At Make it in the Emirates 2026, the UAE’s next generation of industrial leaders took center stage alongside high-level government engagement on the final day. The event, held at ADNEC Abu Dhabi under the theme “Advanced Industry. Emerging Stronger,” brought together ministers, officials, and industry leaders to highlight youth, AI, and industrial growth.

Her Highness Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairperson of Dubai Culture and Arts Authority, visited the exhibition and praised its rapid development. She said it reflects a unified national effort to position the UAE as a global hub for advanced industry and an innovation-driven economy.

She added that the exhibition aligns with the leadership’s vision to build a sustainable and diversified economy. This includes empowering people, investing in technology, and advancing future industries. She noted that the event showcases the UAE’s transformation into a global center for advanced manufacturing and innovative solutions that enhance competitiveness.

During her tour, Sheikha Latifa visited key platforms including The House of Industry, Al Ghadeer Emirati Craft, the Advanced Technology Research Council, and youth-focused innovation platforms such as Theeb Cars. She was also briefed on initiatives by the Ministry of Culture, Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority, and Emirates Food Industries. The visit highlighted efforts to boost local manufacturing, strengthen Emirati product competitiveness, and empower national talent.

Meanwhile, youth development and AI skills remained central to discussions. Dr. Sultan Al Neyadi, Minister of State for Youth Affairs, encouraged individuals at career crossroads to pursue continuous learning. He said it is never too late to reskill and adapt.

In addition, Sheikh Mohammed bin Khalifa Al Nahyan, Advisor at the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs, announced the Shabab AI initiative. Led by the Abu Dhabi Youth Council under the Federal Youth Authority, it targets Emiratis aged 18 to 35. The program aims to move participants from awareness to real-world AI application.

He said the initiative will equip youth with critical skills and drive practical innovation. An initial Youth Lab brought together more than 71 participants, generating 133 ideas and challenges with support from over 15 strategic partners.

Furthermore, Al Nuaimi, Director of the Federal Youth Authority, said young people play an influential role in the country’s technological transformation. At the same time, Dr. Farah Al Zarooni from the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology emphasized that investing in youth strengthens the entire economic ecosystem.

She noted that the Industrialist Program has created over 4,000 jobs across 12 sectors. This year, 61 percent of SMEs and startups at the event are youth-led, reflecting strong participation at Make it in the Emirates.

Moreover, Ghannam Butti Al Mazrouei, Secretary General of Nafis, called for closer alignment between education and market needs. He said achieving a 90 percent alignment rate would ensure graduates are equipped with the right skills.

On the academic front, His Excellency Professor Ebrahim Al Hajri, President of Khalifa University of Science and Technology, said AI will be embedded across all disciplines by 2028.

The exhibition, now in its fifth edition, features more than 1,245 companies across 12 industrial sectors. It also includes procurement opportunities to localise around 5,000 products in the UAE, reinforcing its role as the region’s largest industrial gathering.

Finally, Dr. Mohammed Hamad Al Kuwaiti, Head of the UAE Cyber Security Council, said the country will continue to grow stronger through its youth. The discussions underscored the importance of innovation, talent development, and AI in shaping the future at Make it in the Emirates.

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