The Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED) Monday signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with GE Digital to accelerate the digital transformation of the Emirate’s manufacturing sector by leveraging innovative solutions to strengthen the UAE’s position as a global hub for the Fourth Industrial Revolution.
ADDED and GE Digital will collaborate to adopt circular economy strategies “to drive a more productive, competitive, advanced, and innovative sector” while reducing greenhouse gas emissions and other pollutants.
“The partnership with GE is a testament of our efforts to ensure that Abu Dhabi’s smart and circular economy is supported by strong alliances and clear objectives,” said Sameh Abdulla Al Qubaisi, Director-General of Economic Affairs at ADDED. “The manufacturing sector is the largest non-oil Gross Domestic Product contributor, with an estimated AED83.5 billion added to Abu Dhabi’s GDP.”
He added that Abu Dhabi is incentivising manufacturers by empowering them as they transition to Industry 4.0 technologies. “We will continue to support and pave the way for the industries of the future based on sustainable, smart, innovative methods and practices,” Al Qubaisi said.
As part of the agreement, GE Digital will provide its expertise to accelerate the pace of technological transformation in the industrial sector and advance the shift towards applications of Industry 4.0. GE Digital will also work closely together with ADDED to provide skillset development programmes to increase diversified technical knowledge in the manufacturing community.
The UAE’s manufacturing sector plays a pivotal role in the diversification of the national economy, with Abu Dhabi accounting for 40 percent of that. The Emirate has invested more than AED51 billion over the past 15 years to establish a robust industrial infrastructure.