The eighth edition of the “Manufacturers” employment program is set to launch tomorrow in Abu Dhabi, marking a significant step in bridging Emirati talent with growing job opportunities in the industrial sector. Organized by the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology, this event aims to enhance employment and training pathways for UAE nationals amid the rapid expansion of the industry in the region.
Event Details and Objectives
The “Manufacturers” employment program will take place on June 8 and 9 at the Abu Dhabi Energy Center, focusing on connecting Emirati professionals with diverse job and training opportunities. Launched in 2023, the initiative aims to provide 5,000 job opportunities for citizens in the industrial sector by 2027. This year, the program expects to unveil over 1,000 new job vacancies, engaging more than 70 companies across strategic sectors, including advanced manufacturing, artificial intelligence, engineering, and clean energy. With this addition, the total job opportunities facilitated since the program’s inception has surpassed 5,200, successfully exceeding the initial target a year ahead of schedule, reflecting the effectiveness of national efforts to connect Emirati competencies with quality roles in the industrial landscape.
Empowering Job Seekers
Designed as a pivotal platform, the “Manufacturers” exhibition allows Emirati job seekers to interact directly with employers from leading industrial and technological firms. Participants will have the chance to learn about available career opportunities, conduct on-the-spot interviews, and benefit from mentoring sessions. By generating direct access to quality job and training opportunities, the exhibition aims to enhance the readiness of Emiratis for future roles in priority industrial sectors.
Collaborative Efforts Behind the Program
The 2026 edition of the exhibition is organized in collaboration with various national entities, including the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratization and the Abu Dhabi Investment Office. ADNOC serves as a strategic partner and a key supporter of industrial talent development, alongside other organizations like the Government Support Department and e&. Sponsorship also comes from companies such as Forbes Mars and SLB. This collaboration aims to address the increasing demand for skilled Emirati professionals driving the next phase of economic and industrial growth in the UAE.
Growth of the Industrial Sector
Currently, the UAE is on a trajectory to accelerate one of the most ambitious industrial transformation programs in the region, with the industrial sector’s contribution rising by approximately 70% since 2021. Industrial exports are projected to exceed AED 262 billion in 2025, showcasing the escalating need for a highly skilled national workforce to lead future economic advancements. Hassan Jassim Al Nuwais, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology, emphasized, “The ‘Manufacturers’ employment program serves as a supportive platform for building capabilities and linking education and training with labor market needs, thereby supporting sustainable industrial growth in the nation.”
The initiatives provided through the “Manufacturers” program illustrate a meaningful investment in the development of local talent, acknowledging that real localization begins with creating suitable opportunities in appropriate sectors. Mohammed Ali Al Kamali, CEO of Trade and Industry at the Abu Dhabi Investment Office, noted that their commitment to empowering national talents is fundamental to achieving sustainable economic growth and enhancing competitiveness in key sectors. The upcoming exhibition not only provides an avenue for immediate employment opportunities but also enriches the skill development of Emiratis, aligning with the strategic goals of Abu Dhabi.