The UAE has announced a new Dh1 billion National Industrial Resilience Fund as part of a broader push to strengthen local manufacturing and reduce reliance on imports.

The initiative, revealed by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, aims to boost domestic production across key sectors, enhance supply chain resilience, and accelerate the adoption of artificial intelligence in industrial operations.

The move forms part of a wider strategy to reinforce the country’s industrial base while supporting long-term economic diversification.

Everyday consumer staples

A central goal of the plan is to localise the production of more than 5,000 essential goods. The first phase will focus on everyday consumer staples that can be scaled locally, including bottled water, dairy products, eggs, poultry, bread, flour, vegetable oils, and seasonal produce.

Authorities say implementation will involve close coordination between government entities, private sector partners, retailers, and digital platforms. Dedicated retail space will also be allocated to UAE-made products to improve visibility and consumer access.

Encouraging investment

In parallel, the government has approved an expansion of the National In-Country Value Programme, making it mandatory across federal entities and national companies. The policy is designed to increase demand for locally produced goods and services, while encouraging businesses to invest within the country.

Retailers and e-commerce platforms will also be encouraged to prioritise Emirati products, further supporting domestic manufacturers.

The UAE continues to position itself as a global hub for industry and innovation, with a growing focus on advanced manufacturing, food security, and technology-driven production.

The UAE is stepping up efforts to improve road safety, with authorities increasingly turning to AI (artificial intelligence) to monitor driver behaviour and reduce traffic accidents.

The UAE Ministry of Interior revealed that AI-powered systems are now being used across the country to analyse motorists’ behaviour behind the wheel. The initiative forms part of a broader strategy to tackle human behaviour.

Road safety

Despite ranking among the top countries globally for road quality, the UAE continues to face concerns over traffic-related injuries and fatalities, with reckless driving and unsafe habits cited as leading causes.

Officials say the new AI systems go beyond traditional enforcement. Dedicated digital platforms are being used to identify accident hotspots, allowing authorities to respond with targeted safety measures and improved traffic management.

Training programmes for motorists

Drivers involved in both major and minor accidents are also being closely monitored. Based on their behavioural profiles, they are enrolled in structured training programmes designed to address risky driving patterns and improve overall road discipline.

Brigadier Dr Rashid Sultan Al Khudr, Director General of Legal Affairs at the Ministry of Interior, said AI tools are also being used to assess driver risk levels. This helps authorities develop more focused initiatives and introduce standards aimed at curbing dangerous driving.

By combining high-quality infrastructure with AI-led monitoring and behavioural interventions, officials hope to significantly reduce accidents and create safer roads for all users.

The initiative also aligns with the UAE’s broader vision of building smarter, more sustainable cities, where innovation plays a central role in improving everyday life.

The UAE has marked a significant milestone in its logistics sector, with Etihad Rail successfully transporting its first consignment of Nissan vehicles by rail from Fujairah to Abu Dhabi.

The shipment, carried from the ports of Fujairah to the dry port at the Industrial City of Abu Dhabi (ICAD), represents the first time cars have been transported via the country’s national rail network. The move was carried out in collaboration with Al Masaood Automobiles and Etihad Rail Freight.

Industry leaders say the development signals a major step forward in diversifying rail cargo beyond traditional bulk commodities, expanding into high-value shipments such as finished vehicles. It also highlights the growing role of rail in integrated, end-to-end supply chains across the UAE.

Omar Alsebeyi, CEO of Etihad Rail Freight, described the milestone as a clear demonstration of the network’s capabilities. For the automotive sector, the collaboration marks a first-of-its-kind partnership.

Beyond efficiency gains, the shift to rail freight also supports sustainability goals. Rail transport produces significantly lower emissions compared to road freight, aligning with the UAE’s broader environmental ambitions, including the Net Zero by 2050 Strategic Initiative.

Officials say the milestone reflects the strength of the UAE’s integrated infrastructure ecosystem, where strategic investments and private sector collaboration are driving innovation in logistics and supporting long-term economic growth.