Post by : Badri Ariffin

The Department of Economic Development (ADDED) in Abu Dhabi is orchestrating a significant economic visit to Italy, scheduled for 19–22 January 2026. This initiative is designed to fortify Abu Dhabi’s international economic collaborations and attract skilled labor, enterprises, and investments.

The delegation features over 100 high-ranking officials and leaders from the public and private sectors, including ADCCI, ADGM, ADIO, Abu Dhabi Customs, and Hub71. Key engagements will involve discussions with prominent Italian government representatives, business magnates, and investors, aimed at identifying fresh avenues for collaboration and enduring strategic alliances.

Highlighting the trip, ADIO and ADDED will host the Abu Dhabi Investment Forum (ADIF) Milan on 22 January 2026. This forum will unite Italian investors and enterprises with Abu Dhabi policymakers to delve into opportunities in rapidly expanding sectors and advertise Abu Dhabi as a dependable collaborator for global business growth.

His Excellency Ahmed Jasim Al Zaabi, Chairman of ADDED, remarked: “Italy has been a pivotal ally for Abu Dhabi and the UAE for over fifty years. This mission will unlock new prospects and stimulate economic progress. Collaborations are essential to the Falcon Economy of Abu Dhabi, underpinning our commitment to sustainability, innovation, human capacity development, and economic diversification.”

The growth measures in Abu Dhabi have propelled business development, with a remarkable 82% surge in new enterprises over the last five years. More than 680 Italian firms are currently operational in Abu Dhabi across sectors like energy, construction, manufacturing, finance, technology, education, and professional services. In 2025, newly established Italian ventures in Abu Dhabi surged by 29%.

Abu Dhabi's investors are also making strides in Italy, concentrating on infrastructure, energy transitions, advanced manufacturing, and technology-centric industries. This visit is a testament to the UAE–Italy strategic partnership unveiled in February 2025, anticipating investment commitments reaching up to US$40 billion across areas like AI, space, clean energy, ICT, SMEs, startups, agriculture, aviation, education, culture, and healthcare.

As the 8th largest economy globally, Italy continues to be a vital collaborator. Bilateral non-oil trade between Italy and the UAE reached US$7.9 billion in the first half of 2025, representing a 14.6% increase compared to 2024. Both nations are aligned in their focus on clean energy, sustainability, advanced technologies, and innovation-driven industrial expansion, which lays a solid groundwork for future collaboration.

#Global News