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STRATEGIC PARTNERS
Ministry of Industry & Advanced Technology
Host
Established in July 2020, the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology (MoIAT) aims to boost the UAE’s industrial sector and increase its contribution to the GDP. The Office of the Minister of State for Advanced Technology, the Emirates Authority for Standardization and Metrology (ESMA) and the Industry sector in the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure have been merged into the structure of the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology since then, and all authorities, responsibilities and duties have been transferred to the newly founded Ministry.
Ministry of Culture
Co-Host
The Ministry of Culture (MOC) is committed to enriching the cultural landscape of the United Arab Emirates. It supports Emirati cultural, artistic, and heritage institutions, empowers creative talents across diverse disciplines and fosters intercultural dialogue. Through strategic partnerships, MOC delivers impactful outcomes that reflect the UAE’s vibrant and diverse cultural identity on local, regional, and global stages.
MOC’s Two Core National Missions:
1. Preserving Cultural Acquisitions and Developing Expertise
MOC works to safeguard the nation’s cultural assets, nurturing essential skills for sustainable growth, and support the development of a knowledge-based economy. This includes promoting cultural and artistic activities, producing and sharing knowledge, and preserving both tangible and intangible heritage. MOC also champions artistic expressions and highlights the educational and social value of culture through collaboration with national and international institutions.
2. Upholding Emirati Identity and Enhancing the Cultural Sector
MOC is dedicated to preserving the Emirati identity, strengthening the global profile of the cultural sector, and increasing its impact as a dynamic part of the national economy. This is achieved by protecting national cultural heritage and advancing the cultural and creative industries.
Abu Dhabi Investment Authority
Co-Host
The Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO) is the government entity responsible for attracting and facilitating investment in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi. ADIO enables opportunities for innovative investors and businesses of all sizes, facilitating connections across Abu Dhabi’s innovation ecosystem to help them establish and grow in the emirate. With a comprehensive range of tailored services and incentives, ADIO helps businesses achieve long-term, sustainable success in the market and across the region.
ADNOC
Co-Host
Founded in 1971, ADNOC is a leading diversified energy group, wholly owned by the Abu Dhabi Government. Our network of fully integrated businesses operates across the energy value chain, helping us to responsibly meet the demands of an ever-changing energy market.
Already in the top tier of the lowest carbon intensity oil and gas producers in the world, we are taking significant steps to make today’s energy cleaner while investing in the clean energies of tomorrow, strengthening our position as a reliable and responsible global energy provider.
We are allocating an initial $23 billion to advance and accelerate lower-carbon solutions, investing in new energies and decarbonization technologies to enable our net zero by 2045 ambition and our commitment to zero methane emissions by 2030.
PARTNERS & SPONSORS
Tawazun Council
Sector Enabling Partner
Tawazun Economic Council (TEC) was founded in 1992 to support a vision of comprehensive and sustainable economic and social development within the UAE.
Through the implementation of its economic development program initiatives, TEC acts as a key enabler for the development of defense and security industries in the UAE. TEC provides the needed inputs for the defense industrial development including attracting additional local and foreign capital into the industry as well as actively supporting the SME segment.
TEC targets new capability development, technology transfer and accelerated adoption of new technologies in the defense & security industrial sector thereby contributing to economic diversification.
Since its establishment, TEC has enabled creation of more than 90 companies and investment vehicles, covering 11 sectors, including defense manufacturing. These companies continue play a vital role in boosting economic growth in the UAE.
NMDC Group
Enablement Partner
NMDC Group, based in the UAE, is a leading company in the marine and energy industry sectors. Reputed for delivering noteworthy projects, NMDC Group prides itself on providing flexible, cost-effective and on-time solutions.
The Group owns and operates five business units: NMDC Dredging & Marine, NMDC Energy, NMDC Construction, NMDC Engineering and NMDC LTS. Committed to excellence and led by responsibility, they deliver projects of unrivaled quality, adhering to the most rigorous third-party certifications.
NMDC Group stands as a prominent catalyst in propelling the development of Abu Dhabi and bolstering the UAE’s efforts to further shape its modern landscape and stimulate the local economy. Supported by an impressively large fleet, diverse capabilities and offices across the globe, NMDC Group has the professionalism and motivation to operate anywhere in the world.
With an extensive track record, the Group’s specialized knowledge and expertise have significantly enhanced the region’s infrastructure while diligently safeguarding the ecological environment. The Group also contributes to the continuous development of the region’s economy shaping infrastructure, embracing operational excellence, innovation, and sustainable practices, further reinforcing its position as a trusted partner of choice across the EPC ecosystem.
Kezad Group
Enablement Partner
KEZAD Group, part of AD Ports Group, is the largest operator of fully integrated and purpose-built economic zones in the United Arab Emirates, offering regional and international companies with easy access to key global markets, competitive costs, smooth set up, and business facilities for seamless operations.
KEZAD Group builds open, agile and integrated business environments that attract foreign and local investments to Abu Dhabi by offering world-class transportation infrastructure with multimodal connectivity by road, ports, air, and rail networks, 100 percent foreign ownership, 100 percent repatriation of capital and profit, the potential for duty-free trade within the region, and advanced technology platforms that integrate port community systems with its 12 economic zones.
By building competitive and friendly business ecosystems in KEZAD that foster innovation and collaboration, KEZAD Group is leading the implementation of the Abu Dhabi Industrial Strategy, and enabling the UAE leadership’s vision for economic diversification.
Emirates Development Bank (EDB)
Enablement Partner
Emirates Development Bank (EDB) is the key financial engine of economic development and industrial transformation in the UAE and the key enabler of the nation’s industrial development strategy. EDB provides financial and non-financial support to businesses of all sizes from start-ups and SMEs to large corporates, driving economic competitiveness and business growth. The Bank strives to maximize national economic impact and contributions to non-oil GDP, national employment, and in-country value generation by financing the right transactions that drive development across five priority sectors: Manufacturing, Food Security, Healthcare, Advanced Technology, and Renewables.
As the only development bank in the UAE, EDB focuses on economic impact over profitability and fosters partnerships to extend the reach of its services to a wider spectrum of businesses, driving economic resilience and competitiveness.
Beyond its financing products, EDB provides a range of non-financial solutions ranging from financial literacy training to mentoring and business operations guidance tailored to the needs of entrepreneurs and SMEs to drive their contribution to the national economy.
To help kick-start businesses for startups, EDB also offers seamless and quick account opening services and loan applications via its Business Banking App.
ADEX
Enablement Partner
Abu Dhabi Exports Office (ADEX) was established by Abu Dhabi Fund for Development (ADFD) to expand the local export sector and support the UAE’s effort to diversify the economy and make it more sustainable. ADEX provides a range of tailored financial products and services to UAE companies and their overseas buyers, thus facilitating mutually beneficial transactions. One of the main objectives of ADEX is to create opportunities for UAE exporters to explore new markets without having to worry about any potential payment risks.
Driving UAE Exports Through Financing Solutions
ADCB
Enablement Partner
The ADCB Group is one of the UAE’s leading financial institutions, based in Abu Dhabi, UAE.
Serving over 2 million customers with a wide range of market-leading products and services, the ADCB Group’s core businesses are Retail Banking, Corporate & Investment Banking, Private Banking and Treasury & Investments.
With a host of award winning digital solutions and market firsts, the ADCB Group is driving digital innovation in the financial services industry, providing the highest levels of service and convenience to its customers and partners.
The ADCB Group operates major subsidiaries including Al Hilal Bank, a digital-first Islamic bank that serves retail customers, and ADCB Egypt, which offers both corporate and retail banking services and ADCB Islamic Bank JSC (ADCB Islamic) in Kazakhstan, which provides corporate and investment banking products and services for corporate clients in Kazakhstan and Central Asia.
The ADCB Group is 60.69% owned by the Government of Abu Dhabi through Mubadala Investment Company through its wholly owned subsidiary One Hundred and Fourteenth Investment Company – Sole Proprietorship LLC and trades on the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange (ADX) under the ticker “ADCB”.
Mubadala
Investment Partner
Mubadala is investing and partnering at the leading edge of global growth and innovation to create opportunities for future generations. We will continue to support our leadership’s vision, as we build upon the legacy of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, who envisioned a free, stable and dignified life for the people of this country.
Today, in line with HH Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan’s vision, Mubadala is a USD 302 billion (AED 1,111 billion) business that spans six continents with interests across multiple sectors and asset classes. Headquartered in Abu Dhabi, Mubadala also has offices in London, Moscow, New York and Beijing.
At Mubadala we continue to look towards the future, with aspirations to double the portfolio’s size in the coming decade.
International Holding Company
Investment Partner
Established in 1999, IHC has become the most valuable holding company in the Middle East and one of world’s largest investment firms, with a market capitalization of AED 876.5 billion (USD 238.5 billion). Since then, it has transformed to represent a new generation of investors. IHC’s commitment to sustainability, innovation, and economic diversification spans over 1,200 subsidiaries, driving growth across industries like Asset Management, Healthcare, Real Estate, Financial Services, IT, and more.
IHC continually looks beyond the stand-alone value of its assets for opportunities, stepping outside of traditional approaches and artificial barriers to unlock opportunities across its portfolio, enabling sector-agnostic Dynamic Value Networks and creating results that are often much greater than the sum of their parts.
At IHC, we take our responsibility to shareholders, customers, and employees seriously. Our commitment to responsible investment ensures that we create sustainable value by staying connected to the communities we serve, making a positive difference with every investment.
For more information, visit www.ihcuae.com
EDGE Group
Sector Partner
EDGE is an advanced technology group established to develop agile, bold and disruptive solutions for defence and beyond. Enabling a secure future, it is dedicated to bringing innovative technologies and services to market with greater speed and efficiency.
Starting with breakthrough innovations in the strategically important sector of defence, EDGE places a priority on national security. Consolidating over 25 entities and employing more than 12,000 brilliant minds, it offers expertise across five core clusters: Platforms & Systems, Missiles & Weapons, Cyber Defence, Electronic Warfare & Intelligence, and Mission Support.
At the forefront of development, EDGE converges commercial market innovations with military capabilities. Working with front-line operators and adopting advanced technologies such as autonomous capabilities, cyber-physical systems, advanced propulsion systems, robotics and smart materials, its disruptive solutions are based on the intricate and intuitive needs of the industry. EDGE embeds artificial intelligence across its products and services, creating interoperability and developing cross-domain expertise – to respond to an era where adaptability is vital. Leveraging local and international partnerships across the defence and technology spectrum, it is a magnet for exceptional talent and global expertise, reimaging capabilities with research and development at its core.
Headquartered in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, EDGE is a catalyst for change – promoting fast, precise decision-making to revolutionise the industry and change its fundamentals.
Emsteel Group
Sector Partner
Emsteel is a public joint stock company (ADX: EMSTEEL) and the UAE’s largest steel and building materials manufacturer. The Group incorporates the latest innovative technologies in manufacturing, efficiency and sustainability, to deliver the high-quality products, services and solutions that you need for your business to thrive today and tomorrow.
EMSTEEL produces home-grown high-quality steel products that are shipped and used across the world and delivered into major global markets, for the construction, engineering and energy sectors. Additionally, the Group produces premium cement, blocks, pipes, and dry mortar, creating a one-stop shop for the manufacturing and construction sectors.
At EMSTEEL, we are committed to refining our manufacturing processes and creating steel and building materials sustainably and safely, whilst supporting the growth of the non-oil heavy industry sector in the United Arab Emirates.
Emirates Global Aluminium (EGA)
Sector Partner
Emirates Global Aluminium is the world’s largest ‘premium aluminium’ producer and the biggest industrial company in the United Arab Emirates outside oil and gas.
EGA is an integrated aluminium producer, with operations on four continents from bauxite mining to the production of cast primary aluminium and recycling. EGA operates aluminium smelters in Jebel Ali and Al Taweelah in the United Arab Emirates, an alumina refinery in Al Taweelah, a bauxite mine and associated export facilities in the Republic of Guinea, a speciality foundry in high strength recycled aluminium in Germany, and a recycling plant in the United States
EGA produces one-in-every-25 tonnes of aluminium made worldwide, and supplies customers in more than 50 countries. The growing broader aluminium sector in the UAE supports more than 57,000 jobs. Aluminium is among the world’s most versatile metals, and EGA’s global customers transform it into products that make modern life possible. EGA’s aluminium is primarily used in the construction, automotive, packaging, aerospace and electronics industries.
As a corporate citizen of the UAE, EGA aspires in all its operations to be measured amongst the world’s leading metals and mining companies in meeting its environmental and social responsibilities.
Arab Basalt Fiber Company
Associate Sponsor
Arab basalt fiber company is the first facility of its kind in the arab world. The company produces Basalt Fiber Reinforced Polymer Rebar for concrete tensile purposes which is a non-rusting alternative to steel rebar.
We produce Basalt Fiber Reinforced Polymer Rebar that is widely recognized around the world as (BFRP Rebar). This rebar is reinforcing material produced naturally from lava rocks such as basalt, gabbro and diorite, where rocks are melted at high temperatures to produce Basalt Fiber. Through the a pultrusion process, the fibers are folded, rolled and treated with polymer to produce environmentally friendly reinforcing bar.
RAK Ceramics
Associate Sponsor
RAK Ceramics is one of the largest ceramic brands in the world, specializing in ceramic and gres porcelain wall and floor tiles, tableware, sanitary ware, and faucets. With the capacity to produce 118 million square meters of tiles, 5.7 million pieces of sanitary ware, 26 million pieces of porcelain tableware, and 2.6 million pieces of faucets per year, RAK Ceramics operates 23 state-of-the-art plants across the UAE, India, Bangladesh and Europe. Founded in 1989 and headquartered in the UAE, RAK Ceramics serves clients in more than 150 countries through its network of operational hubs. The company is publicly listed on the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange and has an annual turnover of approximately USD 1 billion.
Etihad Credit Insurance (ECI)
Associate Sponsor
Etihad Credit Insurance, the UAE’s federal export credit company, offers businesses, financial institutions and investors innovative solutions that catalyse and consolidate international trade. The company provides a wide range of solutions and products such as export credit insurance, risk mitigation insurance, comprehensive market intelligence, export strategy and access to finance.
Established in 2018, ECI holds an ‘AA-’ Fitch Rating, which the company has successfully maintained for seven consecutive years. ECI is the first export credit agency to join the UAE’s KYC Blockchain Platform, led by the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism. The company is also a member of the widely acclaimed Berne Union and an affiliate member of the UN Environment Programme – Finance Initiative’s NZECA.
ECI is dedicated to fostering sustainability and non-oil trade to support the resilience and diversification of the UAE economy, while empowering businesses to conduct seamless global trade by providing robust credit solutions and expert market insights. One of the prominent initiatives by ECI to support businesses is ‘Xport Xponential,’ which provides UAE-based exporters, re-exporters and manufacturers with requisite financial tools, advisory support, and access to global markets. Guided by the core organisational values of protection, customer-centricity, integrity, collaboration, global competitiveness, innovation, and sustainability, ECI remains committed to ensuring client success.
e7 Group
Associate Sponsor
e7 Group is the region’s fully integrated solutions leader, delivering comprehensive services across Security Printing and Identity management, Sustainable Packaging, Integrated Educational Solutions, Commercial Printing, Publishing, and Logistics and Distribution.
With a ‘one-stop shop’ model, e7 Group is committed to technological innovation and driving sustainable growth, helping national and global clients navigate an increasingly dynamic world.
Listed on the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange (ADX), e7 Group’s largest shareholder is ADQ, one of the region’s leading holding companies based in the UAE.
The company’s listing followed its acquisition in 2023 by ADC Acquisition Corporation (ADC), the MENA region’s first Special Purpose Acquisition Company (SPAC), marking a key milestone in e7’s journey toward becoming a regional and global leader in integrated industrial and service solutions.
Baker Hughes
In-country value (ICV) champion
Baker Hughes is an energy technology company that provides solutions to energy and industrial customers worldwide.
Conducting business in over 120 countries and approximately 58,000 employees, we design, manufacture, and deliver leading technology solutions for our customers.
Powered by the industry’s only end-to-end technology portfolio, and enabled by our people and scale, we drive productivity and improve outcomes for ourselves and our customers.
From the first rotary drill bit to the world’s most extensive portfolio of compressors and gas turbines, and from digital solutions that predict outcomes to modular deep-water technology, for more than a century our inventions have been revolutionizing the industry.
We are reducing the carbon intensity of our operations, applying proven low-carbon technology to help our customers meet their environmental goals, and innovating for the future of energy.
At Baker Hughes, we are taking energy forward – making it safer, cleaner, and more efficient for people and the planet. Visit us at bakerhughes.com
Yokogawa
Supporting Sponsor
Yokogawa is a leading provider of Industrial Automation and Test and Measurement solutions. Combining superior technology with engineering services, project management, and maintenance, Yokogawa delivers field proven operational efficiency, safety, quality, and reliability.
Technology Innovation Institute
AI Zone Sponsor
The Technology Innovation Institute (TII) is a leading global research center dedicated to pushing the frontiers of knowledge. Our teams of scientists, researchers and engineers work in an open, flexible and agile environment to deliver discovery science and transformative technologies. Our work means we will not only prepare for the future; we will create it. Working together, we are committed to inspiring innovation for a better tomorrow.
Stratecis
Entrepreneurship Content Partner
Founded in 2018, in Abu Dhabi, Stratecis is an impact-driven strategic consulting, event communications and brand experience company. It co-creates and produces global events, platforms, unique content and live experiences that empower governments, corporations, civil society, and youth to lead, engage, learn, innovate and partner to drive collective impact for human progress, climate action, and sustainable economic growth.
