The Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology unveiled a new programme to heighten digital capabilities of local manufacturers, with ADNOC, Honeywell, Microsoft, Edge and Siemens among ‘Champions Network’ to assist in the initiative.
The said project is intended to increase productivity and development of innovative products, boosting manufacturing by 30% and adding AED 25 billion to the UAE economy by 2031, a goal in line with the recent government project – Projects of the 50.
Sarah Al Amiri, Minister of State for Advanced Sciences noted that the initiative is a first of its kind in the Middle East and that harnessing the potential of automation, additive manufacturing and blockchain, among other technologies, will be a great factor in reducing the carbon footprint of the UAE and allow small-and-medium-sized companies to be “more innovative and inventive”.
The departments of economic development in Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Ajman, as well as 12 multinational companies have already signed the preliminary agreements, forming the ‘Champions 4.0 network’ which will showcase the applications of Fourth Industrial technology, sharing knowledge and automation packages to over 13,000 enterprises in the industrial sector in the UAE.
“In line with our leadership’s vision, the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology focuses on increasing the industrial sector’s contribution to the national GDP, enabling economic diversification and transforming to a knowledge-based economy,” Dr Sultan Al Jaber, Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology, said.
“As the UAE embarks on the next 50 years, UAE Industry 4.0 will be crucial to the nation’s continued competitiveness on the global stage, and its standing as an incubator of pioneering ideas and new industries.” Dr. Sultan Al Jaber added. The programme starts with the network identifying, assessing and then assisting 200 companies ready for Industry 4.0. The Industry 4.0 forms part of the UAE’s Operation AED 300 billion initiative, which aims to increase the contribution of the industry to national GDP over the next decade.
