Tawazun Council for Defence Enablement and Emirates Council for Balanced Development have signed an agreement to launch Rawaafid Programme for Defence Industries Micro-Parks. The initiative aims to develop integrated micro-industrial clusters to support the enablement of the UAE’s national defence industries, while expanding industrial activity into rural areas of priority development. It is intended to strengthen the country’s economic and defence industrial integration, while also fostering entrepreneurship within this vital sector.
The agreement was signed at Tawazun Council for Defence Enablement's headquarters in Al Bahr Tower by His Excellency Dr Nasser Humaid Al Nuaimi, Secretary General of Tawazun Council for Defence Enablement and His Excellency Mohammed Khalifa Al Kaabi, Secretary General of the Emirates Council for Balanced Development, in the presence of senior officials.
The agreement reflects a shared recognition of the strategic importance of entrepreneurship-led initiatives in strengthening national supply chains, enabling local industries, and advancing economic diversification in support of sustainable and inclusive growth.
It establishes a framework for cooperation to develop innovative micro industrial parks in rural areas, while enabling national talent to become entrepreneurs capable of competing in both domestic and international markets, thereby reinforcing the presence of Emirati identity in products and services.
Areas of cooperation include identifying suitable locations for micro industrial parks, coordinating site visits to assess readiness, and working with relevant federal and local authorities to ensure alignment and accelerate implementation.
The agreement also includes provisions to support social and economic integration through local skills development, increased participation of small and medium-sized enterprises in industrial activity, and strengthening national identity across industrial sector outputs.
Under the agreement, the parties will explore attracting defence and security-related industries, including dual-use technologies, in line with national industrial priorities. It also includes examining financing mechanisms for micro industrial parks and leveraging development and investment tools associated with the Tawazun Economic Programme.
The partnership further aims to transform rural areas into sustainable economic and industrial hubs by developing integrated facilities that create new economic opportunities, expand commercial activity, and integrate entrepreneurship into national supply chains.
It also covers the provision of advanced technical infrastructure, industrial skills training, and specialised advisory support to enhance workforce readiness and support the growth and scaling of SMEs.
His Excellency Dr Nasser Humaid Al Nuaimi said the cooperation provides a practical framework for developing specialised micro industrial parks in rural areas and enhancing their readiness to attract advanced industries, including defence and dual-use technologies.
He added that the agreement will contribute to expanding the local manufacturing base, enabling SMEs to integrate into industrial supply chains, and strengthening national capabilities in priority sectors, thereby enhancing the competitiveness and sustainability of the UAE economy.
His Excellency Mohammed Khalifa Al Kaabi said the initiative aligns with the UAE leadership’s commitment to expanding economic development opportunities in rural areas by building integrated ecosystems that support innovation and entrepreneurship in productive sectors, particularly industry, while creating sustainable opportunities for national talent.
His Excellency affirmed that the Emirates Council for Balanced Development continues to develop innovative development models that enhance quality of life in rural areas by empowering national talent and providing an enabling environment for economic growth, in alignment with the country’s directions and response to the needs of local communities.
The collaboration is expected to reinforce the role of rural areas as key drivers of economic development by establishing an integrated, innovation-driven industrial ecosystem with long-term impact.
