MoIAT underlines UAE’s emerging position as a global industrial hub

Dr Sultan Bin Ahmed Al Jaber, Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology (MoIAT), has underlined the UAE’s emerging position and attraction as a global industrial hub during a visit to the Khalifa Industrial City (Kizad), the largest industrial city in the Middle East.

Kizad is an integrated commercial, industrial and logistic center in Abu Dhabi, operating under the umbrella of the Economic Cities and Free Zones Sector of Abu Dhabi Ports Group and contributing to empowering the industrial sector by helping its products to access global markets comprising 4.5 billion consumers worldwide.

The visit is part of a series of tours by Sultan Al Jaber to inspect the performance of industrial facilities in the country and to discuss ways to motivate investors to take advantage of the benefits offered by the UAE. The strategy includes an attractive business environment, providing a stimulating work system for establishing and developing industrial projects, and closer cooperation and exchange of experiences and dialogue with various parties to develop procedures and incentives related to the industrial sector.

Dr Sultan Al Jaber was briefed on the development and growth plans of industrial projects, the opportunities for expansion and regional and global competitiveness, and the advantages for companies situated in Kizad. Dr Sultan Al Jaber was briefed on the efforts of The National Food Products Company, which is one of the largest companies in the region for the wholesale food trade and related logistics, along with the plans and operations of Al Tala Board Manufacturing Company, which operates the first factory of its kind in the world to produce high quality wood boards through recycling palm tree waste through innovative technologies.

Dr Sultan was accompanied by Mohammed Ali Al Shurafa, Chairman of Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development, Omar Ahmed Suwain Al Suwaidi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology, 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 a number of officials from Kizad and companies operating there.

Dr Sultan Bin Ahmed Al Jaber said: “The Ministry’s efforts and work focuses on implementing the directives of the UAE’s leadership to enhance the role of the industrial sector in the growth of the national economy. Our strategy is based on creating value, innovation, sustainability and future foresight, and boosting competitiveness to establish the UAE as a global destination for industrial investments. Today we are witnessing living examples and major developments in Khalifa Industrial City (Kizad) and its ability to attract quality industrial investments. Kizad provides a supportive environment for global industrial projects, which is a major tool for growth, development and prosperity.”

Dr Sultan praised the vital role played by Kizad as an integrated free zone for industry, commerce and logistics. It provides strategic access to regional and global markets with competitive operating costs and greater ease of doing business, providing a solid industrial base that attracts local and foreign investments.

Dr Sultan continued: “The Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology is keen to follow up on all industrial projects and support their success and expansion, through communication with all relevant partners in the industrial sector to learn about their needs and requirements. We are working to stimulate national factories and industries through various initiatives and financing solutions that support growth, and we are continuing to develop procedures and review policies and the legislative and regulatory structure to stimulate the industrial sector to enhance its competitiveness.”

Mohamed Ali Al Shorafa, Chairman of Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED) reiterated the commitment of Abu Dhabi to further develop the industrial sector to strengthen non-oil sectors in Abu Dhabi.

Mohamed Ali Al Shorafa said: “The Industrial sector is witnessing substantial shifts, particularly with manufacturing industries based on advanced technologies. Khalifa Industrial Zone (Kizad) has been a major catalyst in developing projects that are adopting industry 4.0 applications and solutions. Strategically located near Khalifa Port, Kizad provides unique solutions, reflecting Abu Dhabi’s capability to attract investments and launch innovative projects with world-class services and products”.

National Food Products Company

The National Food Products Company (NFPC) is one of the most prominent companies in Kizad. It employs more than 4,500 people in various locations throughout the country and the region and it exports to more than 40 markets in the Middle East, Africa and Asia, with a focus on GCC countries and with a total value of investments reaching Dhs1.1 billion.

Kifah Hussein, Operations Director of the National Food Products Company, gave an overview of the company, which is also one of the largest producers of processed food products and juices in the country, produced in a semi-automated, highly efficient factory.