The regions first-of-its-kind SMCC and an incentive programme for SMEs has been launched during the Make it in the Emirates forum in Abudhabi

During the Make it in the Emirates summit hosted in Abu Dhabi, the region's first-of-its-kind Smart Manufacturing Competence Centre (SMCC) and an incentive scheme for small and medium-sized firms (SMEs) were both unveiled.

The announcements were made by the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED) with the intention of easing the transition to industry 4.0 and smart manufacturing. The initiatives are a part of the 34 projects that the Industrial Development Bureau (IDB) of ADDED has identified as necessary to accomplish the goals of the Abu Dhabi Industrial Strategy.

For local and international industry stakeholders, the smart centre will serve as a catalyst for the creation of an innovative and sustainable environment. It will function as a one-stop-shop and focus on industry 4.0 technologies to assist firms in their journey towards digitalisation. It is anticipated to begin operations in the first quarter of 2024. In the meanwhile, the smart plan aims to convert 30% of current industrial SMEs to industry 4.0 techniques in five years. A Dh500 million fund is supporting the plan in order to boost productivity, technological adoption, and Abu Dhabi's international competitiveness. In conjunction with the Khalifa Fund for Enterprise Development, it will be put into action. It will make it possible for the Abu Dhabi Industrial Strategy's six transformative initiatives to be implemented successfully: industry 4.0, the circular economy, talent development, ecosystem enablement, domestic supply chain development, and value chain development.

By 2031, Abu Dhabi plans to more than double the size of its manufacturing sector to Dh172 billion, add 13,600 skilled jobs, and raise its non-oil exports to Dh178.8 billion by spending Dh10 billion across these activities.

"The launch of these two new initiatives is a valuable addition to our efforts to turbocharge the next phase of diversification strategy, as we believe supporting the transition to industry 4.0 will positively contribute to driving innovation, enhancing growth of knowledge-based sectors, and increasing non-oil GDP," said Ahmed Jasim Al Zaabi, Chairman of ADDED.