dhabi-UAE. September 2026 - The Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology (MoIAT) today introduced Factory Forward UAE, a national initiative that unifies the country's industrial technology transformation programs under one platform.
The initiative will help strengthen the UAE's industrial sector, support the National Strategy for Industry and Advanced Technology, and accelerate the use of advanced technology in factories. It will also strengthen the UAE's position as a global center for advanced industry and an attractive destination for investment and partnerships.
By increasing the use of Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) tools across UAE industry, Factory Forward UAE aims to help factories respond more quickly to change, be more efficient, compete more effectively, and grow high value national industries.
The initiative supports manufacturers throughout their technology transformation. It helps them understand what technology they need, identify opportunities to improve, and use 4IR tools. It also connects them with technical experts, technology providers, support programs, and financing.
Factory Forward UAE will also share examples of successful factory transformations and real-world uses of technology. This will help manufacturers learn what has worked elsewhere and choose the right solutions to improve their operations and efficiency.
Factory Forward brings together programs and support that have already helped more than 700 factories. This includes more than 620 factories assessed through the Industrial Technology Transformation Index (ITTI).
The initiative supports manufacturers at every stage of their transformation by sharing expertise and building partnerships. This will help them compete, grow in local and international markets, strengthen supply chains, and support the wider industrial sector.
A global industrial hub:
His Excellency Dr. Sultan Al Jaber, Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology, said the initiative advances the goals of the National Strategy for Industry and Advanced Technology and Make it in the Emirates.
“Guided by our leadership's vision, the UAE continues to build a competitive industrial sector by investing in people, improving skills and integrating technology across the value chain. This has made the country a global center for industry and an attractive place for industrial investment. The ministry will continue working with its partners to build on this progress. Our focus is on helping factories use more advanced technology, including AI, to increase productivity, improve efficiency, and compete more effectively.”
He added:“Factory Forward UAE builds on the ministry's work to accelerate technology adoption. It will help more manufacturers use the programs and support available and encourage them to apply advanced technology in their operations.”
An ecosystem of partners:
Factory Forward UAE is supported by a group of public and private sector partners. Technology partners help manufacturers understand how advanced their operations are, identify where technology can help, and choose the right next steps. Enablement partners provide specialist advice, training, and knowledge. Financing partners help manufacturers access the funding and investment they need to start and expand their technology projects.
About the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology MoIAT:
The Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology (MoIAT) of the United Arab Emirates shapes industrial policies, advances technology transformation, enhances the competitiveness of the national industrial sector, and develops the UAE's quality infrastructure. These efforts support the growth of a sustainable and advanced industrial economy, recognizing industry as a cornerstone of the national economy and security, contributing to stability, continuity, and resilience in a rapidly evolving global landscape.
Established in July 2020, the Ministry was created to empower the national industrial sector and accelerate industrial transformation across the UAE. MoIAT builds strategic partnerships and leads national initiatives that support the growth of future industries, strengthen economic resilience, and attract industrial investment.
The Ministry works to advance the objectives of the National Industry and Advanced Technology Strategy, strengthen supply chain resilience, support technology transformation and expand access to global markets. It focuses on accelerating the adoption of Fourth Industrial Revolution technologies across priority sectors including food security, healthcare, defense, space, aerospace and digital economy.
MoIAT also enhances national In-Country Value (ICV), supports entrepreneurship, and empowers Emirati talent, contributing to the competitiveness of UAE manufactured products in both local and international markets.
Through initiatives such as Make it in the Emirates, the National In-Country Value (ICV) Program, and the Technology Transformation Program (TTP), MoIAT connects manufacturers, investors, startups, and entrepreneurs to offtake opportunities, financing solutions, and strategic partnerships that enable business growth, advance industrial self-sufficiency, and deliver tangible economic and social impact.
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