The UAE is taking significant steps towards enhancing industrial cooperation within the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) through its participation in ministerial meetings held in Bahrain. These discussions, which took place from October 6 to 8 alongside the Made in GCC Forum and Exhibition 2026, focus on strengthening regional industrial ties, improving supply-chain resilience, and creating new investment opportunities.
Dr. Sultan Al Jaber, the UAE’s Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology, led the UAE delegation at these crucial gatherings. The meetings of the GCC Industrial Cooperation Committee and the Ministerial Committee for Standardization Affairs aimed to bolster the competitiveness of Gulf industries by uniting the capabilities of GCC countries and developing integrated regional value chains.
A central theme of the discussions was the integration of advanced technologies and artificial intelligence to boost industrial productivity and competitiveness. The UAE emphasized the critical role these technologies play in shaping the future of Gulf industries. The country is also advocating for greater private-sector involvement in regional industrial projects, which could lead to significant advancements in manufacturing, investment, and technology.
During the meetings, UAE companies showcased national products and industrial technologies, presenting new avenues for cooperation across manufacturing and supply chains. Several memorandums of understanding are anticipated to be signed between UAE entities and GCC companies, reflecting a mutual commitment to expanding industrial partnerships.
The UAE’s industrial sector has been experiencing substantial growth, with industrial exports reaching Dh260 billion in 2025. This includes Dh92 billion in exports of medium- and high-technology industrial products. The National In-Country Value (ICV) Programme has further supported this growth by redirecting over Dh473 billion into the UAE economy, thereby strengthening domestic supply chains and supporting local companies.
The meetings in Bahrain are part of the UAE’s broader strategy to forge stronger industrial links across the GCC, fostering a more integrated and competitive regional industrial sector. By focusing on deeper industrial integration and leveraging advanced technologies, the UAE aims to position itself as a leader in the evolving industrial landscape of the Gulf region.