Abu Dhabi's Economic Delegation Visits Italy for Enhanced Partnerships

Post by : Bianca Suleiman

From January 19 to 22, 2026, Abu Dhabi’s Department of Economic Development (ADDED) will lead a high-profile economic delegation to Italy. This mission is designed to fortify Abu Dhabi’s worldwide economic relationships and draw in talent, businesses, and investments.

Comprising over 100 senior representatives from both public and private sectors—including ADCCI, ADGM, ADIO, Abu Dhabi Customs, and Hub71—the delegation will engage with prominent Italian government figures and business leaders to identify new collaborative ventures and foster long-term strategic alliances.

As part of this initiative, ADIO and ADDED will organize the Abu Dhabi Investment Forum (ADIF) Milan on January 22, 2026. The forum aims to connect Italian investors and businesses with Abu Dhabi’s decision-makers, showcasing opportunities in high-growth sectors and positioning Abu Dhabi as a reliable partner for global business development.

His Excellency Ahmed Jasim Al Zaabi, Chairman of ADDED, stated: “Italy has been an essential ally to Abu Dhabi and the UAE for over fifty years. This trip will unveil fresh opportunities and accelerate economic growth. Collaborations play a critical role in Abu Dhabi’s Falcon Economy, emphasizing our commitment to sustainability, innovation, human progress, and economic diversification.”

Abu Dhabi's commitment to fostering business growth is evident, with new enterprises in the emirate surging by 82% in the past five years. Currently, over 680 Italian firms operate across various sectors in Abu Dhabi, including energy, construction, manufacturing, finance, technology, education, and professional services. Notably, the number of new Italian businesses in Abu Dhabi saw a 29% growth in 2025.

The delegation will also focus on the expanding presence of Abu Dhabi investors in Italy, particularly in infrastructure, the energy transition, advanced manufacturing, and tech-driven industries. This visit aligns with the UAE-Italy strategic partnership announced in February 2025, with investment pledges reaching up to $40 billion in various sectors, including AI, space, clean energy, ICT, SMEs, startups, agriculture, aviation, education, culture, and healthcare.

As the world’s eighth-largest economy, Italy remains a pivotal partner for the UAE. In the first half of 2025, bilateral non-oil trade between Italy and the UAE amounted to $7.9 billion, marking a 14.6% increase from the previous year. The two nations share a commitment to clean energy, sustainability, advanced technologies, and innovation-led industrial growth, laying a robust groundwork for enduring collaboration.