Three UAE companies win GCC Industrial Excellence Awards at Made in GCC 2026
HALCON, IMMENSA and Quantum Pharma — have received the GCC Industrial Excellence Award 2026 at the inaugural Made in GCC Forum and Exhibition in Bahrain, recognising their contributions to advanced manufacturing, industrial innovation and local production.
The UAE, represented by the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology (MoIAT), concluded its participation in the 57th meeting of the GCC Industrial Cooperation Committee and the 12th meeting of the Ministerial Committee for Standardization Affairs. The meetings and exhibition, held in Bahrain, focused on strengthening industrial integration, developing regional supply chains and improving the competitiveness of Gulf industries.
More than 23 UAE companies participated in the exhibition, showcasing industrial technologies, presenting products and exploring partnerships with businesses across the GCC.
Three UAE companies receive industrial excellence awards
The GCC Industrial Excellence Award 2026 recognised companies across three categories.
HALCON, which develops and manufactures smart weapon systems and advanced robotic solutions, received the award in the Large Factories Category. Its capabilities span the design and manufacture of advanced defence and technology systems.
IMMENSA, a UAE company specialising in additive manufacturing and digital inventories for industrial parts, was recognised in the Medium Factories Category for its work with 3D printing and digital manufacturing technologies.
Quantum Pharma received the award in the Small Factories Category. The company manufactures healthcare and personal care products, supporting domestic production and helping reduce reliance on imported healthcare goods.
The awards highlighted the contribution of UAE manufacturers to industrial development and the growing role of technology in strengthening regional production capabilities.
UAE reaffirms commitment to GCC industrial integration
His Excellency Dr Sultan Al Jaber said the UAE remains committed to strengthening industrial relations with GCC countries in line with the country's leadership directives.
He said greater cooperation would help build interconnected and resilient supply chains, improve product quality and enhance the competitiveness of Gulf industries. He also highlighted the importance of adopting Fourth Industrial Revolution technologies and artificial intelligence as the global manufacturing sector continues to evolve.
According to Dr Al Jaber, the UAE's participation in the ministerial meetings reflects an approach aimed at turning regional cooperation into investment opportunities that support business growth and expansion.
He added that the Made in GCC 2026 platform provided UAE companies with opportunities to demonstrate their technological capabilities and establish partnerships across the regional industrial ecosystem.
UAE and GCC companies announce partnerships
Several UAE and GCC entities announced partnership agreements and memoranda of understanding during the forum.
Enercap by Apex Energy, based in the UAE, partnered with Saudi Arabia's Al Sharif Group to expand energy storage and management solutions in the Saudi market. The collaboration is intended to support applications across power grids, commercial and industrial facilities, data centres, residential properties and electric vehicle charging infrastructure.
Separately, EKTIFA and Bahrain-based Encyclo Trade W.L.L signed a memorandum of understanding to improve access for Gulf food and health products to the Bahraini market. The agreement has an annual value of AED 2.5 million and aims to support Gulf-manufactured products while expanding the range of healthy food options available to consumers.
The announcements reflected efforts to improve cross-border market access and build commercial links between companies operating in different GCC countries.
UAE contributes to discussions on the future of Gulf industry
The UAE delegation participated in panel discussions and workshops covering industrial policies, financing mechanisms, strategic partnerships and access to international markets.
Other topics included supply chain resilience, industrial self-sufficiency, sustainable manufacturing, smart factories, industrial infrastructure, economic zones and workforce development.
The UAE also shared its experience in a session titled “From the UAE to the World: Empowering National Brands to Grow and Expand Globally”, focusing on how domestic companies can strengthen their presence in international markets.
MoIAT hosted a discussion on energy in the industrial sector, including energy storage solutions supported by clean electricity systems. The session addressed the role of energy efficiency, digital manufacturing and AI-enabled infrastructure in advancing industrial development.
During the event, His Excellency Hasan Jasem Al Nowais, Undersecretary of MoIAT, and senior ministry officials participated in the ministerial meetings and exhibition. Bahrain's Crown Prince and Prime Minister, His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, also visited the UAE pavilion to view the country's industrial products and technological capabilities.
GCC manufacturers invited to Make it in the Emirates 2027
Dr Al Jaber invited industrial companies from across the GCC to participate in the sixth edition of Make it in the Emirates, scheduled for May 3–6, 2027, at ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi.
The platform is expected to offer opportunities for companies to explore industrial deals, develop partnerships, exchange expertise and engage with investors and innovators.
The UAE's industrial sector continues to contribute to the country's trade and economic development. Industrial exports reached AED 260 billion in 2025, including AED 92 billion in medium- and high-technology exports.
Meanwhile, the National In-Country Value (ICV) Programme has redirected more than AED 473 billion into the UAE economy since its launch. The programme supports domestic businesses, strengthens local supply chains and contributes to the development of the country's manufacturing base.
The UAE's participation in Made in GCC 2026 forms part of wider efforts to deepen regional industrial cooperation, expand market opportunities and strengthen the competitiveness of Gulf manufacturers.
