• ADIPEC emphasised the essential need for manufacturers and public institutions to work hand-in-hand to drive transformational change and decarbonise the energy industry.
• ADIPEC’s Manufacturing and Industrialisation Strategic Conference gives delegates new pathways towards sustainable transformation.
• The Manufacturing and Industrialisation Technical Conference showcases adoption methods for the most digitally disruptive technologies capable of fully realising Industry 4.0.
• The Manufacturing & Industrialisation Exhibition & Conference specialised industry area bridges the gap between the energy, manufacturing and high-tech sectors

Abu Dhabi, 5 October 2023 – Emerging and advancing technologies like artificial intelligence (AI) and additive manufacturing are redefining how everything, from everyday consumables to utility-scale power plants, are being designed, manufactured and distributed, and are doing so more sustainably. The challenge for manufacturers is identifying which technologies to deploy and how, which was a major focus of the Manufacturing & Industrialisation Exhibition & Conference taking place in Abu Dhabi as part of ADIPEC 2023.

ADIPEC 2023, the world’s largest energy conference and exhibition, has a strong emphasis on sustainable manufacturing in support of the wider global energy transition and the UAE’s focus on becoming a globally competitive and sustainable industrial base at the forefront of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR).  

H.E. Omar Al Suwaidi, Undersecretary at the UAE Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology (MoIAT), said: “The energy and manufacturing sectors are heavily reliant on each other. As the UAE works towards achieving its Net Zero by 2050 targets through an integrated strategy by investing in and leading the clean energy transition, it also focuses on accelerating the development of the industrial sector and promoting technological transformation.

“ADIPEC, as the UAE’s long-running energy conference, is the ideal place to advance both goals. That is why we are so pleased with ADIPEC’s rich conference and exhibition programme, which has provided a platform for energy and manufacturing to become more sustainable.”

On day 1 of the ADIPEC, MoIAT addressed audiences, highlighting its efforts to increase the industrial sector’s contribution to national GDP from AED 133 billion to AED 300 billion by 2031 through its ‘Operation 300bn’ strategy. A major pillar of these efforts is the ‘Make It in the Emirates’ initiative, which aims to promote the UAE’s attractive business environment, alongside incentives and enablers that enhance opportunities for industrial business growth. During the exhibition, the ministry showcased the ‘Made in the Emirates’ mark, a quality framework for UAE-made products. The mark aims to increase consumer confidence in local products and indicates that products comply with national and international quality and safety standards, boosting their competitiveness in international markets.

UAE companies can now request the ‘Made in the Emirates’ mark, which is issued by MoIAT. Entities can also apply for the Environmental Mark (Eco Mark), whereby MoIAT evaluates the operations and products of the company based on global environmental standards, assessing energy and water usage, waste management, and production.

Commenting on the broader impact of ‘Operation 300bn’, H.E. Al Suwaidi outlined how transformational efforts must be driven by cooperation and collaboration on all levels, stressing the importance of strategic partnerships between manufacturers and government entities.

H.E. Al Suwaidi said: “As a hub for innovation and opportunities, the UAE is an ideal destination for investment and business expansion in the energy and industrial sectors. This ensures consistent growth while adhering to sustainability standards, driving decarbonisation efforts, and achieving climate neutrality. Through Operation 300bn, we have witnessed significant progress in collaboration with leading national companies including Emirates Steel, DUBAL, among others, particularly in hard-to-abate sectors.”

He stressed that succeeding in decarbonisation and contributing to achieving climate neutrality across all sectors, particularly in energy and industry, hinges on enhancing public-private partnerships.”

H.E. Al Suwaidi concluded: "Achieving a balance between growth, environmental protection, and climate action is reliant on innovative and technological solutions. Under the National Strategy for Industry and Advanced Technology, we focus on promoting digital and technological transformation in the industrial sector to contribute to decarbonisation and align with future manufacturing. That is why we have introduced several programs and initiatives, including the Technology Transformation Programme and Industrial Technology Transformation Index. MoIAT has also collaborated with strategic partners to provide flexible financing solutions and support technological transformation in national industrial companies and institutions."

The ADIPEC Manufacturing and Industrialisation Strategic Conference focused on the broader role of manufacturing as an enabler of rapid digital transformation to help build economies of scale in a sustainable manner. Its speakers and sessions outlined how crucial it is for manufacturers to futureproof their operations by adopting a circular economy mindset; securing a resilient operational setup suitable for Industry 4.0 means having sustainable materials, talent, technologies, supply chains and broader partnerships in place.

Across dozens of sessions, industry leaders and government spokespersons emphasised the need to get tough on targets and enact transformational change as rapidly as possible.

Thierry Conti, President of Surface Technologies, Technip FMC, said: “Everything we do has to be sustainable as there is a strong correlation between industrial costs and decarbonisation. We need to break down emissions and establish some very ambitious targets. At Technics, we are reducing emissions by 50% by 2030. We need to work together and have clear conversations about decarbonisation while reducing costs and putting higher value on localisation.”

Manish Pant, EVP of International Operations and Executive Committee Member, Schneider Electric, said: “The slogan of ADIPEC says it all - sustainability is a journey that we can't do alone, and we need to have multilateral partnerships. New tech and new business models need to be adapted, and governments can also make a big difference for decarbonisation – the UAE is a great example of leadership on this. New financial models are also needed with support from financial institutions.”

The manufacturing and industrialisation exhibition area delivered new opportunities for manufacturers to consider how best to leverage 4IR technologies, including AI, the industrial internet of things (IIoT) and advanced robotics, to unlock greater value, boost productivity and transform value chains across key industrial sectors.

In a complimentary manner, the Manufacturing and Industrialisation Technical Conference addressed how specific technologies and innovative manufacturing approaches may come to create the ‘factory of the future’, driving greater sustainability, energy efficiency and transparency. From predictive AI to advanced robotics, additive manufacturing and digital twin simulation, attendees learned how and when such advanced manufacturing techniques might help them realise the long-held dream of Industry 4.0 and its capacity to produce wholly sustainable operations.

The Manufacturing & Industrialisation Exhibition & Conference, supported by MoIAT, offers local and international companies a unique opportunity to contribute to the UAE's sustainable manufacturing growth alongside global decarbonisation goals.