The UAE is actively participating in ministerial meetings of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) in Bahrain, focusing on bolstering regional industrial cooperation and enhancing supply-chain resilience. Led by Dr. Sultan Al Jaber, Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology, the UAE delegation is attending the GCC Industrial Cooperation Committee and the Ministerial Committee for Standardization Affairs. These discussions are pivotal in exploring new opportunities for investment and partnerships within the Gulf region.
The meetings, which coincide with the Made in GCC Forum and Exhibition 2026 from October 6 to 8, are centered on promoting industrial integration among GCC countries. By leveraging advanced technologies and artificial intelligence, the UAE aims to increase private-sector involvement in regional industrial projects. This initiative seeks to fortify the competitiveness of Gulf industries by merging the capabilities of member countries and developing more cohesive regional value chains.
In support of these goals, UAE companies are showcasing their national products and industrial technologies, thereby creating potential collaborations in manufacturing, investment, technology, and supply chains. The focus on advanced technology is crucial, as it plays a significant role in enhancing industrial productivity and competitiveness.
Discussions at the meetings also cover critical areas such as industrial financing, innovation, infrastructure, and ensuring supply-chain resilience. Several memorandums of understanding are anticipated to be signed between UAE entities and other GCC companies, furthering the expansion of industrial partnerships across the region.
The UAE’s industrial sector has demonstrated significant growth, with exports reaching Dh260 billion in 2025. This includes Dh92 billion from medium- and high-technology industrial exports. Additionally, the National In-Country Value (ICV) Programme has redirected more than Dh473 billion into the UAE economy, strengthening domestic supply chains and supporting local enterprises.
By participating in these Bahrain meetings, the UAE underscores its commitment to fostering stronger industrial links within the GCC, aiming to build a more integrated and competitive regional industrial sector that benefits all member states.
