Expansion, growth opportunities for firms in the ICAD discussed

The UAE’s Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology (MoIAT), visited the Industrial City of Abu Dhabi (ICAD), a major centre for industrial companies in the region that operates under the umbrella of the Abu Dhabi Ports Group, the largest operator of economic zones in the UAE.

Dr Sultan Bin Ahmed Al Jaber heard how IDAC provides investors with promising opportunities for growth and prosperity and is considered one of the most important industrial cities locally, regionally, and even globally.

The visit is part of the Ministry’s efforts to maintain strong, direct ties with its partners in the industrial sector. Efforts include communicating regularly, discussing various innovative industrial projects and ensuring an environment that contributes to enhancing the sector’s success, based on the pillars of innovation, sustainability and future foresight.

The Ministry focuses on enhancing cooperation, increasing industrial incentives and enablers, and supporting all partners in various industrial sectors, as part of the UAE’s national strategy for industry and advanced technology.

Dr Sultan Bin Ahmed Al Jaber was accompanied by Mohamed Ali Al Shorafa, Chairman of Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development, Omar Ahmed Suwain Al Suwaidi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology, His Excellency Osama Amir Fadhel, Assistant Undersecretary for the Industrial Accelerators Sector, and Farah Ali Al Zarooni, Acting Assistant Undersecretary for the Standards and Regulations Sector in the Ministry, Captain Mohamed Juma Al Shamsi, Managing Director and Group CEO of Abu Dhabi Ports, and officials from a number of industrial companies in ICAD.

Dr Sultan Bin Ahmed Al Jaber heard from some of these officials who spoke about strategies for improving the quality and efficiency of production, enhancing competitiveness, raising the contribution of the industrial sector and advanced technology to the national economy, and enhancing the global position of the UAE in the industrial sector.

During the visit, the Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology inaugurated a new production line for the Ajmal Steel Pipes Industry Company, a trusted international brand, and was also briefed on the efforts of Emirates Steel, which is the largest listed steel and building materials company in the country, as well as Gulf Fluor, which plays a major role in meeting the growing demand for aluminium fluoride in the region.

During the visit, Dr Sultan Bin Ahmed Al Jaber stressed the important role of ICAD, with its advanced infrastructure, integrated solutions, and the distinct capabilities that it provides to manufacturers, companies and investors in Abu Dhabi in a way that supports the growth of local industries and attracts foreign capital.

He noted that the directives of the UAE’s leadership and its vision are the basis for enhancing the capabilities of the industrial sector. The UAE has many competitive advantages, most notably its advanced infrastructure supported by advanced technology, which enhances the growth opportunities of industries, increases competitiveness and helps the country keep pace with the best international standards.

He said: “We strive for fruitful dialogue with our partners in the industrial sector to strengthen cooperation and exchange experiences between the various stakeholders in the public and private sectors. Today, we have an advanced industrial strategy through which we aim to stimulate the capabilities and competitiveness of the sector and create an attractive business environment for local and international investors in the industrial sectors. We also aim to establish a stimulating ecosystem for small and medium enterprises, and work to develop procedures and incentives related to the industrial sector.

Mohamed Ali Al Shorafa, Chairman of Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development emphasised the efforts undertaken by the Government of Abu Dhabi towards further establishing the industrial sector’s position, being a cornerstone of the economy and to ensure an appealing industrial landscape and proposition for international investors, guaranteeing a sustainable future.

Al Shorafa said: “The environment facilitated by the Emirate of Abu Dhabi for the industrial sector is testament to the UAE’s progressive economy, as it seeks to continue with its development and diversification roadmap, to position it on the global stage. The success of the industrial sector and specialisations are imperative for the growth of the national economy, especially as we pursue advanced, technological, and future inspired industries as envisioned by our leadership”.

Engineer Saeed Ghumran Al Remeithi, Group CEO of Arkan and CEO of Emirates Steel, outlined Emirates Steel’s activities, expansion plans, and the success of its investments including providing market-leading products to local industries and jobs for Emirati citizens.