UAE Launches Factory Forward to Accelerate Industrial Technology Transformation

The United Arab Emirates Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology (MoIAT)  has launched Factory Forward UAE, a national initiative designed to accelerate technology transformation across the country’s industrial sector.

Announced on 14 September 2026 in Abu Dhabi, the initiative brings together the UAE’s industrial technology transformation programmes under a single platform. It aims to increase the adoption of Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) technologies, including artificial intelligence, while strengthening the UAE’s position as a global hub for advanced industry and an attractive destination for investment and partnerships.

Factory Forward UAE will support manufacturers throughout their technology transformation journey by helping them identify their technology needs, assess improvement opportunities and adopt 4IR solutions. The platform will also connect manufacturers with technical experts, technology providers, support programmes and financing partners.

The initiative will provide manufacturers with examples of successful factory transformations and real-world technology applications. This is intended to help businesses identify suitable solutions for improving operational efficiency, responding to market changes and strengthening competitiveness.

Factory Forward brings together programmes and support that have already reached more than 700 UAE factories, including more than 620 factories assessed through the Industrial Technology Transformation Index (ITTI).

“Guided by our leadership’s vision, the UAE continues to build a competitive industrial sector by investing in people, improving skills and integrating technology across the value chain. This has made the country a global center for industry and an attractive place for industrial investment. The ministry will continue working with its partners to build on this progress. Our focus is on helping factories use more advanced technology, including AI, to increase productivity, improve efficiency, and compete more effectively. Factory Forward UAE builds on the ministry’s work to accelerate technology adoption. It will help more manufacturers use the programs and support available and encourage them to apply advanced technology in their operations.”

– His Excellency Dr. Sultan Al Jaber, Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology, United Arab Emirates (UAE) ????????

The initiative is backed by public and private sector partners across technology, enablement and financing. Technology partners will help manufacturers assess their technology maturity and identify suitable solutions, while enablement partners will provide specialist advice, training and expertise. Financing partners will support manufacturers seeking funding and investment for technology transformation projects.

Factory Forward UAE is aligned with the UAE’s National Strategy for Industry and Advanced Technology and the Make it in the Emirates initiative. The programme is intended to help manufacturers improve productivity, strengthen supply chains, expand into local and international markets and support the broader growth of the UAE’s industrial sector.