The Global Manufacturing and Industrialisation Summit (GMIS) is set to convene on 5th December 2024 as part of the inaugural Abu Dhabi Business Week (ADBW). This prestigious event, under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council, is being hosted by the Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ADCCI) in collaboration with the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED) and the Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO).
Under the theme “Resilient by Design: The Next Frontier in Industrial Safety”, GMIS 2024 will bring together government representatives, industry leaders, and experts to redefine global safety standards for the industrial sector. Key focus areas include predictive maintenance, real-time risk detection, and the integration of public-private partnerships to enhance safety frameworks worldwide.
The agenda, inspired by the “Manifesto for Global Industrial Safety,” will address vital topics such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and digital transformation. Additionally, the event will emphasise the role of cutting-edge technologies in promoting safety-first principles across industries, in partnership with the Abu Dhabi Civil Defence Authority (ADCDA) and the Global Initiative for Industrial Safety (GIFIS).
Strategic Insights from Leadership
Dr. Sultan bin Ahmed Al Jaber, Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology, remarked, “In line with the vision and directives of the leadership to support the growth of the industrial sector, ensure the sustainability of supply chains, and enhance the sector’s contribution to economic diversification and sustainable development. The UAE is creating high added value by focusing on adopting advanced technology in industrial sector.”
He further noted, “Organising GMIS in Abu Dhabi embodies MoIAT’s strategic vision aimed at enhancing the UAE’s position as a global hub for industry and innovation. Hosting this summit also represents an opportunity to reaffirm our commitment to developing a safe and sustainable industrial environment.”
Global Partnerships and Collaboration
Gerd Müller, Director-General of the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), underscored the significance of safety in manufacturing: “Sustainable industrial development means social and ecological standards – and far too many people are affected daily by unsafe working conditions, particularly in developing countries. This is unacceptable. Innovative technologies are transforming industries, and we must match this with a strong commitment to safety on all fronts.”
Müller lauded the UAE’s proactive stance, stating, “It is essential to prioritise the safety of workers, and here the UAE is leading new efforts to shape a safer and also more resilient industry of the future.”
Advancing Industrial Excellence
The summit will also mark the launch of the “Manifesto for Global Industrial Safety”, a strategic framework to address safety challenges across sectors. As part of Abu Dhabi’s broader vision, ADDED is spearheading initiatives to develop advanced manufacturing clusters, smart mobility solutions, agritech innovations, and space technologies, enhancing industrial competitiveness and sustainability.
Shamis Ali Al Dhaheri, Second Vice Chairman of ADCCI, said, “We are thrilled to host the Global Manufacturing and Industrialisation Summit, once again returning to Abu Dhabi since its inauguration in 2017. This is a testament to the emirate’s dedication to advance industrial excellence, sustainability, and forward-thinking policies that meet the evolving demands of the global market.”
Focus on Worker Safety
Brigadier Salem Abdullah bin Barrak Al Dhaheri of ADCDA affirmed, “The Authority’s partnership with the Global Manufacturing and Industrialisation Summit reflects Abu Dhabi’s commitment towards the safety of the workforce, leveraging cutting-edge technology to create safer, more resilient industrial environments.”
The summit promises to strengthen Abu Dhabi’s global position as a hub for innovation, collaboration, and sustainable development while addressing critical challenges in industrial safety.
