Manufacturing and Operation 300bn
Operation 300bn
The Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology (MoIAT) leads the strategy. Its goal is to raise the industrial sector's contribution to GDP from AED 133 billion to AED 300 billion by 2031.1
By the end of 2023 the sector's contribution had risen to AED 205 billion, 11% of GDP.2
Where manufacturing stands
In 2025 manufacturing made up 12.8% of non-oil GDP, behind trade (16.9%), finance and insurance (13.2%) and construction (12.9%).3,4
Industrial licences on the mainland come from each emirate's economic department, and industrial free zones such as KEZAD, JAFZA, SAIF Zone, Hamriyah and RAKEZ license manufacturers in their zones.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Operation 300bn?
The UAE's industrial strategy, led by the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology. It aims to raise the industrial sector's contribution to GDP from AED 133 billion to AED 300 billion by 2031.
Sources
- UAE Government Portal: Operation 300bn, the UAE's industrial strategy
- Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology: UAE industrial sector, cornerstone of growth (January 2025)
- The National: UAE GDP hit $517bn in 2025 as non-oil sector grew 6.8% (May 2026)
- Fast Company Middle East: UAE economy grows 6.2% in 2025 as GDP reaches AED 1.9 trillion
Figures checked 21 October 2026. Prepared by Invest-Emirates.ae for general information. It is not investment, tax or legal advice; please confirm details with a qualified adviser before acting.