Dubai , UAE 1-2 October 2018 Formerly known as the GCC Manufacturing Excellence and Technology Summit , this event has now been renamed and is currently the GCC ’ s largest manufacturing and trade conference . The Future Manufacturing and Trade Summit 2018 will explore the technological developments , address key issues and showcase innovative manufacturing strategies within all manufacturing disciplines . Organisers says : “ The summit is the only dedicated platform to discuss cutting-edge manufacturing technologies , future trends in manufacturing excellence and strategies to boost this sector ’ s role in economic development . The manufacturing industry has been identified as one of the key economic drivers for both the country and the region and it plays a pivotal role in promoting economic growth and trade in the country .” Across two days over 500 delegates from the manufacturing industry will come together for what is described as ‘ a truly interactive discussion on the technological developments and innovative manufacturing strategies being implemented within multiple disciplines in the region ’. Speakers and exact dates and locations have yet to be confirmed for next year ’ s event , but it is expected to be held in November , in Dubai , and promises to be one of the key manufacturing conferences of the year . www . manufacturingtrade . com