The UAE Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology, Dr Sultan bin Ahmad Al Jaber said that technological advancement have played a key role in overcoming challenges for the country.
UAE’s awareness of technological capabilities in enhancing industrial development is what made the country prepare itself to face challenges and drive sustainable economic growth, he said while speaking at the third Global Manufacturing and Industrial Summit (GMIS).
The two day event, which is being held virtually this year, was kicked off on 4th September.
He also added that by holding on to technology we create a knowledge-based economy and ecosystem that aids sustainable jobs.
The aim is to explore those strong sectors of the country like energy, petrochemical, metals and logistics and sectors including water, food and agriculture that would strengthen self-reliance.
The UAE is also targeting to create value in the currently expanding industries of health, pharma and biotech.
Dr Sultan bin Ahmad Al Jaber, UAE Minister of Industry & Advanced Technology.
“The UAE believes that advanced technologies should play an important role in protecting and improving global supply chains from global shocks. We will unlock greater value from sectors where we have existing strengths, including energy, petrochemicals, metals and logistics. We will target sectors that strengthen our self-sufficiency, including water and food and agriculture. And we will create value in new high growth sectors like biotech, health and pharma.”
Recently UAE had established the Ministry for Industry and Advanced Technology, with a core intention to develop technology to use it for industrial improvement.
Dr Al Jaber said that this gives a strong insight into how the nation is relying on technology for industrial growth.
Suhail bin Mohammed Faraj Faris Al Mazrouei, UAE Minister of Energy and Infrastructure said that the country is on a long-term approach for energy planning and climate change tackling.
The capacity to produce green energy that can meet 50 percent of the country’s requirement by 2050 is also a priority.
Solar will become the leading contributor to the UAE energy mix with a 44% share. It has the potential to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 70% and achieve savings of $190 billion compared to natural gas.
The UAE is also the first country to build nuclear power in the Middle East, with the first of four reactors at the Barakah nuclear power plant now operational. Nuclear power will generate 24 percent of the country’s electricity when all four reactors are fully commissioned.
The United Nations (UN) secretary-general Antonio Guterres also made a speech at the event where he stressed that “technology has the potential to restore business, improve industry efficiency and safety and fortify critical infrastructure. Digital technologies must not increase the risk of unemployment for women or worsen economic and other inequalities.”
The GMIS also addressed issues like reliable and affordable internet to all and further conducted a workshop to encourage a gender-responsive and inclusive manufacturing sector.
