EDB to Mobilize Over AED 60 Billion in Industrial CAPEX, Greenfield Growth, and FDI by 2025

Abu Dhabi, UAE – 19 May 2025: Emirates Development Bank (EDB), the UAE’s key financial engine for economic diversification and industrial transformation, has exceeded its job creation target by 30% and achieved 90% of its projected industrial GDP contribution — 18 months ahead of schedule. The announcement was made today at the opening of Make it in the Emirates 2025 at Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC), alongside the unveiling of EDB’s plan for 2025, a forward-looking roadmap designed to deepen impact and accelerate progress across the UAE’s priority sectors.

By the end of 2025, EDB will have mobilized over AED 60 billion in total industrial capital expenditure, including more than AED 20 billion in greenfield CAPEX for new industrial projects and AED 10 billion in foreign direct investment (FDI). The plan builds on the strong foundations laid since the launch of EDB’s mandate in 2021 under Operation 300Bn, and reflects the Bank’s growing role in enabling private-sector participation, export competitiveness, and economic diversification.

H.E. Ahmed Mohamed Al Naqbi, Chief Executive Officer of Emirates Development Bank, said: “EDB plays a vital role in advancing the UAE’s vision to become a global hub for future industries. Surpassing its job creation target by 30% and achieving 90% of its projected contribution to industrial GDP — 18 months ahead of schedule — is clear evidence of the UAE’s strategic approach to industrial development. Guided by our leadership’s long-term vision and supported by strong collaboration between government, finance, and the private sector, we are accelerating progress across priority sectors.”

“EDB’s 2025 roadmap represents a significant step forward in strengthening industrial competitiveness, driving innovation, and delivering sustainable economic growth for the UAE. This year’s edition of Make it in the Emirates represents a turning point in our national industrial journey. We set out in 2021 with a mandate to finance industrial transformation, create jobs and fuel the UAE’s economic resilience. Today, I’m proud to share that we are ahead of schedule. We’ve created more than 32,000 jobs and provided AED 18.7 billion in financing to companies shaping the future of manufacturing, advanced technology, healthcare, renewables, and food security. Our plan for 2025 takes this further by driving CAPEX at scale, enabling greenfield growth, and activating FDI to supercharge our next chapter,” H.E. Al Naqbi added.

Throughout Make it in the Emirates 2025, EDB is showcasing its impact at Stand A40 in the Atrium through an immersive experience highlighting success stories from across its five strategic sectors. The Bank is also highlighting its digital-first platform — EDB 360 — which provides entrepreneurs and SMEs with fast, fee-free onboarding and seamless access to business banking, lending, and advisory tools.

As the forum continues throughout the week, EDB is set to announce a series of new partnerships, co-financing platforms, and initiatives aligned with its 2025 roadmap.