Why Eaton Chose Dubai for its Advanced Manufacturing Hub

Intelligent power management company Eaton has commenced construction on an advanced manufacturing and engineering centre in Dubai. The manufacturing hub will enhance its supply chain capabilities across Europe, the Middle East and Africa.

The facility is being developed in partnership with the Jebel Ali Free Zone (Jafza), the flagship free zone of DP World.

Scheduled to open in 2026, the facility will house centres for manufacturing, engineering, customer experience, innovation and training, creating an estimated 700 jobs.

According to Eaton, the development will improve its capacity to produce advanced electrical and electronic components for critical industries such as data centres, commercial buildings and utilities.

The project will incorporate 20 Industry 4.0 technologies and is designed to achieve LEED Gold certification for sustainability.

Strengthening EMEA supply chain operations

The new Dubai facility represents a multi-million-dollar investment for Eaton.

The 36,000 square metre factory is positioned to support Eaton's customer base across the EMEA region by localising the production of key components.

This strategic placement within one of the world's largest logistics hubs could reduce lead times and increase supply chain resilience.

Paulo Ruiz, CEO of Eaton, commented on the development's alignment with corporate and governmental objectives.

Paulo says: “Our latest advanced, sustainable manufacturing facility and engineering centre will further enable Eaton to meet the growing demand to deliver power safely, sustainably and efficiently across the region and beyond.

"We are proud to work alongside DP World and Jafza to align with the Dubai government’s vision of accelerating sustainable industrial growth in the region, positioning the nation as a global leader in advanced manufacturing and innovation.”

Alignment with Dubai's industrial strategy

Eaton's investment corresponds with Dubai's D33 strategy that aims to foster high-tech industrial growth and establish the city as a global centre for manufacturing.

The project is expected to create highly skilled roles in research engineering and advanced manufacturing, contributing to the region's economic diversification.

Hadi Badri, CEO of the Dubai Economic Development Corporation, says that Eaton's decision reinforces the city's growing status in the manufacturing sector.

Hadi says: “Eaton’s investment reinforces Dubai’s emergence as a global centre for advanced manufacturing, powered by high-skilled talent, R&D investment and next-generation automated factories.

"We welcome the continued confidence shown by global manufacturing champions like Eaton, reflecting the opportunities Dubai provides through world-class infrastructure, a pro-business environment and exceptional talent, building a future-ready industrial ecosystem that positions Dubai at the forefront of global innovation.”

Advanced manufacturing in a strategic hub

The new facility's design and operational plan reflect a shared focus on sustainability between Eaton, Jafza and the government of Dubai, incorporating renewable energy and energy-efficient processes.

Jafza's role is central to supporting Dubai's industrial ambitions by providing the necessary infrastructure and connectivity for companies like Eaton to thrive.

Abdulla Bin Damithan, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of DP World GCC, highlighted the importance of such projects for the region's economic targets.

Abdulla says: “We’re proud to welcome Eaton to Jafza as part of Dubai’s push to lead in advanced manufacturing. The sector contributed over AED 37.6 billion to GDP in 2024 and with the Dubai Industrial Strategy targeting a US$5bn industrial boost by 2030, projects like this are essential.

Jafza’s infrastructure and connectivity will help Eaton drive efficiency, innovation and sustainability.”

Jafza is home to over 10,000 multinational companies and provides market access to more than 3.5 billion people.

Its integrated multi-modal hub offers sea, air and land connectivity, making it a strategic point for global trade and a key enabler for businesses looking to optimise their supply chains between Asia, Europe and Africa.