Dubai: The Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology (MoIAT) has extended the nominations period for the second edition of the Make it in the Emirates (MIITE) Awards from 26th April to 1st May, 2024. The extension aims to provide a larger number of companies from across the UAE’s industrial sector with an opportunity to participate.

The inaugural awards were held in 2023 during the second edition of the MIITE Forum, and celebrated visionaries, talent, innovators, industrialists, and sustainability pioneers that contribute to the UAE's transformation into a global manufacturing hub and strengthening its position among industrial countries.

The 2024 awards are divided into 10 categories spread across five fields: ICV, Sustainability, Factory of the Future, Industry Enablers and Strategic Partners, and Leadership and Talent.

The ministry announced the call for nominations on 22nd February and has begun contacting nominees on 22nd April, with a closing date set for 8th May. The winners will be announced at a special ceremony during the annual Make in the UAE Forum, whose third edition will be held on 27th – 28th May, 2024 in Abu Dhabi, in the presence of senior industry leaders, government officials, investors and financial institutions.

The awards are a key part of the ministry's efforts to advance the sector, as well as incentivise companies to adopt best practices and advanced technologies and improve their competitiveness locally, regionally and globally. The initiative aligns with the National Strategy for Industry and Advanced Technology and MoIAT’s “Make it in the Emirates”.

MIITE Forum

The forum was launched in 2022 as a pillar of the Make it in the Emirates initiative under the National Strategy for Industry and Advanced Technology, which aims to position the UAE as a global industrial hub. The Make it in the Emirates initiative is an invitation to global investors, industrialists and innovators to benefit from the UAE’s unique value proposition.

The awards are a key part of the ministry’s efforts to foster a healthy competitive environment and motivate companies to be proactive in adopting best practices and advanced technologies as well as enhancing their competitiveness, locally, regionally and globally.

Last year’s Make it in the Emirates Forum was attended by more than 5,000 stakeholders and announced an additional AED10 billion of product offtake opportunities, bringing the total value of opportunities introduced at the forum to AED120 billion.

With 10 categories, any company or individual in the UAE that meets the specified criteria can apply for an award.

The categories include 3 ICV Excellence Awards (Private Sector Manufacturers, Semi-Governmental Manufacturers, and Service Providers); the Sustainable Manufacturer Award; 2 Factory of the Future awards (Smart Manufacturer Award and Excellence in Innovation Award); 2 Industry Enablers and Strategic Partners awards (Industrial Strategic Partner Award and Quality Standards Award); and 2 Leadership and Talent awards (Young Talent of the Year Award and Inspirational Leader Award).

Criteria

The Make it in the Emirates Awards is an ideal platform for companies and individuals to increase their visibility, showcase their innovation, and demonstrate the significance of their products, services, and solutions to the local, regional, and global communities.

The selection process for the Make it in the Emirates Awards is rigorous, ensuring that the most deserving organisations and individuals are honoured. Candidates are evaluated based on their alignment with the criteria specified for each award category for which they apply. Nominations will be judged by a panel of representatives from MoIAT, government and private sector representatives, as well as relevant industry experts and leaders.