The United Arab Emirates is actively participating in Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) ministerial meetings in Bahrain, focusing on enhancing regional industrial cooperation. Led by Dr. Sultan Al Jaber, the UAE’s Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology, these meetings aim to bolster supply-chain resilience and foster new opportunities for investment and partnerships among GCC countries.
Running from October 6 to 8, the meetings coincide with the Made in GCC Forum and Exhibition 2026, where discussions revolve around industry collaboration, standards, and metrology. The UAE is pushing for deeper industrial integration within the GCC, emphasizing the role of advanced technologies, such as artificial intelligence, and advocating for increased private-sector involvement in regional projects.
One of the key objectives of these gatherings is to enhance the competitiveness of Gulf industries by leveraging the collective capabilities of GCC nations and developing more integrated regional value chains. As part of these efforts, UAE companies are showcasing national products and technologies, creating avenues for cooperation in manufacturing, technology, and supply chains.
Highlighting the importance of advanced technology, the UAE is advocating for its role in enhancing industrial productivity and competitiveness. The discussions also cover crucial topics such as industrial financing, innovation, infrastructure, and supply-chain resilience. Several memorandums of understanding are expected to be signed between UAE entities and GCC companies to expand industrial partnerships.
The UAE’s industrial exports reached Dh260 billion in 2025, with Dh92 billion attributed to medium- and high-technology exports. The National In-Country Value (ICV) Programme has significantly contributed to the UAE economy, redirecting more than Dh473 billion cumulatively to support local companies and strengthen domestic supply chains.
The UAE’s active participation in these Bahrain meetings underscores its commitment to building stronger industrial ties across the GCC and developing a more integrated and competitive regional industrial sector.