Majid Al Futtaim Retail, which owns the exclusive rights to operate Carrefour in the UAE, has officially announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology (MoIAT). The MoU aims to promote the growth of national manufacturing by boosting demand for high quality, locally made products, as part of the “Make it in the Emirates” (MIITE) initiative.
The signing ceremony, which took place at ADNOC headquarters inAbu Dhabi,was attended byH.E. Dr. Sultan Al Jaber, Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology, and H.E. Omar Al Suwaidi, Undersecretary, Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology, in addition to Dr. Günther Helm, Chief Executive Officer at Majid Al Futtaim – Retail and Dr. Younus Hassan Al Mulla, Chief Global Development and Government Officer atMajid Al Futtaim – Retail. The ceremony was also attended by senior officials from the MoIAT and representatives from the UAE’s retail industry.
This collaboration builds on Carrefour’s ongoing efforts to support homegrown suppliers, producers, farmers, and SMEs. It also is a testament toMoIATand Majid Al FuttaimRetail’sshared commitment to strengthen the role of national businesses and to drive economic growth and industrial advancement through food security by supporting self-sufficiency and developing more sustainable supply chains.
Supporting National Products
His Excellency Osama Amir Fadhel, Assistant Undersecretary of Industry Accelerators at the Ministry, stated:“The UAE has achieved significant accomplishments in the industrial sector, ranking first in the region in terms of industrial competitiveness. This was achieved as part of the National Strategy for Industry and Advanced Technology and its related initiatives and plans, which focus on forming partnerships, supporting investments, promoting national products with the highest quality standards, and providing advantages and capabilities for Emirati industries. This enables growth, helps achieve the objectives of the industrial sector, and provides existing projects and companies with the opportunity to develop and expand through collaboration with the private sector.”
His Excellency confirmed that the MoU signing with Majid Al Futtaim Retail reflects the Ministry’s efforts to strengthen relations with the private sector, provide opportunities for national producers to showcase their products, promote Emirati products, and raise customer awareness of the quality and competitiveness of national products. This promotion also encourages customers, both citizens and residents, to embrace these products and make them their first choice. This supports the growth of national industries and enhances their competitiveness, regionally and internationally.
Strategic Partnership
Dr. Günther Helm, Chief Executive Officer at Majid Al Futtaim – Retail, commented: “We are proud to be partnering with the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology to help advance the UAE’s vision for industrial growth by empowering national producers through enabling access to our customers across Carrefour’somnichannel presence through various product displays and promotions. With over 126 stores across the UAE, we will dedicate spaces, in-store and in-app promotions,and trial inducing discounts of up to 35% on selected products during May to secure high-level visibility for their high quality, affordable products.Through ‘Make it in the Emirates’, we aim to play a role in making locally produced products a preferred choice for our customers.”
He added: “This commitment aligns with the spirit of the ‘Year of the Community 2025’, recognising the vital role collaboration plays in driving both economic growth and social development and in strengthening the UAE’s industrial capabilities.Through our partnership with the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology,we are building stronger, more resilient supply chains, and offering more variety to our customers– a testament to our commitment of care to the communities in which we operate.”
Boosting Deman
The MoU will oversee collaboration across several strategic areas, with efforts focused on boosting demand and raising customer awareness for high quality, food and non-food products that are proudly made in the UAE.This will be additionally supported by providing “Make it in the Emirates” brands with enhanced visibility and customer education campaigns through social media and customer engagement.
Moreover, as part of its commitment to supplier education, MoIAT will assist in educating suppliers throughout the MoU period, with the requirement that, starting next year, only products featuring the official MIITE stamp on packaging will be eligible for in-store highlights under this initiative.
