The United Arab Emirates is actively participating in Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) ministerial meetings in Bahrain, focusing on enhancing regional industrial cooperation, bolstering supply-chain resilience, and fostering new avenues for investment and partnerships. Leading the UAE delegation is Dr. Sultan Al Jaber, Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology. The meetings, which run from October 6 to 8 alongside the Made in GCC Forum and Exhibition 2026, involve discussions by the GCC Industrial Cooperation Committee and the Ministerial Committee for Standardization Affairs.
The UAE aims to drive deeper industrial integration among GCC nations, leveraging advanced technologies and artificial intelligence, while encouraging greater private-sector engagement in regional industrial projects. A key objective of these discussions is to improve the competitiveness of Gulf industries by uniting the capabilities of GCC countries and creating more integrated regional value chains.
Highlighting the role of advanced technology, the UAE is showcasing its commitment to improving industrial productivity and competitiveness through artificial intelligence. Discussions at the meetings also cover critical areas such as industrial financing, innovation, infrastructure, and supply-chain resilience. As part of these efforts, several memorandums of understanding are expected to be signed between UAE entities and GCC companies to expand industrial partnerships.
In 2025, the UAE’s industrial exports reached Dh260 billion, with Dh92 billion attributed to medium- and high-technology industrial exports. The National In-Country Value (ICV) Programme has further bolstered the UAE economy by redirecting over Dh473 billion cumulatively, supporting local companies and strengthening domestic supply chains.
The UAE’s active involvement in these Bahrain meetings aligns with its broader strategy to cultivate stronger industrial ties across the GCC, aiming to develop a more integrated and competitive regional industrial sector. This engagement underscores the UAE’s commitment to fostering economic growth and collaboration within the Gulf region.