Abu Dhabi, the capital city of the United Arab Emirates, has been experiencing a rapid growth in its industrial sector in recent years. The government’s efforts in diversifying its economy towards non-oil sectors have resulted in significant investments in industries such as petrochemicals, aerospace, and manufacturing. This has led to a surge in demand for skilled workers, thereby creating new job opportunities in the emirate.

According to the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development, the industrial sector contributed AED 167 billion ($45 billion) to the emirate’s economy in 2018, accounting for approximately 12% of the GDP. This figure is expected to increase as the government continues to pour in funds for the development of infrastructure and industrial projects.

One of the major industries that has been booming in Abu Dhabi is the petrochemical industry. With abundant oil and gas reserves, the emirate has established several petrochemical plants, which produce a range of products such as polyethylene, polypropylene, and other specialty chemicals. The Emirates National Chemical Industries (NIC) is one of the largest petrochemical producers in Abu Dhabi, while Abu Dhabi Polymers Company (Borouge) is a joint venture between the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) and Austria’s Borealis. Borouge operates one of the world’s largest integrated petrochemical complexes, which produces over 4 million tons of polymers annually.

The aerospace industry is another rapidly growing sector in Abu Dhabi. The emirate has been investing heavily in the development of the aerospace industry, with its flagship project being the Nibras Al Ain Aerospace Park. The 25 square kilometer park is being developed by Mubadala, Abu Dhabi’s investment company, as a hub for the aerospace industry in the region. It will house several companies involved in aerospace manufacturing, maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) services. The park is expected to create over 10,000 jobs and contribute over AED 7 billion ($1.9 billion) to the economy by 2030.

Apart from these, Abu Dhabi’s manufacturing sector has also been witnessing a surge in growth. The emirate has established several industrial zones, such as the Industrial City of Abu Dhabi (ICAD), Khalifa Industrial Zone Abu Dhabi (KIZAD), and Abu Dhabi Ports Company’s (ADPC) Free Zone. These zones offer incentives such as tax exemptions and custom duty waivers to attract investors, thereby creating a favorable business environment.

ICAD, located near the Abu Dhabi International Airport, is one of the largest industrial zones in the emirate. It covers an area of over 40 square kilometers and hosts over 300 industrial units, involved in manufacturing, steel fabrication, and other industries. KIZAD, located next to the Khalifa Port, is a massive industrial zone spanning over 417 square kilometers. The zone is being developed in phases, with the first phase already completed, and hosting several multinational companies such as Emirates Steel, Gulf Extrusions, and Abu Dhabi Ship Building.

The ADPC Free Zone, located in the Khalifa Port, is another industrial zone offering attractive incentives to investors. The zone has been designed as a hub for the manufacturing and logistics sectors and offers access to global markets through its world-class port facilities.

Abu Dhabi has also been focusing on developing renewable energy sectors, such as solar and wind power. Masdar City, located in Abu Dhabi, is a prime example of the emirate’s commitment to sustainable energy. The city, developed by Mubadala, is a carbon-neutral and zero-waste city, powered entirely by renewable energy. It also houses the Masdar Institute of Science and Technology, which offers research and development opportunities in renewable energy technologies. The city is expected to create over 40,000 jobs in the fields of engineering, research, development, and clean energy.

The growth in Abu Dhabi’s industrial sector has been a key driver of job creation in the emirate. According to the Abu Dhabi Statistics Centre, the number of people employed in the industrial sector increased from 108,000 in 2011 to 128,000 in 2018, indicating a 19% increase in job opportunities. The emirate has been actively investing in education and training programs to develop the skills of its workforce to meet the demands of the growing industrial sector. Several universities in the emirate, such as the Petroleum Institute and the Higher Colleges of Technology, offer courses in engineering, science, and other related fields to equip students with the skills needed to succeed in the industrial sector.

In conclusion, Abu Dhabi’s booming industrial sector has created new job opportunities in various industries, such as petrochemicals, aerospace, manufacturing, and renewable energy. The government’s focus on diversifying the economy towards non-oil sectors has resulted in significant investments in infrastructure and industrial projects, resulting in sustainable economic growth. The emirate has established several industrial zones, which offer incentives to investors, creating a favorable business environment. With continued government support and investment, the industrial sector in Abu Dhabi is poised for further growth, leading to even more opportunities for skilled workers.

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