Tawazun Council for Defence Enablement strengthens strategic partnerships to advance defence manufacturing
• Targeted initiatives to support innovation and dual-use technologies
Abu Dhabi, UAE:April 2026 — Make it in the Emirates 2026, the UAE’s national platform for industrial growth and transformation, has announced Tawazun Council for Defence Enablement (Tawazun) as a strategic partner for its fifth edition, taking place from 4 to 7 May 2026 at ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi.
Recognised as the UAE’s premier industrial event, the platform serves as a key driver of manufacturing growth and technological advancement, while providing a global hub for innovation, collaboration and investment.
The event is hosted by the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology, organised by ADNEC Group, and held in strategic partnership with the Ministry of Culture, the Abu Dhabi Investment Office, ADNOC, and L’IMAD Holding Company.
Tawazun’s participation reflects its commitment to supporting the UAE’s vision of becoming a leading global hub for future industries and advanced technologies, emanating from its role as an enabler of the defence industries sector, as the event brings together decision-makers, industry experts and entrepreneurs, encouraging constructive dialogue, unlocking new opportunities for industrial development, and strengthening integration across related sectors.
The Council continues to align national efforts with the UAE’s strategic priorities across vital sectors. In its role supporting defence procurement, it ensures that its programmes are strategically aligned with long-term national capability requirements, while upholding principles of value maximisation and industrial localisation. This is complemented by efforts to empower national talent, drive innovation, and enhance the integration of national entities into global value chains within defence and advanced technology industries.
Tawazun’s participation as a strategic partner in “Make it in the Emirates” underscores its commitment to strengthening industrial integration across the UAE, advancing localisation efforts, attracting strategic investments, accelerating the adoption of advanced technologies, and building national capabilities. These efforts support the UAE’s broader ambition to develop a competitive, innovation-driven industrial economy.
Since its establishment in 1992, Tawazun Council for Defence Enablement has played a pivotal role in advancing technological progress, driving economic diversification, and supporting the UAE’s defence and security sectors.
During its participation at “Make it in the Emirates 2026”, the Council will showcase a range of key projects and initiatives, alongside partnership and collaboration opportunities that contribute to the development of the UAE’s defence industrial ecosystem. It will also highlight its programmes aimed at advancing regulatory frameworks, conformity systems, standards and accreditation within the defence sector—enhancing quality, improving efficiency, and reinforcing industrial sustainability and resilience across the national ecosystem.
About Make it in the Emirates:
Make it in the Emirates (MIITE) is the UAE’s annual national platform for driving industrial growth. Now in its fifth edition, MIITE convenes policymakers, industry leaders, global investors, entrepreneurs, and innovators to forge strategic partnerships, mobilise investment, and accelerate the adoption of advanced manufacturing and AI across priority sectors.
Since its inception, the platform has facilitated procurement and offtake agreements worth billions of dirhams. MIITE has driven AED 473Bn+ into the national economy through the In-Country Value (ICV) programme, while expanding access to international markets through the UAE’s Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreements (CEPAs).
Hosted by MoIAT and organised by ADNEC Group, a Modon company, in strategic partnership with the UAE Ministry of Culture, the Abu Dhabi Investment Office, and ADNOC, MIITE supports the UAE’s broader ambitions for economic diversification and industrial competitiveness under the “We the UAE 2031” and “UAE Centennial 2071” national visions.
About the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology MoIAT:
The Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology (MoIAT) of the United Arab Emirates shapes industrial policies, advances technology transformation, enhances the competitiveness of the national industrial sector, and develops the UAE’s quality infrastructure. These efforts support the growth of a sustainable and advanced industrial economy, recognising industry as a cornerstone of the national economy and security, contributing to stability, continuity, and resilience in a rapidly evolving global landscape.
Established in July 2020, the Ministry was created to empower the national industrial sector and accelerate industrial transformation across the UAE. MoIAT builds strategic partnerships and leads national initiatives that support the growth of future industries, strengthen economic resilience, and attract industrial investment.
The Ministry works to advance the objectives of the National Industry and Advanced Technology Strategy, strengthen supply chain resilience, support technology transformation and expand access to global markets. It focuses on accelerating the adoption of Fourth Industrial Revolution technologies across priority sectors, including food security, healthcare, defence, space, aerospace and digital economy.
MoIAT also enhances national In-Country Value (ICV), supports entrepreneurship, and empowers Emirati talent, contributing to the competitiveness of UAE-manufactured products in both local and international markets.
Through initiatives such as Make it in the Emirates, the National In-Country Value (ICV) Programme, and the Technology Transformation Program (TTP), MoIAT connects manufacturers, investors, startups, and entrepreneurs to offtake opportunities, financing solutions, and strategic partnerships that enable business growth, advance industrial self-sufficiency, and deliver tangible economic and social impact.
About Modon:
Modon is an international holding company, headquartered in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, and listed on the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange (ADX). We are at the forefront of urban innovation, creating iconic designs and experiences that continually surpass expectations. Our primary business sectors include real estate, hospitality, asset management, investments, events, and tourism. Our goal is to deliver long-term, sustainable value, laying the foundations for intelligent, connected living.
About ADNEC Group:
ADNEC Group, part of Modon Holding, is renowned for its rich legacy and diverse business operations and stands as a formidable force in global business and leisure tourism. The Group is a leader in managing and developing international strategic assets and contributes to the sustainable growth of Abu Dhabi’s economy.
ADNEC Group’s diverse business clusters span Venues, Events, F&B, Services, Tourism and Media. The Group operates the ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi, the largest event venue in the MENA region and ADNEC Centre Al Ain, as well as the Business Design Centre and ExCeL London in the United Kingdom.
Capital Events, the events management arm of ADNEC Group, is the leading organiser of some of the world’s most iconic events across strategic industry sectors, including Defence and Security, Maritime Lifestyle, Media, Food & Beverage and Technology. Through its growing portfolio, Capital Events plays a crucial role in supporting Abu Dhabi to achieve its growth objectives as a global hub for business and leisure tourism.
ADNEC Group’s Services cluster includes its subsidiary Capital 360 Event Experiences, which provides distinguished event experiences to its clients and stakeholders. The Group also launched Capital Protocol in 2023, which provides a specialised VIP protocol service which is operated by its Service cluster.
ADNEC Group F&B cluster consists of Capital Catering and Royal Catering Services, which caters to numerous sectors including aviation, healthcare, defence, energy, business and industry, and event venues.
Tourism 365, the Group’s tourism arm, delivers tailored tourism services and operates Capital Holidays, a fast-growing tour operator with a global footprint across the UAE, Saudi Arabia, the UK and Germany.
Additionally, twofour54, a key player in Abu Dhabi’s sustainable media and film industry, is part of ADNEC Group’s diversified portfolio, further reinforcing its role in advancing the emirate’s creative economy.
Recognised internationally for its commitment to excellence, innovation, and sustainability, ADNEC Group has garnered numerous awards, solidifying its status as a leader in the industry.
