#GMIS2021 organising committee holds first meeting to lead dialogue on accelerating industrial innovation

• The Committee’s diverse backgrounds and expertise in driving innovation across different sectors will help position the UAE as a global destination that is shaping the future of manufacturing and technology
• Committee includes senior members from the UAE Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Dubai Economy, Dubai Chamber, Jafza, TECOM Group, and the UAE Centre for the Fourth Industrial Revolution
• The Committee’s first meeting was held virtually to align on strategic priorities surrounding #GMIS2021
• The fourth edition of the Summit will be held under the Patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al-Maktoum at Expo’s Dubai Exhibition Center from November 22 – 27

Dubai: The Global Manufacturing and Industrialisation Summit (GMIS) today announced the formation of the #GMIS2021 Organising Committee which is made up of senior members from the UAE government and industry experts drawn from renowned UAE-based organisations. Their diverse backgrounds and expertise in driving innovation across various sectors will strengthen the summit’s multistakeholder approach and provide strategic guidance on the themes and vision of the fourth edition of the Summit (#GMIS2021). The Organising Committee held its first meeting on Monday.

Co-chaired by the United Arab Emirates Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology and the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), the Global Manufacturing and Industrialisation Summit provides a unique platform for governments, businesses, civil society organisations and academic institutions from across the world to explore and identify solutions to challenges faced by multiple industries – from sustainability and employment, to research, development and design. Under the theme ‘Rewiring Societies: Repurposing Digitalisation for Prosperity’, #GMIS2021 will emphasise the importance of data intelligence and connectivity, highlighting the evolving integration of humans and machines, reinventing businesses, repurposing capabilities, and rewiring societies.

His Excellency Dr. Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, UAE Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology and Co-chair of GMIS, welcomed the #GMIS2021 Organising Committee saying: “Despite the challenges faced over the last year, many opportunities have also surfaced, and the only way to ensure that these opportunities lead to transformational outcomes is to get stakeholders from governments, businesses, academia and civil society to come together to shape the future of industrial growth and find solutions for a more inclusive and sustainable industrial sector. #GMIS2021 offers the opportunity to bring together diverse and experienced voices from across the world to create a shared vision for industry, society, and the environment. We are thrilled to announce the formation of the Organising Committee for #GMIS2021 that will play an important role in ensuring the success of the Summit in Dubai as the global manufacturing community looks to scale up business activity.”

His Excellency added: “In line with the vision of the UAE leadership, the UAE Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology aims to enhance the role of the UAE’s industrial sector, increasing its contribution to sustainable economic growth. We look forward to hosting the 4^th GMIS. Underpinned by innovative, advanced technologies, we look forward to discussing the latest developments in the industrial sector, exploring opportunities for cooperation and supporting the its global progress.”

Members of the #GMIS2021 Organising Committee include H.E. Adbul Nasser Al Shaali, Assistant Minister for Economic and Trade Affairs at the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, H.E. Osama Amir Fadhel, Assistant Undersecretary for Industrial Accelerators at the UAE Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology, Saed Al Awadi, Chief Executive Officer of Dubai Exports (representing Dubai Economy), Saud Alshawareb, Managing Director of TECOM’s Dubai Industrial City, Ahmad Al Haddad, Chief Operating Officer, Parks and Zones - DP World, UAE Region (representing Jebel Ali Free Zone (Jafza), Mariam Al Muhairi, Head of Centre for the Fourth Industrial Revolution UAE, Dubai Future Foundation, and Hassan Al Hashemi, Vice President for International Relations of the Dubai Chamber of Commerce & Industry.

His Excellency Adbul Nasser Al Shaali, Assistant Minister for Economic and Trade Affairs at the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation said: “The UAE’s early foray into fourth industrial revolution technologies and next-generation industrial development strategies has helped position itself as a global destination that helps shape the future of the manufacturing and technology sectors. Hosting GMIS in the UAE for a second time will continue to position the country as a global leader driving emerging technologies and innovative business models.” 

His Excellency Osama Amir Fadhel, Assistant Undersecretary at the UAE Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology added: “The UAE is dedicated to being at the forefront of accelerating innovation and digitalisation in the manufacturing industry, and our recent policy efforts are testament to this. We are also focused on sharing cutting-edge technology solutions and best practices with the world. #GMIS2021 is a pathway in that direction and I am thrilled to welcome the global manufacturing and innovation community to the UAE in November this year.”

#GMIS2021 is taking place at the cusp of major economic and technological transformations in the UAE. In March, the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology launched its brand-new titled ‘Operation 300bn’ industrial strategy, which aims to increase the UAE manufacturing sector’s contribution from AED 133 billion to AED 300 billion. Focused primarily on accelerating economic growth underpinned by Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) technologies, the strategy also includes initiatives to promote innovation and investment across local manufacturing.

Badr Al Olama, Head of the Organising Committee of the Global Manufacturing and Industrialisation Summit (GMIS) said: “We are excited to receive the support and guidance of key leaders from the UAE government and industrial sector. Their experience has been instrumental in driving strategic transformations across the country, and I am certain that their contribution will add tremendous value in further cementing GMIS as a global platform for collaboration across the manufacturing and technology sectors. The committee will also play an instrumental role in shaping the next GMIS legacy initiative, which we hope will have a lasting impact on future generations.”

#GMIS2021 will be held from November 22-27, 2021 at EXPO’s Dubai Exhibition Center and will take place across several formats including keynote addresses, panel discussions, fireside chats, and interviews with some of the industry’s most prominent leaders. The programme will dive into core technologies that are central to this transformation and will address key themes surrounding Artificial Intelligence, the Internet of Things, Cloud Computing, and the fifth generation of wireless network technology (5G). The Summit will also include working groups, interactive workshops, youth sessions, and activities related to the GMIS legacy initiatives, such as the Mohammed bin Rashid Initiative for Global Prosperity, and an exhibition showcasing innovative advanced manufacturing technologies to showcase UAE manufacturing capabilities.

Following are additional quotes from #GMIS2021 Organising Committee members:

Representing Dubai Economy, Saed Al Awadi, Chief Executive Officer of Dubai Exports said: “We are excited about taking on this role at such a critical time for the manufacturing community. The Dubai Industrial Strategy 2030 is aimed at boosting Dubai’s global competitiveness in the industrial sector and transforming the sector into an economic growth engine, and being part of the GMIS2021 Organising Committee will help to drive this vision. I look forward to contributing to this global event and encourage UAE based companies to participate in this important initiative.”

Representing TECOM Group, Saud Alshawareb, Managing Director of Dubai Industrial City, said "At Dubai Industrial City, we are committed to enabling and supporting our partners to adopt and invest in innovative business solutions and state-of-the-art technology that will reinforce the UAE’s position as an advanced manufacturing and innovation hub. #GMIS2021 provides the perfect platform for the global and regional industrial community to come together to witness the transformations taking place in the UAE, and learn more about future technology trends that is impacting every aspect of our lives including manufacturing and logistics, and I am delighted to take part in #GMIS2021.”

“The growth in advanced technology solutions is driving economic resilience and diversification, and we have seen this in Dubai and the UAE throughout last year, and how industry players across different sectors were able adapt swiftly and support the nation's efforts in limiting the impact of the pandemic"

"Such a strategic platform, provides governments and business leaders across the world with knowledge about emerging tools and resources that will enable planning for a more prosperous future"

Representing Jebel Ali Free Zone (Jafza), Ahmad Al Haddad, Chief Operating Officer, Parks and Zones - DP World, UAE Region said: “I am excited to be part of the #GMIS2021 Organising Committee. DP World, UAE Region’s flagship Free Zone, Jebel Ali Free Zone (Jafza) and GMIS share a common vision of stimulating economic growth through industrial development, trade, and global partnerships. With over 8,000 registered companies from more than 140 countries, Jafza contributes 23.8 per cent of Dubai’s GDP and is one of the leading sources of FDI inflow into Dubai, accounting for 23.9 per cent of total foreign investment in the emirate. #GMIS2021 will play an important role in connecting companies who are looking to collaborate and explore new opportunities, both in the UAE and around the world, and we look forward to presenting such opportunities within Jafza at GMIS in November.”

Mariam Al Muhairi, Head of Centre for the Fourth Industrial Revolution UAE, Dubai Future Foundation said: “Manufacturers across the world are working towards improving their digital capabilities to drive growth and build resiliency. In the UAE, we have a rapidly growing manufacturing sector that is harnessing fourth industrial revolution technologies to create new revenue streams while driving environmental sustainability. #GMIS2021 presents a milestone opportunity to drive knowledge-exchange between UAE and the world on all things that are innovative. I look forward to being part of the #GMIS2021 Organising Committee.”

Hassan Al Hashemi, Vice President for International Relations of the Dubai Chamber said: “In Dubai and around the world we see digitalisation across industries and governments developing at an extremely fast pace. Dubai Chamber is excited to be a part of #GMIS2021 that will bring together innovators and shapers from the global manufacturing community, and look forward to showcasing Dubai Chamber’s key learnings on economic transformations brought about by the implementation of advanced technologies.”

-Ends-

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About GMIS:

The Global Manufacturing and Industrialisation Summit (GMIS) was established in 2015 to build bridges between manufacturers, governments and NGOs, technologists, and investors in harnessing the Fourth Industrial Revolution’s (4IR) transformation of manufacturing to enable the regeneration of the global economy. A joint initiative by the United Arab Emirates and the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), GMIS is a global platform that presents stakeholders with an opportunity to shape the future of the manufacturing sector and contribute towards global good by advancing some of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

The first two editions of the Global Manufacturing and Industrialisation Summit were held in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates in March 2017, and Yekaterinburg, Russia in July 2019, respectively, with each edition welcoming over 3,000 high-level delegates from over 40 countries. The third edition, GMIS2020, was held virtually in September 2020 and convened over 10,000 attendees and close to 100 thought-provoking leaders from governments, businesses, and civil society.

GMIS2021, the fourth edition of the Global Manufacturing and Industrialisation Summit, will be held once again in the United Arab Emirates from November 22 to 27, alongside EXPO Dubai, under the theme – Rewiring Societies: Repurposing Digitalisation for Prosperity.

To learn more about GMIS, please visit https://gmisummit.com/ and follow GMIS on Twitter:  @GMISummit, Instagram: @gmisummit, LinkedIn: GMIS - Global Manufacturing & Industrialisation Summit, and Facebook: @GMISummit.

Press Contact:
Reethu Thachil
Communications Manager
M Three Marcomms LLC, Press Office for:
Global Manufacturing & Industrialisation Summit
Mohammed Bin Rashid Initiative for Global Prosperity
reethu@m3media.com 

About Dubai Exports

Dubai Exports strives to ensure the success of the exports sector in Dubai and the UAE, providing constant guidance, advice and practical support to both overseas buyers and suppliers. We develop long-term growth strategies to help businesses expand and maximize their opportunities given by Dubai’s unique position as a natural trade gateway between the East and the West. Exceptional facilities and a logistics infrastructure that is unrivalled in the Middle East and among the most impressive and effective anywhere in the world make Dubai the global export capital. Among our many services, we provide trade information, branding advice, financial, legal and foreign trade representation and access to potential buyers. In order to achieve our goals, we work closely with other Government Departments to simplify the export process. It is an exciting time for exporters in the UAE and Dubai Exports will provide you with constant support to make your business both prosperous and, globally competitive.

About Jebel Ali Free Zone (Jafza)

Jafza is one of the world’s leading free trade zones and is home to over 8,000 multinational companies. Jafza accounts for 23.9% of total FDI (Foreign Direct Investment) flow ‎into Dubai, sustaining the employment of more than 135,000 people in the United Arab Emirates. In 2019, Jafza generated trade worth USD 99.5 billion.

Strategically located at the crossroads of a region providing market access to over 3.5 billion people, Jebel Ali Port and Free Zone create an integrated multi-modal hub offering sea, air and land connectivity, complemented by extensive logistics facilities. ‎The Port and Free Zone contributed 33.4% of Dubai’s GDP in 2017.

Jafza is the leading business hub between Asia, Europe and Africa, connecting some of the fastest-growing manufacturing and consumer markets globally. With over 30 years’ experience, Jafza focuses on long-term customer relationships, building alliances with global investors and providing world-class infrastructure and support. In addition to quality-driven value-added services and incentives, Jafza is a business opportunity enabler, offering its customers easy and efficient access to substantial business opportunities in the region.

About Dubai Future Foundation

Launched by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, the Dubai Future Foundation was established back in 2016 to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of Dubai, as well as to collectively imagine, inspire and design the city’s future in collaboration with the government and private entities within various industries.

Mandated in positioning Dubai as a hub for innovation and a leading city of the future, the foundation’s main areas of focus are Future Foresight and Imagination, Content and Knowledge Dissemination, Capacity Building, Future Design and Acceleration, and Future Experiences.

Through its initiatives, DFF builds bridges between government and private sector, innovators, startups, talents and industry experts, and creates an innovation ecosystem that enables innovations to take shape, promotes global dialogues, builds partnerships and cultivates disruptive mindsets.

About Centre for the Fourth Industrial Revolution (C4IR UAE)

• Centre for the Fourth Industrial Revolution (C4IR UAE) is a collaboration between the Dubai Future Foundation and the World Economic Forum and will be the first C4IR in the MENA region.
• Based out of Area 2071, the Centre is a global platform for 4IR case studies from the UAE. The Centre will implement the latest thinking from WEF’s 4IR expert groups into projects in the UAE and work together to improve the frameworks and protocols for supporting 4IR technologies
• The UAE Centre will focus on three of the eight WEF 4IR topics: Precision Medicine, AI and Machine Learning, and Blockchain. These topics will be addressed through joint projects with local partners and experts from WEF.

• Precision Medicine: The creation of a Centre for Genome Excellence follows DFF’s ongoing 10X genome sequencing program with the Dubai Health Authority (DHA).
• AI and Machine Learning: The Smart AI Pilots will use existing and upcoming AI services in the UAE to document and develop best-in-class governance, policy and protocols.
• Blockchain: builds on the existing blockchain trials in the UAE, documenting each of the trials and developing governance frameworks around blockchain technology.

© Press Release 2021