Something big is happening in Abu Dhabi right now. Not the usual concert or food fest. This one’s a little different, but still worth knowing about. If you like seeing what the future looks like, Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre is hosting the latest edition of ‘Make it in the Emirates’, and it’s massive.
What’s The ‘Make it in the Emirates’?
We’re talking over a thousand companies showing up. Startups, big brands, manufacturers, and even students are trying to break in. It’s not just suits and speeches. What to expect inside the event? Machines, ideas, and products you didn’t know were being made locally.
Also, the space itself has grown a lot this year. You can feel it when you walk in. More booths, more people, more going on at the same time.
For Anyone Wondering “What’s In It For Me?”
Fair question.
This isn’t just an industry meet-up. For many, it’s about jobs, business ideas, and connections. A lot of small businesses and entrepreneurs are part of it, too, more than half, actually. Talks and panels are happening all day. Some are technical, sure. But others are more about real things: how to start, where the opportunities are, and what’s changing in the UAE job space.
And then there’s this new push to make more products locally. Thousands, in fact. Which basically means less reliance on imports and more things being built right here.
The Crowd Is Mixed, In A Good Way
You’ve got ministers and CEOs walking around. But also students, creators, and people just curious to see what’s happening.
Around 120,000 visitors are expected over a few days. So yeah, it gets busy. But that’s also what makes it interesting. You don’t feel like you belong there.
It’s Not All Serious, By The Way
Let’s be honest, events like this can feel a bit stiff. But here, they’ve tried to make it easier to move around. Smarter parking, better crowd flow, less confusion. You’re not stuck figuring out where to go next.
Also, food matters. And they’ve got that sorted. Food trucks, quick bites, and proper lounges if you need a break. You can spend hours here without realising it.
Why People Are Actually Showing Up
For many, this event is less about “industry” and more about direction. Where is the UAE heading? What kind of jobs will exist in a few years? What are people building behind the scenes? You don’t need to understand every detail. Just walking through gives you a sense of it.
Cover Image Courtesy: miite/fb