Abu Dhabi, Italy move to deepen strategic economic ties

Abu Dhabi is seeking to strengthen its strategic economic partnership with Italy as it sends a high-level delegation to Rome and Milan this week to expand cooperation in investment, trade and high-growth industries.

The delegation, led by the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED), will visit Italy from Jan. 19 to 22 as part of the emirate’s broader push to deepen international economic engagement and position itself as a global hub for business, capital and talent.

More than 100 senior officials and executives from Abu Dhabi’s public and private sectors are taking part, including representatives from the Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Abu Dhabi Global Market, the Abu Dhabi Investment Office, Abu Dhabi Customs and technology hub Hub71.

Delegation members are scheduled to meet Italian government officials, business leaders and investors to identify opportunities for cooperation and longer-term partnerships, particularly in advanced manufacturing, energy transition, technology and financial services.

As part of the visit, the Abu Dhabi Investment Office, in coordination with ADDED, will host the Abu Dhabi Investment Forum in Milan on Jan. 22, bringing together Italian companies and investors with policymakers and business leaders from Abu Dhabi to explore investment opportunities in fast-growing sectors.

The initiative follows a series of economic missions by Abu Dhabi to major global capitals and financial centers, underscoring the emirate’s strategy of expanding ties with key international markets.

Italy remains one of Abu Dhabi’s long-standing economic partners, with more than 680 Italian companies operating in the emirate across sectors including energy, construction, manufacturing, finance, technology, education and professional services. The number of new Italian businesses established in Abu Dhabi rose by 29% in 2025, according to officials.

Abu Dhabi-based investors are also increasing their exposure to Italy, particularly in infrastructure, energy transition projects and technology-driven industries.

The visit aligns with a UAE–Italy strategic partnership announced in February 2025, backed by investment commitments of up to $40 billion across sectors including artificial intelligence, data centers, clean energy, space, water technologies, connectivity, agriculture, aviation, education, healthcare and start-ups.

Italy, the world’s eighth-largest economy, is a key trade partner for the UAE. Bilateral non-oil trade between Italy and the UAE reached $7.9 billion in the first half of 2025, up nearly 15% from a year earlier.

Officials said shared priorities in sustainability, clean energy and innovation-led industrial growth provide a strong basis for deeper long-term cooperation between Abu Dhabi and Italy.