A short history of UAE industry

As the UAE’s economy grew, so did home-grown enterprises.

Dubai Dry Docks is an example. Opened in 1983, it has repaired thousands of ships but also built dozens of projects, many for the offshore oil and gas industry, including a floating crane capable of lifting 2,000 tonnes.

Even earlier is the aluminium plant visible to anyone who has driven along the Sheikh Zayed Road.

Established in 1975 as Dubai Aluminium, it began production four years later with an official opening by Britain’s Queen Elizabeth II during her state visit to the UAE in 1979.

In 2019, the company celebrated its 40th year of production, now supporting 60,000 jobs and renamed Emirates Global Aluminium after merging with Emirates Aluminium in 2013.

Another homegrown success story is RAK Ceramics. Founded in 1989, the company is one of the largest ceramic companies in the world, even if many international consumers may not realise RAK stands for Ras Al Khaimah.

Even names associated with foreign brands can actually carry the “Made in the UAE” label.

Dubai Refreshment Company was set up in 1959, and more than 60 years later produces millions of cans and bottle of soft drinks from Pepsi Cola to Lipton Iced Tea and Aquafina water.