UAE seeks to boost Gulf industrial integration and supply chain resilience

The United Arab Emirates is seeking to enhance industrial integration among Gulf states and bolster supply chain resilience. A UAE delegation, led by Dr Sultan Al Jaber - Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology - is attending high-level meetings in Bahrain focusing on strengthening industrial ties, digital transformation, and the role of the private sector in joint industrial opportunities.

Discussions revolve around advancing a more sophisticated industrial sector, supporting national economy diversification, and positioning the GCC as a global industrial hub. The meetings, which began on Tuesday and will conclude on Thursday, emphasize the importance of coordinating standards and the need to leverage resources across the Gulf.

The UAE's push for domestic manufacturing is part of a broader strategy to create a more resilient and competitive industrial sector. The country's industrial exports reached Dh260 billion last year, with investments in key industries like chemicals, electrical, construction, machinery, food, transport, metals, pharmaceuticals, rubber, plastic, fibreglass, and wood and paper.

The UAE has also launched initiatives to strengthen supply chains, including the National Industrial Resilience Fund and a strategy to secure local food, medicine, and industrial production. The Made in GCC Forum and Exhibition 2026, where these meetings took place, aims to boost collaboration and partnerships across various sectors, with the potential for initial pacts between UAE entities and Gulf companies.