Factory Forward Brings Funding, Technology Support and Expertise to UAE Manufacturers.
Dubai: UAE manufacturers will gain access to a single platform offering technology assessments, expert guidance and financing through a new government initiative designed to accelerate factory transformation.
The Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology (MoIAT) has launched Factory Forward UAE, bringing together industrial technology programmes that have already supported more than 700 factories across the country.
The initiative aims to help manufacturers assess their technology requirements, identify opportunities for improvement and accelerate the adoption of Fourth Industrial Revolution technologies, including artificial intelligence and other advanced industrial solutions.
More than 620 factories have already been assessed through the Industrial Technology Transformation Index, one of the key programmes now integrated into Factory Forward.
One platform for technology support
Factory Forward will provide manufacturers with a single platform connecting them to technical experts, technology providers, support programmes and financing partners.
The initiative will also showcase successful factory transformation projects and practical applications of advanced technologies, giving manufacturers greater insight into solutions that have already been implemented across the industrial sector.
MoIAT said the platform is designed to support factories at every stage of their technology transformation journey, from assessing existing operations and identifying suitable technologies to securing the expertise and financing needed for implementation.
The programme forms part of the National Strategy for Industry and Advanced Technology and the Make it in the Emirates initiative.
“Guided by our leadership’s vision, the UAE continues to build a competitive industrial sector by investing in people, developing skills and integrating technology across the value chain. This has strengthened the country’s position as a global industrial hub and an attractive destination for industrial investment. The ministry will continue working with its partners to build on this progress, with a focus on helping factories adopt advanced technologies, including AI, to boost productivity, enhance efficiency and compete more effectively.”
Dr. Sultan Al Jaber, Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology
Funding and expertise for manufacturers
Factory Forward is supported by a network of technology, enablement and financing partners from both the public and private sectors.
Technology partners will help manufacturers assess the technological maturity of their operations, identify areas where advanced solutions could improve performance and determine the next steps in their transformation journey.
Enablement partners will provide specialised expertise, training and knowledge-sharing, while financing partners will help manufacturers access funding and investment to implement technology projects.
Dr. Al Jaber added: “Factory Forward UAE builds on the ministry’s efforts to accelerate technology adoption. It will enable more manufacturers to access available programmes and support, while encouraging them to integrate advanced technologies into their operations.”
MoIAT said the wider adoption of Fourth Industrial Revolution technologies is expected to help factories boost efficiency, adapt more quickly to changing conditions, strengthen supply chains and enhance their competitiveness in both local and international markets.
