عربي English Türkçe اردو فارسى
Logo
Latest News
Business

UAE Signs MoUs to Kick-Start Fourth Industrial Revolution Program

The signing ceremony of the MoUs between UAE and 12 industrial entities (WAM)
The signing ceremony of the MoUs between UAE and 12 industrial entities (WAM)
TT
TT

UAE Signs MoUs to Kick-Start Fourth Industrial Revolution Program

The signing ceremony of the MoUs between UAE and 12 industrial entities (WAM)
The signing ceremony of the MoUs between UAE and 12 industrial entities (WAM)

The UAE signed Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with 12 industrial entities to kick-start the newly-announced Fourth Industrial Revolution Program, known as "UAE Industry 4.0," as part of Projects of the 50.

The signing was witnessed by Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology Sultan al-Jaber, Minister of State for Advanced Technology Sarah al-Amiri, and Under-Secretary of Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology Omar al-Suwaidi.

"UAE Industry 4.0" is designed to accelerate the integration of 4IR solutions and applications across the UAE's industrial sector to enhance the UAE's overall industrial competitiveness.

"UAE Industry 4.0" aims to increase industrial productivity by 30 percent and add $6.8 billion to the national GDP in ten years. It is a key pillar of the UAE's Operation 300Bn which aims to increase industry contribution to national GDP to $81.6 billion.

It will do so through several core elements, including establishing the Champions 4.0 Network, in which leading local and international companies will unite to share best-practice in the deployment of 4IR technologies across the UAE's industrial sector.

Participating entities include the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC), EDGE, Honeywell, Unilever, Ericsson, Schneider Electric, Emirates Global Aluminium, Microsoft, CISCO, SAP, AVEVA, and Siemens.

The Champions Network will then support the creation of organizations by 2031 while also cultivating the optimum business environment to establish or attract 500 tech companies by the same year.

Jaber explained that the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology focuses on increasing the industrial sector's contribution to the national GDP, enabling economic diversification and transforming into a knowledge-based economy.

The UAE boasts a vibrant industrial sector that has made a significant contribution to our rapid economic development. And with the collaboration between our public, private and academic sectors, we have fostered an enabling industrial ecosystem," he indicated.

"The technologies of the Fourth Industrial Revolution have the potential to strengthen our core industries, develop domestic production capacity, and build new capabilities to meet the needs of the future."

Jaber added that as the country embarks on the next 50 years, UAE Industry 4.0 will be crucial to its continued global competitiveness and standing as an incubator of pioneering ideas and new industries.

"UAE Industry 4.0 is the cornerstone, and the first step, on which we seek to advance the national industrial sector and enable comprehensive and sustainable economic growth," said Amiri.

She indicated that the agreements signed with the economic development partners in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Ajman would promote 4IR solutions across the UAE's industrial sector.

Most Viewed

 
 
Business

FAO Aims for Key Outcomes at COP16 in Saudi Arabia

Preparations in the Saudi capital ahead of hosting the COP16 conference on combating desertification (from the “COP16” page on the X platform)
Preparations in the Saudi capital ahead of hosting the COP16 conference on combating desertification (from the “COP16” page on the X platform)
TT
TT

FAO Aims for Key Outcomes at COP16 in Saudi Arabia

Preparations in the Saudi capital ahead of hosting the COP16 conference on combating desertification (from the “COP16” page on the X platform)
Preparations in the Saudi capital ahead of hosting the COP16 conference on combating desertification (from the “COP16” page on the X platform)

Dr. Abdul Hakim Elwaer, Assistant Director-General of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), stated that the organization will take an active role at COP16, the UN conference on combating desertification, scheduled to take place in Saudi Arabia in early December.

In remarks to Asharq Al-Awsat, he expressed confidence that the conference—the first of its kind in the Middle East—would produce significant outcomes.

Elwaer’s comments came during a roundtable organized by FAO’s regional office in Cairo, attended by a select group of media representatives. The session focused on FAO’s participation in the upcoming conference and the importance of the Rio Trio —the integrated framework of the three major UN conventions addressing climate change, biodiversity conservation, and desertification.

Fida Haddad, FAO’s Program Officer for Land Rehabilitation and Climate Change, highlighted the interconnectedness of the three conventions and noted that COP16 would place a strong emphasis on land and water rehabilitation and their sustainable management.

Haddad pointed out that approximately 90% of the Middle East is affected by arid conditions. Despite this, local communities and Arab governments have made notable progress in addressing desertification and drought. She also announced that, for the first time, FAO has successfully placed food systems on the COP16 agenda, enabling discussions on how land rehabilitation can enhance food supply chains and systems.

Elwaer underscored FAO’s central role in achieving the second Sustainable Development Goal (SDG): eradicating hunger. He emphasized that FAO actively engages in the UN conventions on climate change, biodiversity, and desertification, which collectively contribute to this mission.

FAO’s focus, according to Elwaer, is on transforming food and agricultural systems to become more inclusive, efficient, and sustainable, aiming for better production, nutrition, and livelihoods. He highlighted the organization’s success in integrating these priorities into the agendas of the three conventions and collaborating with host countries on joint initiatives.

He further noted that Saudi Arabia’s hosting of COP16 is particularly significant for the region, which faces pressing challenges such as water scarcity, desertification, and food insecurity. The conference presents an opportunity for Middle Eastern nations to highlight these issues, explore solutions, and ensure their inclusion in global environmental discussions, not only at this event but in future COP sessions, he underlined.

Elwaer emphasized the growing global attention on desertification, as it is now impacting regions previously unaffected, such as southern Europe and parts of Latin America. These areas are witnessing alarming declines in arable land and forests, prompting them to seek lessons from the Arab world, which has developed resilience strategies to combat desertification over centuries.

FAO will have a strong presence at COP16, with two dedicated pavilions—one in the Blue Zone for official delegations and another in the Green Zone to engage civil society and conference participants, he said.

He added that in collaboration with Saudi Arabia and the UN, FAO will lead coordination on Food Day and Governance Day, scheduled for December 5 and 6, respectively. The organization will also participate in other specialized sessions throughout the conference.