Abu Dhabi, UAE – The Tawazun Defense Empowerment Council and the Abu Dhabi Ports Group announced, on Wednesday, a strategic partnership to develop the Salamiyah Free Defense Industries Zone in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi.
This strategic step comes within the framework of strengthening the UAE’s efforts to build an advanced and sustainable defense industrial base. Supports national security and increases long-term defense readiness.
Salamiyah is being developed as a specialized strategic area aimed at strengthening the defense manufacturing sector in the UAE and supporting the national economy. It is designed to attract major global OEMs, contributing to the localization of production. Supporting the expansion of industrial activities and enhancing the country’s defense capabilities in the long term.
As an integrated industrial system, the Salamiyah area will provide a competitive and stimulating environment for global defense companies to establish a presence in the UAE. In addition to strengthening qualitative partnerships that link national capabilities and international expertise. The initiative will also contribute to deepening local supply chains, raising the readiness of products for export, and accelerating the development of advanced industrial capabilities.
The development of the Salamiyah area will contribute to consolidating the UAE’s position as a leading global center in the field of advanced defense manufacturing. In a way that supports sustainable economic growth and enhances national priorities in the fields of defense and industrial development.
The project will be developed as an integrated defense industrial system that combines specialized infrastructure, advanced regulatory frameworks, compliance requirements and industrial security. In addition to direct integration with logistics networks and supply and export chains, keeping pace with the requirements of sovereign and strategic industries.
Under the partnership, the Balance Council for Defense Empowerment will be responsible for developing regulatory frameworks and granting licenses. Aligning the project with priorities for developing national defense capabilities, in addition to supervising the industrial compliance system.
Abu Dhabi Ports Group will play the role of strategic partner and advisor for the project. It will lead the master planning process, develop land use and infrastructure planning concepts, and offer its expertise in industrial zone development. To support phased implementation, system integration, and enhance connectivity with regional and global trade networks, in line with international best practices.
The development of the Salamiyah Free Defense Industries Zone is expected to contribute to supporting technology transfer and expanding opportunities for high-value industrial investment. In addition to enhancing the participation of national companies and small and medium enterprises in defense supply chains. In a way that enhances industrial sovereignty and supports the state’s goals in developing advanced industries.
