The President of the Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan shared a warm and emotional message after meeting the Ruler of Dubai, describing the moment as deeply honourable and likening it to a “crown on my head,” reflecting strong respect and mutual regard.
UAE President describes meeting with Dubai Ruler as a “crown on my head” in heartfelt message.
On Wednesday, the two leaders toured the ongoing Make it in the Emirates exhibition in Abu Dhabi.
A warm and memorable moment unfolded on Wednesday at the Make it in the Emirates, held at the ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi, as several high-profile dignitaries gathered amid a busy schedule of official visits and showcases. The atmosphere inside the venue was lively, with delegations moving between exhibition stands, viewing locally manufactured products, and engaging with exhibitors presenting innovations from across the UAE’s industrial sector.
During the visit, the President of the Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and the Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, were seen sharing a notably warm exchange that quickly became the highlight of the day for many attendees. Observers described the interaction as natural and cordial, reflecting the longstanding relationship between the two leaders.
Footage circulating from the exhibition showed the leaders greeting each other in the presence of ministers and senior officials. As they met on the exhibition floor, they exchanged handshakes and friendly words, drawing attention from nearby attendees and media personnel. The moment was captured by many in the crowd, with numerous visitors raising their phones to record the brief but significant interaction.
The gathering also included Hamdan bin Mohammed Al Maktoum, the Crown Prince of Dubai, who accompanied the delegation during the visit. He was seen greeting the UAE President as part of the official engagement, further highlighting the presence of senior leadership at the event. The interaction between the leaders took place against the backdrop of various exhibition displays showcasing industrial achievements, technological advancements, and manufacturing capabilities developed within the country.
The exhibition itself brought together a wide range of participants from both the public and private sectors, highlighting the UAE’s growing focus on strengthening its industrial base. Exhibitors presented products manufactured locally, including machinery, consumer goods, and advanced technological solutions, reflecting the country’s efforts to expand domestic production and encourage innovation.
Following the visit, a message attributed to the UAE President was shared publicly, expressing appreciation for the meeting with the Dubai Ruler. In his remarks, he referred to the encounter in affectionate and respectful terms, describing it as a meaningful moment that reflected strong personal and leadership bonds. The message highlighted a sense of admiration and trust between the two leaders, underlining the collaborative spirit that defines their working relationship.
In response, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum also shared reflections on the visit to the exhibition. He described his time at the event as an opportunity to engage with various aspects of the country’s industrial progress. He spoke about meeting young Emiratis participating in the exhibition, observing the wide range of locally produced goods, and gaining insight into the direction in which the nation’s manufacturing sector is evolving.
His remarks emphasised the importance of youth involvement in shaping the future of industry in the UAE. He noted that seeing young innovators and entrepreneurs present their work at such a prominent platform was encouraging and demonstrated the growing capabilities of the country’s next generation.
The Dubai Ruler also highlighted the scale and diversity of products on display, pointing out that thousands of items produced by UAE-based factories were showcased at the exhibition. These included goods from multiple sectors, illustrating the increasing depth and sophistication of domestic manufacturing.
He further expressed pride in the country’s achievements, stating that the developments seen at the exhibition reflect the broader progress of the UAE as it continues to strengthen its industrial and economic foundations. His comments conveyed confidence in the nation’s direction and appreciation for the collective efforts contributing to its growth.
Throughout the event, the focus remained on innovation, collaboration, and industrial development. The presence of senior leadership underscored the importance placed on advancing local manufacturing and supporting initiatives aimed at enhancing self-sufficiency and economic diversification.
As the exhibition continued, visitors moved between displays, engaging with companies and institutions showcasing their contributions to the country’s industrial landscape. The event served as a platform for dialogue between policymakers, business leaders, and innovators, reinforcing the UAE’s commitment to building a strong and sustainable manufacturing sector.
Overall, the interactions between the leaders, the participation of young Emiratis, and the scale of industrial displays combined to create a significant moment within the broader narrative of the nation’s development journey.
The President of the Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan also reflected on his visit to the Make it in the Emirates through a social media message, highlighting the significance of the event and the broader direction of the country’s industrial ambitions.
In his statement, he expressed satisfaction at attending the 2026 edition of the exhibition, noting that it served as a major gathering point for leaders, innovators, entrepreneurs, and industry specialists. According to his message, the event provided a platform where different stakeholders came together with a shared objective: to shape the future of industrial development and reinforce economic resilience across the UAE.
He emphasised that such gatherings are not only about showcasing existing achievements, but also about strengthening national ambition and preparing for future challenges. The President highlighted the importance of ensuring that the country remains proactive in building its industrial base and developing capabilities that can support long-term economic stability.
In his remarks, he reiterated that the UAE places strong importance on fostering readiness for future opportunities. This includes investing in key sectors that are expected to drive global economic transformation over the coming decades. Among these, he specifically pointed to advanced technology fields such as artificial intelligence, as well as traditional and emerging industrial sectors that contribute to national self-sufficiency and competitiveness.
He explained that continued investment in these areas is essential for strengthening local capabilities. By building stronger domestic industries, the country aims to reduce dependency on external supply chains while simultaneously enhancing its position in global markets. This approach aligns with broader national strategies focused on diversification and sustainable economic growth.
The President also highlighted the role of strategic partnerships in achieving these goals. He noted that collaboration between government entities, private sector companies, and international partners will remain central to driving innovation and industrial progress. Such partnerships, he suggested, help accelerate knowledge transfer, improve production capabilities, and support the development of advanced manufacturing ecosystems within the country.
The Make it in the Emirates itself represents one of the UAE’s largest industrial platforms, bringing together a wide range of participants from across the manufacturing and production landscape. In its fifth edition, the exhibition features participation from more than 1,245 companies operating across 12 distinct industrial sectors.
These sectors include areas such as advanced manufacturing, energy, technology, food production, logistics, and other key industries that contribute to the country’s economic diversification strategy. The wide representation of sectors reflects the UAE’s ambition to build a balanced and resilient industrial economy capable of competing on a global scale.
A significant feature of this year’s edition is the introduction of new procurement opportunities designed to support local manufacturing. These initiatives aim to encourage greater production of goods within the UAE, with a target of localising approximately 5,000 products. This strategy is intended to strengthen domestic supply chains and increase the share of locally produced goods in both public and private sector procurement.
Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) play a particularly important role in this ecosystem. According to exhibition data, SMEs account for around 61 per cent of all participating companies. Their strong presence highlights the UAE’s ongoing efforts to support entrepreneurship and provide growth opportunities for smaller businesses within the industrial sector.
By including a high proportion of SMEs, the exhibition creates opportunities for smaller firms to engage directly with larger corporations, government buyers, and international investors. This helps them expand their networks, showcase their capabilities, and explore potential partnerships that can support long-term business development.
The event also serves as a platform for knowledge exchange, allowing participants to share insights on technological advancements, production techniques, and industrial innovation. Discussions held during the exhibition often focus on how emerging technologies such as automation, artificial intelligence, and smart manufacturing can be integrated into existing industrial processes.
In addition to showcasing products and capabilities, the exhibition also plays a role in shaping future policy direction. By bringing together decision-makers and industry leaders in one space, it enables dialogue on how best to support industrial growth, improve competitiveness, and address challenges related to global supply chains and technological transformation.
The emphasis on artificial intelligence and advanced technologies reflects a broader shift in the UAE’s economic strategy. The country has been increasingly focused on positioning itself as a global hub for innovation-driven industries. This includes investing in research and development, supporting tech startups, and encouraging the adoption of digital solutions across traditional industries.
The President’s message also underscores the importance of economic resilience. In an increasingly complex global environment, resilience is viewed as a key factor in ensuring long-term stability and growth. By strengthening industrial capacity and diversifying economic activities, the UAE aims to build a more adaptable and future-ready economy.
The exhibition, which runs until May 7, continues to attract significant attention from both regional and international participants. Its growing scale each year reflects increasing interest in the UAE’s industrial sector and its expanding role in global manufacturing networks.
Overall, the event serves as a reflection of the country’s broader development vision—one that prioritises innovation, collaboration, and sustainable growth. Through platforms like Make it in the Emirates, the UAE continues to position itself as a competitive and forward-looking industrial economy, supported by strong leadership, active private sector participation, and a clear focus on future technologies.
