UAE Drives Gulf Industrial Integration and Supply Chain Resilience at Bahrain Meetings

The UAE is actively seeking to boost industrial integration with Gulf states as the region explores ways to strengthen supply chain resilience during high-level meetings in Bahrain.

A UAE delegation led by Dr Sultan Al Jaber, Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology, is participating in the GCC Industrial Co-operation Committee and the Ministerial Committee for Standardisation Affairs meeting held in Bahrain. According to the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology, the UAE’s participation focuses on strengthening industrial integration among GCC countries, building more resilient and competitive Gulf supply chains, accelerating the deployment of advanced technology and artificial intelligence in the industrial sector, and enhancing the role of the private sector in partnerships and joint industrial opportunities.

The meetings, running from Tuesday through Thursday, highlighted the crucial need for coordination in standards. Dr Sultan Al Jaber emphasised the importance of advancing joint efforts to develop a more advanced industrial sector that supports economic diversification and strengthens the GCC's position as a global hub for industry and innovation. “Industrial integration is a cornerstone of Gulf competitiveness,” he noted.

These discussions took place on the sidelines of the inaugural Made in GCC Forum and Exhibition 2026 in Manama, an event aimed at boosting collaboration across investment, manufacturing, supply chains, and technology. Key outcomes included the launch of the Gulf Centre for the Fourth Industrial Revolution and its digital platform designed to enhance the digital maturity of factories. Additionally, the evaluation period for amended rules on exempting industrial inputs from customs duties was extended until the end of 2027.

The UAE’s involvement aligns with its strong domestic manufacturing push under Operation 300bn, launched in 2021 to position the nation as a global industrial hub by 2031. The industrial sector's contribution has reached Dh200 billion ($54.45 billion), representing a 70 per cent increase, while industrial exports hit Dh260 billion last year. Furthermore, the country introduced initiatives like the Dh1 billion National Industrial Resilience Fund and the National In-Country Value (ICV) programme, which has redirected more than Dh473 billion into the national economy.

Dr Farah Al Zarouni, assistant undersecretary for the Standardisation Affairs sector at the ministry, told The National that the push for deeper regional cooperation aims to localise supply chains and reduce import reliance following pandemic-related disruptions. The UAE is participating with 23 Emirati companies spanning basic industries, pharmaceuticals, defence, and spare parts as the nation pivots toward advanced manufacturing and technology integration.