Retailers to waive fees, offer better visibility on UAE-made products in May

Abu Dhabi: Starting this month, nine retailers and e-commerce platforms are rolling out more fee waivers, marketing support, and shelf space at competitive rates for UAE-made products as part of the “Make it in the Emirates” national campaign.

The campaign, running through May, sees ADNOC Distribution, Noon, Tradeling, Grandiose, Talabat, Carrefour, Lulu, Union Coop, and Spinneys team up with the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology (MoIAT) to spotlight UAE-made products both in stores and online.

UAE manufacturers to benefit

Retailers are offering a range of incentives: waived listing and registration fees, free digital advertising, storage and logistics support for up to three months, and help with product onboarding and registration. Participating brands also gain access to dedicated shelf space and storefronts across digital and physical platforms.

These benefits are designed to reduce entry barriers for local businesses and give them the tools to grow, scale, and gain consumer traction quickly.

More UAE retailers step up

Faraz Khalid, CEO of Noon, said, “The UAE is a launchpad for bold business ideas. Supporting locally made products isn’t just good business—it builds a resilient economy.”

Other retail heads echoed this sentiment. Lulu’s CEO Saifee Rupawala emphasized the opportunity for entrepreneurs to thrive in competitive markets, while Spinneys CEO Sunil Kumar stressed the importance of nurturing local talent and supply chains.

Make UAE products more visible

The initiative is part of a broader economic strategy to make local products more competitive and visible, ultimately contributing to a more diversified economy. With the UAE’s top retail and digital platforms onboard, the campaign creates a nationwide showroom for local goods.

The campaign also sets the stage for the Make it in the Emirates 2025 event, taking place May 19–22 in Abu Dhabi. The event will bring together manufacturers, retailers, and investors, reinforcing the UAE’s ambitions to be a regional hub for industrial growth.