UAE Strengthens GCC Industrial Integration at Made in GCC 2026

The UAE is strengthening industrial cooperation and supply chain integration across the Gulf through its participation in Made in GCC Forum and Exhibition 2026 in Bahrain, with a focus on advanced technology, artificial intelligence and private-sector partnerships.

The UAE delegation is headed by Dr Sultan Al Jaber, Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology, alongside Hasan Al Nowais, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology, and senior ministry officials.

The GCC Industrial Cooperation Committee and the Ministerial Committee for Standardization Affairs are meeting in Bahrain from October 6 to 8, alongside the inaugural Made in GCC Forum and Exhibition at Exhibition World Bahrain.

UAE Focuses on Stronger Gulf Supply Chains

The UAE’s participation centres on strengthening industrial integration among GCC countries and developing more resilient and competitive regional supply chains.

Discussions are also focusing on accelerating the adoption of advanced technologies and AI in industry, while increasing the role of the private sector in developing partnerships and joint industrial opportunities across the region.

The meetings aim to strengthen coordination in areas including industry, standards and metrology, while leveraging the complementary industrial capabilities of GCC countries.

The meetings are being held under the patronage of King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, King of Bahrain, alongside the Made in GCC forum and exhibition.

23 UAE Companies Showcase Industrial Capabilities

A total of 23 UAE companies are showcasing national products, industrial technologies and partnership opportunities at the event.

Their participation highlights the UAE’s expanding manufacturing base and its role in developing Gulf value chains across investment, manufacturing, technology and supply chain activities.

The exhibition also provides UAE companies with opportunities to explore partnerships with businesses from other GCC markets and identify areas for deeper integration across regional supply chains.

Bahrain Crown Prince Visits UAE Pavilion

Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Bahrain, visited the UAE pavilion during the event.

He reviewed UAE industrial capabilities, national products and advanced technologies, highlighting the country’s growing manufacturing base, economic diversification and adoption of advanced industrial solutions.

The visit also underscored the importance of strengthening industrial and economic cooperation between the UAE and Bahrain within the wider GCC framework.

AI and Advanced Technology Take Centre Stage

Advanced technology is a key element of the UAE’s participation, with discussions examining how AI and innovation can improve productivity, competitiveness and resilience across the industrial sector.

UAE representatives are also taking part in panel discussions covering industrial financing, artificial intelligence, innovation, infrastructure and supply chain resilience.

The event is expected to see the signing of several memoranda of understanding between UAE entities and GCC companies, creating opportunities for new industrial partnerships and joint projects.

UAE Industrial Exports Reach Dh260 Billion

The UAE’s participation comes as the country continues to expand its industrial and manufacturing base.

The UAE’s industrial exports reached Dh260 billion in 2025, including Dh92 billion in medium- and high-technology industrial exports.

The National In-Country Value (ICV) Programme has also redirected more than Dh473 billion into the UAE economy cumulatively since its launch, supporting the growth of local companies and strengthening domestic supply chains.

Building a More Integrated Gulf Industrial Sector

The UAE’s participation in Made in GCC 2026 reflects efforts to build stronger industrial connections across the Gulf by linking manufacturers, investors, technology providers and policymakers.

Greater coordination on standards, technology, manufacturing and supply chains could help GCC countries leverage their individual industrial strengths while creating more integrated regional value chains.

For the UAE, the forum provides an opportunity to expand partnerships with Gulf businesses while positioning advanced manufacturing, technology and AI as key drivers of the region’s next phase of industrial growth.