The Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology (MoIAT) has announced a strategic collaboration with the World Economic Forum to strengthen industrial transformation in the UAE. The agreement was signed on the sidelines of the World Governments Summit and aims to turn the Ministry’s Technology Transformation Program into a national enablement platform for manufacturers.

The initiative is designed to improve operational and technological maturity. It also aims to support deeper integration of UAE manufacturers into global value chains. In addition, it seeks to accelerate the adoption of Fourth Industrial Revolution and advanced manufacturing technologies.

The agreement was signed by Hasan Jasim Al Nowais, Undersecretary of MoIAT, and Saadia Zahidi, Managing Director of the World Economic Forum. Senior representatives from both organizations were present during the signing.

Under the partnership, MoIAT’s Industrial Technology Transformation Index will be aligned with the World Economic Forum’s Lighthouse Operating System. As a result, ITTI will become the national entry point for UAE factories to join the global lighthouse framework. This alignment will help convert international best practices into clear and measurable factory-level transformation plans.

Moreover, the collaboration supports the National Strategy for Industry and Advanced Technology and the Make it in the Emirates initiative. According to Al Nowais, the agreement reinforces the UAE’s position as a global model for industrial transformation. It is supported by enabling policies, national enablers, and investment incentives.

He added that the partnership will contribute to higher industrial GDP and stronger supply chain resilience. It will also help position the UAE as a regional and global hub for future industries. Furthermore, it reflects a shift from basic technology adoption to scalable and replicable industrial execution models.

Al Nowais noted that this approach places advanced manufacturing and industrial digitalization at the center of sustainable growth. It also enables UAE manufacturers to integrate more effectively into global supply chains. In addition, the initiative builds on coordination with the World Economic Forum during the fourth edition of Make it in the Emirates held in May.

He emphasized that MoIAT remains committed to a structured, end-to-end industrial transformation strategy. This includes strengthening national industrial security and creating sustainable local value. It also provides factories with a clear roadmap to enhance their operational and technological maturity.

Meanwhile, Kiva Allgood, Managing Director at the World Economic Forum and Head of the Centre for Advanced Manufacturing and Supply Chains, highlighted the importance of the Lighthouse Operating System. She said the system was created to expand industrial transformation beyond a limited number of leading factories.

Currently, the framework draws on insights from more than 200 Lighthouse factories worldwide. It offers a practical and open model that can be adopted by manufacturers of all sizes, including small and medium-sized enterprises.

She added that industrial transformation has become essential in the face of supply chain disruptions and sustainability pressures. Therefore, the system is designed to move companies beyond pilot projects toward full-scale execution. It also places people at the center of transformation by ensuring that technology supports and empowers the workforce.

In addition, the agreement focuses on capacity building and knowledge exchange. It also supports the development of a comprehensive national industrial transformation model. This model goes beyond assessment and emphasizes execution, ahead of the launch of a new strategic methodology later this year.

Two years ago, MoIAT launched the Transform 4.0 initiative to accelerate industrial digital transformation across the UAE. As part of this effort, the Ministry introduced an accelerated track for 100 high-potential industrial companies. The program also aims to develop a national network of industrial “Lighthouses” adopting Industry 4.0 best practices.

Through this latest collaboration, MoIAT aims to strengthen its Technology Transformation Program and expand its global reach. By aligning national frameworks with international standards, the UAE continues to enhance its industrial ecosystem. The partnership with the World Economic Forum is expected to play a central role in driving sustainable and inclusive manufacturing growth in the years ahead.

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