Dubai Exporters, has seen economy change that has successfully implemented over 60% of its initiatives designed in support of the Dubai Industrial Strategy 2030 in the first phase.

The overall outcomes of the Phase 1 initiatives, which were endorsed by the General Secretariat of the Executive Council of Dubai, and sector-wise requirements as well as plans for 2019 were recently reviewed by Dubai Exports in a meeting held in accordance with its role in developing exports and driving industrial growth in Dubai.

"The Dubai Industrial Strategy 2030, launched by His highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, seeks to evolve Dubai into a global platform for industries based on knowledge, innovation and sustainability by enhancing industrial growth, industrial independence and integration between economic and strategic sectors," said Sami Al Qamzi, Director General of Dubai Economy.

Strategy into a co-ordinates approach between various government and semi-governmental entities working on modernizing industrial activities in Dubai, developing of new industrial activities and enacting laws according to the labor market requirements.

"The manufacturing sector is currently the fourth largest contributor to Dubai's economy, following the wholesale & retail trade, transport & warehousing sector and the financial sector. The favorable investment climate in Dubai has made the emirate a regional hub for light and medium industries in the mechanical, chemical, food and beverage, metal products, machinery and equipment sectors.
br> "We have completed 60 per cent of the industrial strategy initiatives for the first phase, which will be completed by 2021, and this is expected to contribute to an increase of at least 3 per cent in production, which will positively reflect the value added of Dubai and the UAE in general."
br> The manufacturing sector ranks fourth in terms of contribution to Dubai's economy after the wholesale & retail trade, transport & storage, and financial sectors respectively.

The favourable investment climate has made Dubai a hub for light and medium industries regionally, particularly those manufacturing mechanical equipment, chemicals, food and beverage products, metal products, machinery and equipment.

Sultan bin Sulayem, Group Chairman and CEO of DP World said: “Since His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, announced the Dubai Industrial Strategy 2030, DP World proactively established a manufacturing platform for global businesses in our Parks & Zones.

Jebel Ali Free Zone (Jafza), DP World’s flagship business and logistics hub, has seen several new companies registering in the strategic sub-sectors of Aluminium & Fabricated Metals, Machinery & Equipment, and Fast-Moving Consumable Goods (FMCG).

DP World and Jafza remain committed to sustaining this momentum and continuing to work towards future growth, increased export potential and mid to long-term economic gains for the Emirate of Dubai and the UAE.”

Engineer Saed Al Awadi, CEO of Dubai Exports, said: "Dubai Exports works with more than 25 government entities and free zones, including industrial parks, legislative authorities and the private sector, to implement the Dubai Industrial 2030 strategy.

Specialised groups comprising 44 members, including from Dubai Industrial Park, Dubai Science Park, Jebel Ali Free Zone and the government support team for industries, are focusing on each of the priority sub-sectors targeted in the Strategy.”

Al Awadi said that 67 initiatives are being implemented to support the four main themes - industrial finance, industrial infrastructure development, promotion of local industries and attraction of future industrialists and experts – of Dubai Industrial Strategy 2030. “These initiatives were developed by the work teams after analyzing the maturity of the industrial environment in the emirate, contributing factors at the local and global levels and technical competencies of local industries.

The industrial infrastructure, availability of incentives, financing, environmental sustainability factors, manpower, technology adoption and other factors in each of the target sub-sectors were also evaluated.”

According to the report the most prominent industrial activities in Dubai include construction metal products, wood and furniture, metals workshop, food industries, chemicals, bricks and building stones, machinery and equipment, contracting and related equipment and engines, food packaging, baking, plastics, and glass. The emirate’s industrial sector employs about 108,805 people and the rate of survival of these companies is 75%.

Tahnoon Saif, CEO of Aviation District in Dubai South, said: "We aim to achieve the Dubai Industrial Strategy 2030 vision of making Dubai a regional and global aviation hub by attracting key aviation industries in the coming years and strengthening Dubai's competitiveness across the sector, especially in the areas of aircraft maintenance and spare parts as well as research and development.”

In terms of industrial production, base metals and metal products, excluding transport equipment and machinery, accounted for 25% of the total generating 33 billion dirhams while the food and beverage industry had an output of AED 20 billion (15%). The emirate also had AED 16 billion worth of coke and refined petroleum products manufactured locally.

Manufacturing and repair of machinery and transport equipment accounted for 10% of the total production.