The UAE is not new to thinking big, having crafted policy and invested sensibly in its long-term prosperity over the years, even while factoring in potential global fluctuations like military conflicts, pandemics and trade wars.
As the country continues to diversify its economy, a whole array of sectors gain importance. This cause and effect is a part of wider strategic planning and long-term economic development.
One aspect of its ambitious goals and how they are gradually being met will be on display in Abu Dhabi this week at Make it in the Emirates. The event is part of a 10-year industrial strategy, known as Operation 300bn, for the UAE to increase the size of its economy and to position itself as an industrial centre by 2031. The focus is on increasing the industrial sector's contribution to the country's gross domestic product to Dh300 billion ($82 billion) over 10 years, from Dh133 billion in 2021.
This is within reach partly because of the abundance of creative talent in this young country, and the outcome of policymakers' long-term focus on social development, including providing high-quality education to the public. Moreover, the UAE is not burdened by historical manufacturing industries, called sunset industries, that have at times hindered the economic progress of other nations. The country's core competencies include its regional logistics and its energy and manufacturing hub, which position it at a competitive level not just in the region but globally. Just as critical is its emphasis on investing in future technologies.
This week’s event is about bringing together businesspeople, investors and leaders of industry, and using production opportunities in the country, across 12 sectors – including pharmaceuticals and medical tech, sustainable food production, clean energy solutions, defence technology, construction materials, traditional handicrafts, advanced manufacturing and artificial intelligence.
The convening is a milestone in a continued journey of industrial development.
During US President Donald Trump's visit to the Gulf last week, the UAE and US agreed to $200 billion worth of commercial deals, with AI playing a central role. The Emirates is set to access some of the world's most advanced semi-conductor chips from US companies, with the two countries agreeing to jointly establish an AI campus in Abu Dhabi.
While Mr Trump's visit focused on investments to be made in the US, there is no doubt that the industries of the future have a big role to play in what the UAE's economy will look like in 2031. This is where its embrace of future technologies is so crucial, with AI and 3D printing in particular helping to digitise manufacturing.
Programmes such as Operation 300bn are beginning to bear fruit. Last year, for example, the manufacturing sector remained the largest non-oil contributor to the Abu Dhabi emirate's GDP at 9.5 per cent, with its added value hitting Dh111.6 billion – the highest on record.
The UAE's progress is tangible not just in the manufacturing sector. More and more locally made fast-moving consumer goods can be seen on supermarket and hypermarket shelves across the country. All this goes to show that with long-term planning and smart policymaking, countries can champion global trade and support homegrown producers at the same time.
Make it in the Emirates reflects a strategy that provides another chance for local companies, producers and manufacturers to be more visible, build networks and exhibit their products.
In the past couple of years it has gained traction, with the increase in the number of home-grown manufacturers being among several indicators showing the economic goal for the UAE is well within reach.
Pathaan
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COMPANY PROFILE
Founders: Alhaan Ahmed, Alyina Ahmed and Maximo Tettamanzi
Total funding: Self funded
TRAP
Starring: Josh Hartnett, Saleka Shyamalan, Ariel Donaghue
Director: M Night Shyamalan
Rating: 3/5
MOUNTAINHEAD REVIEW
Starring: Ramy Youssef, Steve Carell, Jason Schwartzman
Director: Jesse Armstrong
Rating: 3.5/5
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SPECS
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Ain Dubai in numbers
126: The length in metres of the legs supporting the structure
1 football pitch: The length of each permanent spoke is longer than a professional soccer pitch
16 A380 Airbuses: The equivalent weight of the wheel rim.
9,000 tonnes: The amount of steel used to construct the project.
5 tonnes: The weight of each permanent spoke that is holding the wheel rim in place
192: The amount of cable wires used to create the wheel. They measure a distance of 2,4000km in total, the equivalent of the distance between Dubai and Cairo.
THE BIO: Martin Van Almsick
Hometown: Cologne, Germany
Family: Wife Hanan Ahmed and their three children, Marrah (23), Tibijan (19), Amon (13)
Favourite dessert: Umm Ali with dark camel milk chocolate flakes
Favourite hobby: Football
Breakfast routine: a tall glass of camel milk
MATCH INFO
England 19 (Try: Tuilagi; Cons: Farrell; Pens: Ford (4)
New Zealand 7 (Try: Savea; Con: Mo'unga)
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The specs
Engine: 1.5-litre turbo
Power: 181hp
Torque: 230Nm
Transmission: 6-speed automatic
Starting price: Dh79,000
On sale: Now
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
BMW M5 specs
Engine: 4.4-litre twin-turbo V-8 petrol enging with additional electric motor
Power: 727hp
Torque: 1,000Nm
Transmission: 8-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 10.6L/100km
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh650,000
SPECS
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PREMIER LEAGUE FIXTURES
Saturday (UAE kick-off times)
Watford v Leicester City (3.30pm)
Brighton v Arsenal (6pm)
West Ham v Wolves (8.30pm)
Bournemouth v Crystal Palace (10.45pm)
Sunday
Newcastle United v Sheffield United (5pm)
Aston Villa v Chelsea (7.15pm)
Everton v Liverpool (10pm)
Monday
Manchester City v Burnley (11pm)
COMPANY PROFILE
Name: Kumulus Water
Started: 2021
Founders: Iheb Triki and Mohamed Ali Abid
Based: Tunisia
Sector: Water technology
Number of staff: 22
Investment raised: $4 million
Going grey? A stylist's advice
If you’re going to go grey, a great style, well-cared for hair (in a sleek, classy style, like a bob), and a young spirit and attitude go a long way, says Maria Dowling, founder of the Maria Dowling Salon in Dubai.
It’s easier to go grey from a lighter colour, so you may want to do that first. And this is the time to try a shorter style, she advises. Then a stylist can introduce highlights, start lightening up the roots, and let it fade out. Once it’s entirely grey, a purple shampoo will prevent yellowing.
“Get professional help – there’s no other way to go around it,” she says. “And don’t just let it grow out because that looks really bad. Put effort into it: properly condition, straighten, get regular trims, make sure it’s glossy.”
UK's plans to cut net migration
Under the UK government’s proposals, migrants will have to spend 10 years in the UK before being able to apply for citizenship.
Skilled worker visas will require a university degree, and there will be tighter restrictions on recruitment for jobs with skills shortages.
But what are described as "high-contributing" individuals such as doctors and nurses could be fast-tracked through the system.
Language requirements will be increased for all immigration routes to ensure a higher level of English.
Rules will also be laid out for adult dependants, meaning they will have to demonstrate a basic understanding of the language.
The plans also call for stricter tests for colleges and universities offering places to foreign students and a reduction in the time graduates can remain in the UK after their studies from two years to 18 months.
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McLaren GT specs
Engine: 4-litre twin-turbo V8
Transmission: seven-speed
Power: 620bhp
Torque: 630Nm
Price: Dh875,000
On sale: now
SWEET%20TOOTH
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