The UAE has taken a major step toward industrial self-reliance. Emirates Development Bank (EDB), working with the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology (MoIAT), has opened applications for the Dh1 billion National Industrial Resilience Fund (NIRF).
The UAE Cabinet established the fund in April 2026, ahead of the fifth edition of Make it in the Emirates. Its purpose is to localise critical industries, reduce dependence on imports, strengthen national supply chains and speed up the use of AI in manufacturing.
Governance Structure
The fund runs for five years and is managed by EDB. A Joint Governance Committee oversees it, chaired by MoIAT, with the Ministry of Finance and EDB as members. MoIAT identifies priority sectors and products and nominates eligible projects. EDB assesses risk and feasibility, approves financing and monitors performance. ADNOC is the fund’s first strategic partner and links its procurement demand to local manufacturing.
Key Financing Terms
- Interest rate: 0% for the programme period
- Service fee: 0.75% per year
- Maximum financing: Dh100 million per group
- Capex coverage: up to 80% of eligible project costs
- Eligible applicants: new and existing factories, subject to EDB credit assessment
What Can Be Financed
- Setting up new factories and production lines
- Buying machinery and equipment
- Expanding existing facilities and integrated manufacturing operations
- Integrated storage infrastructure in targeted sectors
- Strategic inventory, supplier payments and working capital
Financing is directed by an approved list of eligible products. Priority areas include:
- Pharmaceuticals and medical supplies
- Food production and food processing
- Manufacturing, primary metals, and mechanical, electrical and chemical industries
- Other strategic industries approved by the Joint Governance Committee
Projects that substitute imports, build strategic reserves or adopt industrial AI and automation receive priority.
Why This Matters for Businesses
The NIRF changes how industrial growth is funded in the UAE. Financing is now tied to confirmed market demand, so commercially viable projects that serve national supply chains are best placed to succeed. Alongside the move to make the National In-Country Value (ICV) Programme mandatory in selected sectors, local manufacturing capability is becoming a commercial necessity rather than an option.
For manufacturers, interest-free capital can significantly cut project costs and shorten payback periods. For investors, it is a clear signal of where national priorities lie.
Readiness Checklist Before Applying
EDB’s credit assessment will look closely at financial strength and governance. Applicants should prepare:
- Audited financial statements and robust financial projections
- A detailed capex plan with supplier quotations
- A feasibility study showing market demand and import-substitution value
- ICV certification or a plan to improve the ICV score
- Tax compliance records: VAT and Corporate Tax filings in good standing
- Corporate and licensing documents that are current and consistent
- A technology roadmap where automation or AI adoption is planned
How We Can Help
Our team supports manufacturers and investors at every stage, including:
- Eligibility assessment and project structuring
- Financial modelling and feasibility studies
- Tax compliance health checks and ICV advisory
- Application preparation and documentation review
Conclusion
The National Industrial Resilience Fund is one of the most attractive financing opportunities available to UAE manufacturers today. Businesses that prepare early and present strong, compliant applications will be best placed to benefit.
To discuss your eligibility, contact Stratify Consulting Group.
