On February 1, 2026, the Egyptian electronics industry marked a pivotal moment with the launch of the country’s first specialized market for electronic circuits, a move that industry insiders and officials alike are calling a game-changer. The event, held at the headquarters of the National Council for Electronics in Cairo, drew a crowd of more than 300 companies and manufacturers, signaling both the scale and ambition of this new endeavor. Among those present were the Minister of Electricity, the Minister of Communications and Information Technology, and a number of senior officials, underscoring the government’s commitment to advancing Egypt’s technological capabilities.
According to coverage in the Egyptian media, the launch was hailed as a milestone for the sector. The market aims to develop the electronic circuits industry and support local manufacturers, positioning Egypt as a rising player in the global electronics landscape. Companies participating in the new market boast impressive credentials—some have been in operation for over a decade, while others report production capacities exceeding 50,000 boards, including integrated circuit manufacturing and packaging capabilities.
The timing of Egypt’s move is no coincidence. As the world becomes increasingly reliant on advanced electronics for everything from smartphones to renewable energy infrastructure, countries are racing to secure their own supply chains and foster homegrown innovation. For Egypt, the creation of a specialized market is more than just an economic play; it’s a strategic step toward technological self-sufficiency and international competitiveness.
But Egypt isn’t alone in its ambitions. On the same day, February 1, 2026, Dubai announced the launch of its own specialized market for electronic circuits. According to Emirates newspaper, Dubai’s market features 300 specialized companies and manufacturers, including 82 firms dedicated exclusively to electronic circuits. The event, supported by the Emirates Integrated Telecommunications Company, also runs for seven days and aims to boost the sector by 5%. More than 120 companies are participating, offering a wide range of products such as electrical devices, circuit boards, and integrated circuits.
Dubai’s initiative is designed to further cement its reputation as a regional hub for technology and innovation. The city’s market includes not only manufacturing firms but also packaging and assembly companies, some with production capacities exceeding 50,000 boards. The government has made it clear that its goal is to foster a robust ecosystem for electronic circuits, with the hope that this will translate into greater economic growth and technological advancement.
Both Egypt and Dubai are leveraging their respective markets to attract investment, nurture local talent, and encourage collaboration between public and private sectors. The Egyptian market, for instance, was inaugurated with a full-page promotional cover in the Emirates newspaper, a move intended to gather manufacturers and signal the seriousness of the initiative. Meanwhile, Dubai’s market is open to participants who meet specific requirements, including the need to have a traffic file in the emirate and to pay a 5% value-added tax on sales. The auction process is tightly regulated, with participants required to deposit a security check and pay non-refundable registration fees at designated service centers.
What’s particularly noteworthy is the level of coordination and planning evident in both markets. In Dubai, for example, the auction for specialized numbers—ranging from two to five digits—runs for exactly seven days, with strict payment deadlines and multiple payment options, including cash, certified checks, and credit cards for amounts exceeding AED 50,000. This level of detail reflects a broader trend: governments in the region are increasingly adopting best practices from the private sector to ensure transparency, efficiency, and accountability.
The ripple effects of these markets are already being felt. In Egypt, the launch is seen as a significant step forward for the electronics industry, providing local manufacturers with a platform to showcase their capabilities and connect with potential partners. The presence of high-level officials at the launch underscores the government’s recognition of the sector’s strategic importance. As one senior official put it during the opening ceremony, "This market reflects our commitment to supporting local manufacturers and developing the electronic circuits sector."
Dubai, too, is reaping the benefits of its proactive approach. The market’s focus on specialized, manufacturing, packaging, and assembly companies ensures that participants cover the entire value chain, from raw materials to finished products. According to Emirates newspaper, this comprehensive approach is designed to drive innovation and foster collaboration, with the ultimate goal of making Dubai a leading center for electronic circuits in the region.
For the companies involved, the opportunities are substantial. With production capacities exceeding 50,000 boards, many firms are well-positioned to meet rising demand, both domestically and internationally. The inclusion of companies with more than 10 years of experience adds a layer of credibility and expertise, which is critical in an industry where quality and reliability are paramount.
The launch of these specialized markets is also expected to have a broader impact on the region’s economy. By supporting local manufacturers and encouraging investment in high-tech industries, both Egypt and Dubai are laying the groundwork for sustainable growth. The hope is that these initiatives will not only create jobs and spur innovation but also reduce reliance on imported electronic components—a key concern for many countries in today’s volatile global market.
Of course, challenges remain. Building a robust electronics sector requires more than just infrastructure and investment; it also demands a skilled workforce, access to cutting-edge technology, and a regulatory environment that encourages innovation while protecting intellectual property. Both Egypt and Dubai will need to address these issues if they hope to realize the full potential of their new markets.
Still, the mood at the launch events was decidedly optimistic. As the Egyptian media reported, the opening of the specialized market for electronic circuits is a "milestone for the sector"—a sentiment echoed by participants and officials in Dubai. With hundreds of companies on board and strong government backing, the stage is set for a new era of growth and innovation in the region’s electronics industry.
As the weeklong events unfold, all eyes will be on Egypt and Dubai to see how these ambitious initiatives play out. For now, at least, both countries have made it clear that they intend to be major players in the fast-evolving world of electronic circuits—an industry that, more than ever, is shaping the future of technology and the global economy.