UAE to boost industrial sector’s output and attract investments

Sultan Bin Ahmed Al Jaber, Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology, has visited the Unilever factory, which is the largest manufacturer of liquid personal care products in the Middle East and North Africa and Enviroserve, a company specialising in electronic waste.

Both are located in Dubai Industrial City (DI), part of Tecom Group, which was established in 2004 to be a major driver for the industrial sector in the UAE by attracting business and investments in the fields of light and medium manufacturing, and is a vital model for the UAE’s ability to attract industries.

These visits are part of the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology’s efforts to communicate directly with its partners in the industrial sector, follow up on innovative industrial projects and continue to develop an environment that contributes to enhancing the sector’s success based on the foundations of innovation, sustainability and ability to shape the future.

The Ministry also believes the ideas and operations of leading companies can assist in its efforts to raise the industrial sector’s contribution to the national economy, and enhance the UAE’s global position as an attractive destination for investment.

Enviroserve’s facility is the largest of its kind in the world and extends over an area of 280,000 square feet. It has a total integrated processing capacity of 100,000 tonnes of specialised waste, including the ability to process 39,000 tonnes of electronic and electrical waste annually. The facility, which operates without gas or liquid emissions, features a mechanical separation process free of chemical residues and uses industrial air filtration, allowing recovery rates of 96 per cent, which results in 38 million kilograms of waste removed from landfills every year.

The Unilever factory, which has obtained international quality certificates, is the largest manufacturer of liquid personal care products in the Middle East and North Africa, producing nearly 400 brands. Used by more than 3.4 billion people in 190 countries, its product range includes beauty products, personal care, home care, food and refreshments. The Unilever factory in Dubai Industrial City is the regional headquarters for the Middle East and North Africa, Russia, Ukraine, Belarus and Turkey.

Enabling National Industries

In line with the strategy of the Ministry of Advanced Technology (MoIAT) to empower national industries, enhance their competitiveness, and expand their growth and development prospects, His Excellency Dr. Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber was briefed by Malek Sultan Al Malek, Director General of the Dubai Development Authority and Group CEO of Tecom Group, and Saud Abu Al Shawareb, Managing Director of Dubai Industrial City, about DI’s future plans, and discussed the ambitions of the manufacturers in the coming period.

Al Jaber commended the advanced infrastructure and integrated solutions Dubai Industrial City provides to manufacturers, companies and investors. He also commended the advanced capabilities of Enviroserve and Unilever’s factory and their contribution to the industrial development in the UAE through their innovative and pioneering models.

Dr Sultan Bin Ahmed Al Jaber said: “Through these visits, we aim to discuss ways to provide a supportive business environment for local and international investors in the industrial sector, in line with the Ministry’s strategy to transform the UAE into a major hub for future industries and advanced industries, as well as assist in opening up new regional and global markets to UAE-made products.”

He said: “The directives of the wise leadership to focus on enhancing the role of the industrial sector in the national economy and elevate its competitiveness serve as a roadmap for the ministry to transform the UAE into a key destination for global industrial companies and investments in the fields of industry and advanced technology. Today, we are witnessing significant development embodied by the likes of Dubai Industrial City, which is attracting global industrial projects by providing the environment and solutions that support their growth. This confirms the ability of the UAE industrial sector to attract quality investments.”