The UAE is moving forward with plans to strengthen its defence manufacturing sector through the launch of a new industrial free zone in Abu Dhabi.
The project, called Al Selmiyyah Defence Industrial Free Zone, was announced through a partnership between Tawazun Council and AD Ports Group.
Officials say the free zone will help expand the UAE’s national industrial base while boosting long-term defence readiness and economic growth.
The initiative is designed to attract leading international defence manufacturers and original equipment manufacturers to the UAE.
According to state media reports, the free zone will support domestic production and create stronger industrial partnerships within the defence sector.
The project also aims to improve technology transfer and increase opportunities for local manufacturers and small businesses.
Officials said the free zone will play an important role in building a sustainable national defence industry based on advanced manufacturing and modern technology.
Nasser Al Nuaimi, Secretary General of Tawazun Council, described the partnership as a major step toward strengthening the UAE’s sovereign industrial capabilities.
He said the project will help accelerate the growth of the country’s defence manufacturing ecosystem and attract high-value industrial investment.
The companies involved have not yet announced a timeline for the development of the free zone.
However, the project is expected to create new opportunities across defence supply chains and support national companies operating in advanced industries.
The initiative also supports the UAE’s wider industrial and economic diversification goals.
The country has been working for years to reduce reliance on oil revenues by expanding manufacturing, logistics, and technology sectors.
Officials say the Al Selmiyyah Defence Industrial Free Zone fits into the government’s broader vision of industrial sovereignty and advanced manufacturing growth.
Captain Mohamed Al Shamisi, Group Chief Executive of AD Ports Group, said the partnership will strengthen the UAE’s position as a global center for advanced industries.
He added that the new zone will become an important addition to the company’s growing free zone network.
According to officials, the free zone will combine industrial infrastructure with global logistics services to attract strategic investments from around the world.
The UAE has continued to invest heavily in defence and technology industries in recent years.
Edge Group, launched in 2019, has become one of the country’s biggest defence technology organizations.
The group focuses on advanced weapons systems, cyber security, and electronic warfare technologies.
Edge Group now operates more than 35 companies under its umbrella and has become a major player in regional defence manufacturing.
During the Make it in the Emirates event in Abu Dhabi, Edge Group officials revealed that their systems successfully intercepted more than 85 percent of Iranian drones launched toward the UAE.
The UAE has also expanded its industrial strategy through the Operation 300bn initiative.
Launched in 2021, the strategy aims to transform the UAE into a major global industrial hub by 2031.
The plan focuses on sectors including machinery, transport, food production, pharmaceuticals, construction, metals, chemicals, and advanced manufacturing.
Defence production has become an important part of that wider economic strategy.
Officials believe local manufacturing can improve national security while also creating jobs and supporting technology development inside the country.
The UAE’s defence industry has already seen major expansion through Tawazun Industrial Park, which hosts dozens of companies working in defence, security, and advanced manufacturing.
Government leaders continue to view technology and industrial growth as key pillars of the country’s future economy.
The UAE has also invested billions of dollars into artificial intelligence and high-tech infrastructure projects, many of which are based in Abu Dhabi.
Industry experts say the launch of the Al Selmiyyah Defence Industrial Free Zone could help attract more global defence companies to the region while strengthening local production capabilities.
The project is expected to support the UAE’s goal of becoming one of the leading advanced industrial and defence manufacturing centers in the Middle East.
