Industry & Retail
From The Report: Abu Dhabi 2023
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The Covid-19 pandemic exposed global supply chain inefficiencies, affecting manufacturing and retail alike. Abu Dhabi, as well as the broader UAE, is applying lessons from this era and focusing on self-sufficiency and local supply chains.

This approach strengthens local retail and wholesale operations, which are adapting to the 5% value-added tax introduced in 2018. At the same time, enhanced governance, services and investment regulations are helping to encourage foreign direct investment in manufacturing.

As conglomerates navigate industrial trends, opportunities for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in national value chains are growing, benefitting the manufacturing segment, investors and SME ecosystem development.

Abu Dhabi’s expanding e-commerce industry also offers growth potential, supported by the Tajer Abu Dhabi scheme. The transition to renewable energy aligns with development goals and appeals to global businesses seeking robust environmental, social and governance policies, while improved trade relations are enhancing the growth potential of Abu Dhabi’s manufacturing and retail sectors.

This chapter contains an interview with Sultan Al Jaber, UAE Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology.

Articles from this Chapter

Overview

Chain links: Strengthening supply and value chains through a focus on local content and small and medium-sized enterprises
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The disruption of the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020-21 highlighted a range of inefficiencies in global supply chains, which had pronounced impacts on manufacturing and retail companies – and, ultimately, consumers. Both manufacturing and the industrial sector have also had to contend with high global inflation, which began during the pandemic but has been exacerbated by geopolitical tensions, and its detrimental effect on consumer confidence. In the UAE as a whole, and in the emirate of Abu Dhabi specifically,…

Interview

Diverse aims: Sultan Al Jaber, UAE Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology, on supporting non-oil economic growth
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Interview:Sultan Al Jaber What initiatives is the UAE pursuing to drive the growth of its non-oil economy? SULTAN AL JABER: The UAE’s real GDP is projected to expand by 3.3% in 2023, reflecting a robust economic outlook. Strategic visions are guiding the development of the key sectors that are powering the UAE’s economic diversification, such as tourism, real estate, construction and transport. Manufacturing, another engine of economic growth, is set to contribute significantly to GDP over…

Analysis

Attractive environment: Private sector investment and an updated regulatory landscape are supporting increased e-commerce activity
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Abu Dhabi is creating an environment that supports the growth of the e-commerce segment, backed by evolving regulations, strategic infrastructure initiatives, and support for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Regulatory Development In September 2023 the UAE Cabinet announced a new e-commerce law that aims to boost the country’s digital economy and enhance its economic competitiveness. The law is expected to benefit consumers and e-commerce platforms by providing clearer guidelines and…