Driving Manufacturing Excellence and Logistics Innovation in the Middle East’s Premier Industrial Hub

Dubai Industrial City celebrates its 20th anniversary as the Middle East’s leading manufacturing and logistics hub, demonstrating the collaborative power of the public and private sectors. One of TECOM Group PJSC’s 10 vibrant business districts, Dubai Industrial City has evolved into a world-class manufacturing and logistics destination. Fast forward to 2024, the area is home to more than 300 operational companies of base metals, food and beverage, transport equipment and parts, chemicals, mechanical equipment, machinery, and mineral products.

Core Benefits for All Industries

Strategic Manufacturing Advantages:

• Sector-Focused Masterplan: DIC offers a smartly designed industrial ecosystem with world-class infrastructure across six sector-specific zones (F&B, machinery, logistics, chemicals, minerals, and base metals), promoting resource efficiency and minimal waste.
• Cost-Efficient for Manufacturers: Ideal for light to medium manufacturing and logistics, with competitively priced plots, flexible leasing, and ready-built warehouses that support scalable growth.
• Prime Trade Location: Strategically located near Jebel Ali Port, Al Maktoum International Airport, and the Etihad Rail network, providing seamless access to global trade routes.

Infrastructure Excellence:

• Purpose-Built Storage Solutions: Secure, fully serviced outdoor storage yards and warehousing facilities designed for industrial-grade operations.
• Scalable Expansion: In 2024, DIC added 13.9 million sq. ft. of new land, reinforcing its position as one of the largest industrial hubs in the MENA region.

Benefits to Different Industries

Food & Beverage Manufacturing Industry

• Dedicated F&B Zone: Benefit from a specialized zone with industrial kitchens and bottling lines, which attracted over AED 350 million (USD 95.3 million) in F&B investments in 2024, with 25 customers leasing 1.7 million sq. ft.
• Strategic Port Access: Leverage proximity to Jebel Ali Port, handling 73% of the UAE’s imports, for efficient and cost-effective import/export.
• Major Investment Hub: DIC’s F&B sector drew over AED 350 million in investments in 2024, supported by incentives and aligning with the UAE’s National Food Security Strategy 2051.

Industry-Specific Benefits

• HACCP-Compliant: Facilities meet stringent international food safety standards (FDA, EU, GCC), with HACCP certification being mandatory in Dubai for quality and export readiness.
• Cold Chain Infra: Access advanced temperature-controlled storage and logistics infrastructure, crucial for perishable goods in a region demanding integrity from -20°C to +5°C.
• Halal Support: Utilize Halal certification services, essential for tapping into the $2 trillion global Halal market.
• Regional Hub: Leverage a strategic location for efficient distribution across the MEASA region via major transport links, supported by a UAE F&B sector valued at $13 billion in H1 2024, projected to reach $43.98 billion by 2029 (17.09% CAGR).

Automotive & Transport Equipment Industry

• Automotive Excellence Zone: Leverage a dedicated hub (Zone 2) for transport equipment and parts manufacturing, strategically located next to Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC) and major road networks like E311.
• Assembly Line Infra: Access state-of-the-art facilities for high-volume automotive assembly, including warehouses up to 11,000 sq. ft. and open yards for vehicle storage, supporting the UAE automotive manufacturing market valued at USD 848.7 million in 2024, projected to grow at a CAGR of 3.4% to 2030.
• Testing & QC: Utilize advanced facilities for rigorous testing of components and vehicles, including RTA-authorized centers like Tasjeel and Tamam, ensuring compliance and export readiness.

Operational Advantages

• Supply Chain Integration: Benefit from seamless integration with global supply chains via proximity to Jebel Ali Port (handled 15.5 million TEUs in 2024) and Al Maktoum International Airport (projected 12 million tonnes of cargo capacity), crucial for an industry with over 300 companies in DIC.
• Skilled Workforce: Tap into a readily available pool of trained automotive technicians and engineers, supported by the UAE’s focus on specialized skills, with increasing demand for electric and autonomous vehicle specialists.
• Export Facilitation: Enjoy direct access to major ports/airports for swift and cost-effective international shipping, leveraging Dubai’s strong position as a global automotive trade center with established export and customs clearance procedures.

Chemicals & Petrochemicals Industry

• Advanced Chemical Hub: Access designated zones with specialized infrastructure, safety, and environmental controls for chemical manufacturing. The UAE’s chemical and petrochemical sector showed robust activity, with AED 27 billion in exports in 2018 (29% growth over the prior year). The broader UAE chemical distribution market is projected to reach US$994.8 million by 2030.
• Petrochemical Integration: Benefit from a strategic location near feedstock for efficient processing and downstream production. The UAE boasts significant capacities, including 2 million tpa for ethylene and 1.8 million tpa for polypropylene. The overall UAE petrochemical market is projected to reach USD 273.9 billion by 2032 (5.8% CAGR).
• Safety Infrastructure: Utilize cutting-edge safety systems and emergency response capabilities, adhering to Federal Laws and local municipality guidelines for hazardous materials and waste management, ensuring a secure operational environment.

Industry Benefits

• Environmental Compliance: Implement advanced waste treatment systems and adhere to strict environmental regulations, including the UAE’s Circular Economy Policy 2021-2031 and the national goal to achieve Net Zero by 2050.
• Raw Material Access: Enjoy proximity to abundant petrochemical feedstock and reliable suppliers for consistent supply. Key products like polymers of ethylene (31% of UAE chemical exports in 2018) and polymers of propylene (9% of UAE chemical exports in 2018) benefit from strong domestic production.
• Process Optimization: Receive support for improving chemical process efficiency and cost-effectiveness, aligning with the UAE’s “Operation 300bn” industrial strategy to increase the industrial sector’s contribution to GDP from AED 133 billion to AED 300 billion by 2031.
• International Standards: Demonstrate commitment to global chemical safety and quality standards for international trade. The UAE’s regulatory framework aligns with international model regulations like GHS (Globally Harmonized System) Rev. 7, ensuring products meet global benchmarks for export.

Base Metals & Mechanical Equipment Industry

Metal Processing Excellence:

• Metal Fabrication Facilities: Comprehensive capabilities for cutting, bending, welding, and assembly, enabling diverse metal product creation. The UAE metal fabrication market is projected to reach USD 22.4 billion in 2024 and grow to USD 27.4 billion by 2030 (3.4% CAGR).
• Heavy Equipment Manufacturing: Infrastructure for producing heavy-duty mechanical equipment. The UAE construction equipment market (a key consumer) is expected to grow at a 5.78% CAGR (2024-2030), reaching 30,193 units by 2030, fueled by projects like Dubai’s USD 4.3 billion Main Roads Development Plan (2024–2027).
• Quality Testing Laboratories: Dedicated facilities with advanced instruments for rigorous material testing, ensuring products meet high standards. Critical for industries like structural steel, projected to reach USD 667.2 million in 2024 and grow to USD 1,040.6 million by 2033 in the UAE.

Manufacturing Advantages

• Raw Material Supply: Benefits from well-developed logistics and transportation networks for efficient procurement and distribution. Dubai Industrial City’s strategic location near Jebel Ali Port and excellent road connectivity support supply chain integration.
• Precision Manufacturing: Access state-of-the-art machinery and skilled labor for producing components with tight tolerances. The “Equipment as a Service” market for CNC machines in the UAE shows the fastest growth at a 49.5% CAGR (2024-2030).
• Surface Treatment Facilities: Availability of advanced capabilities like cathodic electrodeposition (CED), anodizing, zinc plating, and phosphating enhances product durability. HALCON notably offers the UAE’s only CED coating facility.
• Custom Manufacturing: Flexible production lines and expertise allow for bespoke metal products tailored to specific client requirements, supporting specialized projects across construction, manufacturing, and automotive, with increasing demand for custom metal fabrication in Dubai.

Logistics & Warehousing Industry

World-Class Logistics Infrastructure:

• Strategic Location: DIC’s prime location near Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC) and Jebel Ali Port offers unparalleled access to global shipping routes, connecting businesses to over 300 cities worldwide and 65% of global GDP. DWC aims for 12 million tonnes of cargo/year, and Jebel Ali Port handled 15.5 million TEUs in 2024.
• Multi-Modal Transportation: DIC provides seamless air, sea, and land integration (near E311 and upcoming Etihad Rail freight terminal), enabling efficient global and domestic goods movement.
• Advanced Warehousing: DIC features modern warehouses up to 11,000 sq. ft., often with automated systems and climate control, ensuring optimal storage for diverse goods.

Logistics Benefits

• Distribution Networks: Businesses access extensive regional and international distribution channels. The UAE logistics market was USD 62.08 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 106.04 billion by 2034 (5.50% CAGR).
• 3PL Services: Comprehensive 3PL services (supply chain management, inventory, order fulfillment) are readily available. The UAE 3PL market is valued at USD 6.56 billion in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 9.13 billion by 2029 (6.84% CAGR).
• Cross-Docking Facilities: Efficient cross-docking minimizes storage time and expedites goods movement, supported by state-of-the-art facilities in DIC and Dubai South.
• Customs Clearance: Streamlined customs procedures and trade facilitation services. The UAE’s Customs Clearance Process efficiency scored 3.7 out of 5 in 2022 (World Bank LPI), reflecting high speed and predictability.

Pharmaceutical & Healthcare Manufacturing Industry

Pharmaceutical Production Hub:

• GMP-Compliant Facilities: Ensures product quality and patient safety. UAE’s pharma manufacturing market: USD 4.5 billion in 2024, driven by demand for high-quality medications. MOHAP issues GMP certificates (e.g., AED 2,000/production line annually).
• R&D Labs: Advanced labs foster innovation in drug discovery. UAE invests strategically in R&D, aiming for regional biopharma and digital health leadership, with R&D expenditure projected to reach 2.28% of GDP by 2028.
• Quality Control Systems: Comprehensive QA and testing capabilities ensure product safety, efficacy, and purity, aligning with the UAE’s strong regulatory framework (MOHAP approval required).

Healthcare Manufacturing Benefits

• Regulatory Support: Assistance with pharma registration and compliance, easing market entry. MOHAP streamlines processes: export permits in 2 working days, product registration in 45 working days.
• Clinical Trial Facilities: Support for pharmaceutical clinical trials and testing, with necessary infrastructure and expertise. The UAE has strengthened clinical research, notably with large-scale vaccine trials.
• Medical Device Manufacturing: Specialized facilities for medical device production. UAE medical devices market: USD 3.8 billion in 2024, projected to grow at 8.87% CAGR (2024-2030).
• International Certification: Services to facilitate international pharma certifications, enabling global market acceptance. Crucial for UAE’s shift from an import-heavy model (imports: $4.6 billion in medicament in 2023) to a regional export hub (exports: $1.3 billion in medicament in 2023).

Textiles & Apparel Manufacturing Industry

Textile Production Infrastructure:

• Garment Manufacturing Facilities: Comprehensive facilities for all stages of garment and apparel production. The UAE’s fashion retail industry is projected to reach $6.46 billion by 2025, with 9.92% annual growth.
• Fabric Processing: Advanced facilities for dyeing, printing, and finishing. UAE companies are investing in zero-liquid discharge systems and renewable energy for eco-friendly processing.
• Design & Development Centers: Dedicated centers foster fashion design and product development. The UAE’s “Integrated Textile Circularity Initiative” (launched at COP28) addresses 210,000 tonnes of textiles discarded annually, with 90% ending in landfills.

Industry Support

• Supply Chain Integration: Easy access to a network of raw materials and accessories suppliers. The UAE imported $10.6 billion in textiles in 2023, primarily from China ($3.47 billion) and India ($1.68 billion).
• Quality Assurance: Textile testing and quality control laboratories ensure fabrics and garments meet standards. The GCC textile market size was USD 16.32 billion in 2025 and is projected to reach USD 25.21 billion by 2032.
• Export Facilitation: Efficient export procedures and support simplify international shipping. In 2024, the UAE’s total non-oil foreign trade increased by 14.6% from 2023, with “clothing” as a growth sector in merchandise exports (3% growth).
• Sustainable Manufacturing: Actively supports eco-friendly processes and responsible sourcing, driven by UAE Vision 2050 and initiatives like the Dubai Sustainable Fashion Pact. The UAE leads globally in sustainable fashion, with 47.39% market share in a 2024 study and nearly 50% slow fashion revenue share in 2024.

Technology & Industrial Equipment Manufacturing

High-Tech Manufacturing Hub:

• Electronics Assembly: Access specialized facilities, often with clean rooms, for precise assembly. The UAE’s electronic contract manufacturing market is part of a global market expected to grow by USD 188 billion from 2025-2029 (6.6% CAGR), with consumer electronics driving demand.
• Industrial Automation: Possesses advanced capabilities for sophisticated automation systems and robotics. The UAE’s process automation and instrumentation market is expected to reach USD 707.9 million by 2030 (7.8% CAGR from 2025), reflecting significant growth in Industry 4.0 adoption.
• Research & Innovation: Dedicated centers foster technology development and innovation. The UAE’s R&D expenditure is forecasted to reach 2.28% of GDP by 2028, with R&D tax credits starting from 2026.

Technology Benefits

• Skilled Workforce: Access a readily available pool of highly trained technical professionals and engineers. The UAE tech sector is booming in 2025, with tech investments increasing by 145% to USD 313.5 million, and a 4.1% average salary growth for tech professionals. Demand is rising in AI, cybersecurity, and cloud computing.
• Testing Facilities: Utilize advanced laboratories for product testing and certification. Critical for consumer electronics, the market in the UAE is expected to reach US$25.8 billion by 2030 (7.7% CAGR from 2025).
• Intellectual Property Protection: A robust framework safeguards innovations, patents, and proprietary technologies. UAE IP laws, including Federal Law No. 11 of 2021 (Patent Law), grant 20 years of protection from filing date for patents and impose significant fines (AED 50,000 to AED 1,000,000) for infringement. The UAE is also advancing an AI-driven legislative framework for IP.
• Market Access: Strategic location provides excellent access to diverse markets, facilitating efficient distribution and export. The UAE’s ICT market is valued at USD 52.23 billion in 2025 and is forecast to climb to USD 85.24 billion by 2030 (10.29% CAGR), with substantial government investment in digital transformation and AI.