The industry of the UAE and its influence on the economy.

The economy of the United Arab Emirates is currently the most diversified in the Middle East. For a long time, the country relied solely on the oil and gas industry. However, today it is also known for other rapidly developing industries and sectors. Many of them are leading and have a significant impact on the country's GDP, which, according to experts' forecasts, will increase by another 4.2% in 2023, reaching $415 billion.

Oil Industry

The oil sector in the UAE is the leading industry. Abu Dhabi ranks third in the Persian Gulf in terms of oil production volume, trailing only Saudi Arabia and Iran. The oil industry contributes up to 34% of the country's annual revenue. The Emirates extract around 3 million barrels of crude oil per day, making them one of the top ten largest oil producers globally.

Investment in oil and gas is growing due to several factors:

• Advanced infrastructure
• Access to cutting-edge technologies
• Absence of currency restrictions
• Low corporate taxes

In recent years, major multinational oil companies have invested heavily in this business. The government also invests money in numerous research and development (R&D) projects to further develop the industry.

The country has also become the first Arab state planning to reduce harmful emissions to zero by 2050.

Energy Sector

The demand for electricity in the UAE continues to increase annually by an average of 6%. This is due to rapid population growth, economic improvement, and climate characteristics. Currently, the country generates electricity from the following sources:

• Natural gas, which will remain dominant in the near future
• Solar energy
• Nuclear projects
• Waste-to-energy projects

By 2050, the Emirates plan to invest over $163 billion in clean and renewable energy sources. Currently, Dubai leads in transitioning to a "green economy". The government of this emirate has allocated $27 billion to create a fund that will develop and finance solar energy projects.

The Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC), in addition to the oil industry, supports projects related to renewable energy sources. It collaborates with the investment company Mubadala to encourage investments in clean energy. The joint venture, known as the Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company, aims to generate 100 gigawatts of electricity by 2030.

Construction Materials Manufacturing

The production of construction materials in the UAE has reached a new level. The number of factories producing them, as noted by many experts, is constantly growing. This is due to the active construction of new residential and commercial properties. The implementation of all projects requires a large amount of building materials.

Revised in 2010, the Green Building Codes have led many construction companies to adopt the reuse of materials. Among them are:

• PVC pipes
• Recycled ceramics

The government expects that by 2030, such a project will save approximately $2.7 billion and reduce harmful production emissions by 30%.

A prominent example of the UAE's economic diversification is the construction of a cement plant in the Emirate of Ras Al Khaimah with an annual raw material capacity of 500,000 tons. This is enough to meet all internal demands for construction material. At the same time, the government covers the main expenses.

Water Desalination and Distillation

The water industry in the UAE is an important sector of the economy. The United Arab Emirates has the highest demand for freshwater. Several reasons contribute to this:

• The rapid population growth of the country, primarily consisting of expatriates.
• The significant influx of tourists, which increases each year exponentially.
• The excessively hot climate.

To prevent a deficit in the industrial sector, the government attracts investments in costly desalination plants.

Continuous operation of desalination plants requires significant energy resources. Therefore, Dubai and Abu Dhabi intend to utilize renewable solar energy for 100% of their power needs. By 2030, they plan to produce around 1.4 billion liters of drinking water per day using only solar panels. This is projected to save $13 billion by the specified year.

Textile Industry

The textile industry is the most developed sector of the UAE economy after oil. Revenues exceed a billion dollars, and textile products are exported to Europe, Asia, and Middle Eastern countries.

The government conducts large-scale state programs in this area, increasing the investment interest of major businessmen. To accelerate the development of the light industry, other measures are also taken:

• Implementation of modern technologies for automating many production processes and improving the quality of the final product.
• Improvement of packaging and delivery methods.
• Organization of international exhibitions and festivals to establish business contacts.
  

Current Manufacturing in the UAE

Currently, various enterprises are being constructed in the UAE to meet the domestic market's needs. Additionally, there are major global companies that sell their products to neighboring countries.

Construction Materials

This sector is well developed in the country. Everything necessary for construction and finishing works is manufactured here. Currently, the Emirates independently produce reinforcement, window blocks, doors, paints, and finishing materials. Over the past decade, small artisanal workshops have grown into large factories whose activities cover neighboring regions.

Engineering and Metal Products

The main metallurgical enterprises in the UAE are aluminum and steel plants. The products they manufacture are primarily related to the construction industry, including reinforcement, wire, profiles, and composite panels. Additionally, the Can-Pack Group produces five million aluminum cans per day.

In the UAE, parts for various industrial equipment are manufactured, as well as automotive components such as brake discs, calipers, and shafts for trucks. Dubai's NAFFCO produces custom-made fire trucks and ambulances.

Printing and Pulp & Paper Industry

There are several paper production factories in the Emirates, manufacturing copy paper, cardboard, and various paper hygiene products. One of the largest producers is Crown Paper Mill, which for over 25 years has been using cellulose from around the world to produce paper towels, diapers, napkins, and toilet paper.

The country also has a thriving book industry. The largest publishing house, Al Ghurair Printing and Publishing, prints fiction literature in English and Arabic, as well as brochures, business cards, and diaries.

Clothing and Fabrics

The UAE produces a significant amount of textiles used for national and everyday clothing, scarves, and shawls. They also manufacture cotton and blended textile products for home use, including tablecloths, bed linen, and towels.

Beverages and Food Products

The UAE serves as a major hub for the food industry. Many products are manufactured in the country under well-known brands and then exported to other states. The main products for which the UAE is known are dates and camel milk.

In Abu Dhabi, there are large factories processing meat and seafood, as well as dairy products. California Garden produces a wide range of canned fruits and vegetables in the UAE. There are several well-known producers of dried fruits, nuts, and spices. Sugar, sweets, bakery products – everything is produced within the country.

As a regional hub for the food industry, the UAE also produces a significant amount of beverages. In addition to bottled water, the country manufactures carbonated and fruit drinks, tea, and coffee.

Perfumery and Cosmetics

The most famous perfume manufacturers in the country are Swiss Arabian and Ajmal. They produce perfumes, colognes, and scented oils not only for domestic consumption but also for export to European countries.

Other Industries in the UAE

The UAE manufactures a large quantity of pharmaceutical products. Julphar is the largest pharmaceutical manufacturer in the UAE, with 13 facilities. Over 90% of their products are exported.

The chemical sector also thrives in the UAE, primarily centered in Abu Dhabi. The main products include polyethylene, polypropylene, ammonia, and urea fertilizers.

The UAE is a hub for the jewelry industry, with several major jewelry manufacturers in the country. The leading company in the Middle East is Damas. Since 2016, their Dubai-based factory has been producing 3,000 tons of gold annually.

The government also invests significant funds in the aerospace and defense industries to create domestic products and establish strategic partnerships with major companies. Abu Dhabi's shipbuilding company, Strata, is a manufacturer of advanced aviation structures. Additionally, firearms, armored vehicles, and guided missile systems are produced in the UAE today.

UAE's manufacturing enjoys unprecedented demand not only domestically but also internationally. The government pursues a policy of mutually beneficial relationships, recognizing that international consumer demand will maximize benefits.

The Emirates are open to foreign investment in any industrial sector. The key is to choose the most advantageous option. The consulting company, The Level Consulting, will help select the right sector and establish business relationships with leading manufacturers in the UAE. We always work towards results and can help solve any non-standard tasks.