Abu Dhabi is planning to establish its status as a top industrial player in the Middle East region by launching a new Al Selmiyyah Defence Industrial Free Zone.
Al Selmiyyah Defence Industrial Free Zone is a new project intended to attract top defence manufacturers from all over the world as part of the UAE’s industrialisation plans.
New Defence Free Zone Set to Bolster UAE’s Advanced Manufacturing Industry
Officials stated that the new free zone will enable Abu Dhabi to strengthen its defence industry by encouraging domestic production in the advanced manufacturing sector.
The new free zone aims to attract some of the top international defence firms while encouraging industrial growth locally. The project will create a platform for the transfer of knowledge and skills needed for establishing a sustainable manufacturing industry.
It will also encourage more UAE-based businesses, especially those focused on advanced manufacturing and defence production, to invest in Abu Dhabi.
Al Selmiyyah Defence Industrial Free Zone as Part of UAE’s Industrial Strategy
Tawazun Council, which is responsible for the development of the UAE’s defence and security ecosystem, will be responsible for developing the new free zone.
Tawazun Council, founded in 2010, has been instrumental in the development of UAE’s defence manufacturing capacity during the last years. It has already helped to develop more than 90 enterprises in strategically important sectors.
Meanwhile, AD Ports Group, the largest developer of logistics and industrial infrastructure in the UAE, will participate in the development of the new free zone thanks to its extensive logistics experience.
Officials stated that the Al Selmiyyah Defence Industrial Free Zone will become an essential part of Abu Dhabi’s free zones network.
UAE’s Specialised Free Zone Network Continues Growing
UAE has been using specialised free zones as a powerful means to attract international investments in various strategic industries.
Currently, Abu Dhabi hosts a number of prominent economic zones, including ADGM, KEZAD, Masdar City Free Zone, and Tawazun Industrial Park. Now, the city has gained another specialised industrial park focused on defence manufacturing.
Al Selmiyyah Defence Industrial Free Zone becomes an addition to other successful free zones established by the country.
Development of Abu Dhabi’s Defence Sector Accelerating
Al Selmiyyah Defence Industrial Free Zone project represents another step in the development of the UAE defence manufacturing industry.
This sector has become one of the fastest growing strategic industries in the UAE in recent years due to intensified industrial localisation initiatives, increased investments in technology, and cooperation with top defence manufacturers.
Abu Dhabi Becomes Top Destination for Foreign Direct Investment
Launching of the new free zone reflects Abu Dhabi’s current strategy of economic diversification as well as industrial growth and technological advancement.
Experts believe that the new project will attract significant amounts of foreign direct investments while opening up job opportunities in defence manufacturing and related industries.
