This year’s edition will feature the “Purchase Opportunities” initiative as a key highlight.
This morning, the fifth edition of “Make it in the Emirates 2026” officially opened at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC) under the theme “Advanced Industry,” marking the largest edition of the UAE’s leading industrial platform. The event features 1,245 exhibitors and will showcase the “Purchase Opportunities” initiative, aimed at localising 5,000 products within the UAE.
Held from May 4 to May 7, the event brings together ministers, business leaders, investors, industrialists, innovators, youth, and media representatives.
This year’s edition covers an exhibition area of 88,000 square metres, marking a 30% increase compared to last year. The number of exhibitors has grown to 1,245, a 73% rise compared to 2025, with participants representing all seven emirates of the UAE.
The event is expected to attract around 120,000 visitors over its four-day duration, from May 4 to May 7. It will bring together ministers, business leaders, investors, industrialists, and innovators.
The platform will also feature more than 2,000 skilled artisans and showcase over 5,000 products, representing a 4% increase compared to the previous edition. In addition, over 50 panel discussions, forums, and workshops will be held, with small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and entrepreneurs making up 61% of total participants.
The Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology is hosting “Make it in the Emirates 2026” in partnership with the Ministry of Culture, the Abu Dhabi Investment Office, ADNOC, the L’IMAD platform, and ADNEC Group as the organiser.
The Ministry has also introduced a set of initiatives aimed at strengthening the resilience of the UAE’s industrial sector and supporting companies amid ongoing global economic volatility. These include the next generation of the National In-Country Value (ICV) Programme, the Industrial Technology Transformation Index, and new financing programmes.
Five-star event experience for visitors and exhibitors
Operational teams at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC) are working to international standards to ensure a smooth experience for both visitors and exhibitors. Using AI-powered facility management systems, several innovative solutions have been introduced to streamline traffic flow, optimise parking, and improve space allocation across the venue. Security measures have also been enhanced to ensure the safety and comfort of all attendees throughout the event.
Capital 360 Event Experiences, the Group’s event experience management arm, is playing a key role in the success of “Make it in the Emirates 2026.” It provides a wide range of services, including custom-designed exhibition stands, advanced installation solutions, branding and identity coverage across the venue, as well as management of sponsor events and full technical and production support for exhibitors, ensuring a seamless experience from planning to execution.
As the official hospitality provider, Capital Hospitality is offering premium services throughout the event, including diverse food and beverage options through indoor and outdoor food trucks, quick-service outlets, and VIP lounges. These services are designed to enhance networking opportunities and create a welcoming environment for exhibitors, participants, and visitors.
The “Make it in the Emirates 2026” platform, the UAE’s national initiative for industrial growth and transformation, has announced the Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO) as a hosting partner for its fifth and largest edition, scheduled from May 4 to May 7, 2026, at ADNEC Abu Dhabi.
During the event, ADIO is set to sign several memoranda of understanding and strategic partnerships across key sectors, including autonomous systems, energy, and finance, highlighting the UAE’s capability to attract and develop industrial collaborations in strategic industries.
