The UAE is actively participating in a series of Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) ministerial meetings in Bahrain, focusing on enhancing regional industrial cooperation and supply-chain resilience. These meetings, held from October 6 to 8, run concurrently with the Made in GCC Forum and Exhibition 2026, aiming to foster investment and partnership opportunities across the region.
Dr. Sultan Al Jaber, the UAE’s Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology, is at the helm of the UAE delegation, engaging with the GCC Industrial Cooperation Committee and the Ministerial Committee for Standardization Affairs. The UAE’s participation underscores its commitment to deepening industrial integration among GCC countries through advanced technologies, artificial intelligence, and enhanced private-sector involvement in industrial projects.
The discussions are centered on amalgamating the capabilities of GCC countries to fortify the competitiveness of Gulf industries. Through these efforts, the UAE is advocating for the development of more integrated regional value chains, which could lead to significant advancements in manufacturing, technology, and supply chains.
Highlighting the role of cutting-edge technology, the UAE is showcasing the potential of artificial intelligence to boost industrial productivity and competitiveness. The meetings also cover crucial topics such as industrial financing, innovation, infrastructure, and supply-chain resilience. As part of these discussions, several memorandums of understanding are anticipated to be signed between UAE entities and GCC companies, targeting the expansion of industrial partnerships.
In 2025, the UAE’s industrial exports reached Dh260 billion, with Dh92 billion attributed to medium- and high-technology industrial exports. The National In-Country Value (ICV) Programme has played a pivotal role by redirecting over Dh473 billion into the UAE economy, bolstering local companies and strengthening domestic supply chains.
These ministerial meetings in Bahrain are a testament to the UAE’s broader strategy to forge stronger industrial links within the GCC, aiming to cultivate a more integrated and competitive regional industrial sector. By focusing on collaborative efforts and leveraging advanced technologies, the UAE is poised to enhance its industrial footprint across the Gulf region.