Abu Dhabi: Emirates Development Bank (EDB), the UAE's key financial engine for economic diversification and industrial transformation, concluded the latest edition of its flagship forum, EDB Connect, in Abu Dhabi. The event brought together public and private sector leaders to explore the future of mission-critical industries and the role of innovation, policy, and financing in building a resilient, self-sufficient economy.
According to Emirates News Agency, the forum, held under the theme 'Strengthening Mission-Critical Manufacturing: Building a Resilient and Sustainable UAE', marked a significant milestone as the nation prepares for the upcoming 'Make it in the Emirates' event. Organised in collaboration with the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology (MoIAT), EDB Connect gathered senior policymakers, industrialists, innovators, and financial partners to advance the UAE's industrial agenda.
Ahmed Mohamed Al Naqbi, CEO of Emirates Development Bank, emphasized the importance of collective action in shaping the UAE's industrial future. He highlighted that as the countdown to 'Make it in the Emirates' begins, innovation and collaboration are crucial for the future of UAE manufacturing.
Throughout the day, panel discussions at EDB Connect explored the role of frontier technologies in industrial development, including AI and robotics, across the Bank's priority sectors like renewables, advanced technology, manufacturing, food security, and healthcare. Keynote addresses were delivered by Osama Amir Fadhel from the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology and Marwa Al Mansoori from the Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
Additional sessions included insights from Maria Hanif Al-Qassim from the Ministry of Economy, along with experts from various ministries and organizations. They discussed industrial innovation, financing strategies, and strengthening public-private partnerships. A special panel on innovation ecosystems focused on embedding innovation across sectors, while another session examined the role of co-financing and export credit in supporting SME competitiveness and long-term industrial value creation.
EDB also showcased its digital-first strategy through the EDB 360 platform, a digital banking solution designed to support entrepreneurs and SMEs with fast onboarding and fintech-powered lending.