الشارقة 24 – وام:
The United Arab Emirates is steadfast in establishing a comprehensive framework to enhance national products, making connections between local production and facets such as quality, innovation, technology, supply chains, and global markets. This shift from isolated initiatives to an integrated economic approach not only boosts the competitiveness of the national economy but also enhances its flexibility and sustainability..
The components of this framework span various phases of the production cycle, beginning with agriculture and food production, advancing through manufacturing and advanced industries, and culminating in the protection of product identity and the opening of new marketing and export channels. This initiative is continually aligned with government and institutional demand for priority national products..
Geographically Indicated National Products Project
In this context, the Cabinet approved the Geographically Indicated National Products Project, known as the “Geographical Indicator”, during its April meeting. This initiative aims to distinguish goods that possess characteristics or quality or fame derived from a specific geographical area within the country, encompassing agricultural products, industrial goods, and traditional crafts..
The project grants products tied to specific geographical locations a commercial identity that reflects their qualities and sources of distinction. Additionally, it protects these products, preserves traditional production methods, supports agricultural and heritage tourism, and encourages investment and entrepreneurship in this sector..
Strengthening National Products in Retail and Digital Platforms
The Cabinet also adopted a policy aimed at enhancing the presence of national products in retail outlets and digital sales platforms. This initiative seeks to boost the visibility of locally manufactured products through awareness campaigns while enabling national factories to integrate into major supply chains. Furthermore, it aims to stimulate local demand to secure market stability and ensure a continuous supply chain..
Good Agricultural Practices
In collaboration, the National Agricultural Centre and the Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority unveiled operational and strategic details of the “UAE GAP” national project, which aims to elevate the quality of local agricultural production according to international standards. This initiative is crucial for enhancing the competitiveness of Emirati products and gaining access to new markets..
The program targets the training and qualification of farmers on the best modern agricultural practices, aiming for 80% of local farms to attain “UAE GAP” certification..
National Agricultural Initiative for Climate-Smart Crops
This evolves within the framework of the “National Agricultural Initiative for Climate-Smart Crops”, launched during the second edition of the “Emirates Agricultural Conference and Exhibition” in April. The focus is on diversifying the national food basket, reducing dependence on imports, and bolstering local food and fodder production..
Moreover, the National Agricultural Centre launched the “Sustainable Product” initiative, aiming to increase the use of local agricultural and animal products in the restaurant and hotel sectors to 25%. This sets a clear path to integrate Emirati farm yields into the supply chains of premier tourism and hospitality establishments in a commercially sustainable manner..
The framework is not limited to agricultural products. The UAE is also enhancing the capacity of national factories to meet local demand and compete internationally through a range of initiatives focused on localising vital industries, increasing national content, and elevating the technological efficiency of the industrial sector..
National Industrial Resilience Fund
In this vein, the establishment of the “National Industrial Resilience Fund” valued at one billion dirhams has been approved to support the localisation of vital industries, enhance supply chain resilience, and accelerate the adoption of artificial intelligence technologies in production, operation, and planning. This fund will also support the development of industrial value chains and create strategic reserves for priority products..
The UAE has also expanded the application of the National Added Value Program (“National Content”) from a motivational framework to a mandatory one in specific sectors, directing a portion of government and institutional demand toward national products and reinforcing their presence in supply chains..
This vision additionally includes a policy to bolster national products’ presence in retail and digital platforms, facilitating access for Emirati products to consumers, enabling national factories to connect with primary supply chains, and enhancing market stability and supply continuity..
Manufacture in the UAE
The “Manufacture in the UAE” platform stands out as a key initiative bringing together investors, manufacturers, and industry leaders, providing a channel to connect industrial and investment opportunities with local production capabilities. This platform emphasises the localisation of vital products to reduce dependence on singular sources and enhance supply chain resilience..
In the energy and industrial sectors, the “Local+” initiative under ADNOC reflects a strategy aimed at prioritising locally manufactured products in the company’s projects. This initiative connects contractors in engineering, procurement, and construction with qualified local manufacturers, expanding opportunities for Emirati firms in supply chains linked to major projects..
The concept of retaining value within the national economy is evident in the recycling sector, highlighted by the launch of the largest aluminium recycling plant in the country, with an annual production capacity of 185,000 tons. This facility allows for local processing of aluminium scrap instead of exporting it abroad and transforms it into high-quality, low-carbon industrial products..
The Future Factories of the UAE
As the production base expands, the UAE’s industry is entering a new phase of technological transformation. The Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology has launched the “Future Factories of the UAE” initiative, which consolidates industrial technological transformation programmes and tools under one umbrella, providing manufacturers with tools to assess their needs, identify development opportunities, and connect them with solution providers, expertise, and funding programmes..
The initiatives under this system have supported over 700 factories, with more than 620 facilities evaluated through the industrial technological transformation index, reflecting a trend toward building a more efficient, resilient, and competitive industrial base in global markets..
Furthermore, the support framework for national products extends beyond the UAE’s borders through international investments and partnerships, facilitating the connection of Emirati capabilities with regional and global resources, markets, and value chains. This is vividly represented in Emirates’ investments across energy, infrastructure, industry, and renewable energy sectors in various international markets..