UAE Enhances Investment Collaborations with Italy and France

The UAE’s Ministry of Investment, in collaboration with the Ministry of Economy and Tourism, successfully wrapped up the fourth edition of Investopia Europe 2026, hosting significant events in Milan and Paris. The initiative sought to deepen economic and investment ties between the UAE and European nations like Italy and France, prioritizing sectors that drive a new economic landscape.

Leading the UAE delegation was Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy and Tourism and Co-Chair of Investopia's Board of Trustees. He was joined by Mohammad Abdulrahman Alhawi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Investment and President of Investopia, along with Abdulla AlSubousi, the UAE Ambassador to Italy.

Notable UAE companies such as Masdar, EDGE Group, 2PointZero Group PJSC, Khazna Data Centres, and Standard Chartered took part in the initiative.

Kicking off with Investopia Global Milan, this event featured a robust program filled with critical discussions regarding UAE-Europe investment prospects. Topics spanned artificial intelligence infrastructure, sovereign industrial capabilities, tourism, and global capital movements, alongside a partnership platform involving Italy, the UAE, and Africa.

Officials and business leaders emphasized the importance of developing enduring investment opportunities while enhancing cooperation in sectors vital to sustainable economic advancement.

Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri noted the significance of Italy and France as leading economies in Europe, asserting that their economic might aligns with the UAE’s ambitions, highlighting opportunities within AI, tourism, advanced manufacturing, defense, and renewable energy.

He indicated that these collaborations align with the UAE’s “We the UAE 2031” vision, bolstering the nation's global competitiveness and economic diversification goals.

Mohammad Abdulrahman Alhawi mentioned that Investopia Europe 2026 was timely, reaffirming the UAE’s dedication to its European allies. He noted that together, Italy and France account for nearly 10% of the UAE’s total foreign direct investment stock, making them critical trade partners.

Alhawi asserted that the UAE provides investors with a stable business climate, transparent policies, top-notch infrastructure, and access to global growth opportunities.

The Italian delegation featured key figures like Antonio Tajani, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Adolfo Urso, Minister of Enterprise, Gianmarco Mazzi, Minister of Tourism, and Valentino Valentini, Deputy Minister of Made in Italy.

Prominent Italian businesses, including Deloitte Italy, Confindustria, Mapei Group, Dolce & Gabbana, and Enel, were also represented in the discussions.

During the panel dubbed “Resilience, Partnership, Opportunity: Charting the Next Chapter of UAE–Italy Investment Ties,” Alhawi underscored the UAE’s resilience and its capability to foster business growth in both stable and challenging periods.

The second leg of the European tour, Investopia Global Roundtable Paris, occurred on May 18, 2026, in collaboration with the UAE Embassy in Paris, MEDEF, and Standard Chartered.

The Paris roundtable congregated nearly 30 senior officials, investors, and business leaders to discuss emerging opportunities in UAE-France cooperation within sectors like artificial intelligence, sustainable energy, advanced manufacturing, financial services, and the creative economy.

Addressing attendees, Alhawi reiterated the UAE’s commitment to strengthening economic relations with France and boosting French investment into the UAE.

Since its launch in 2021, Investopia has hosted 24 global editions across North America, Europe, Africa, and Asia, involving over 14,000 participants from around the world.

Now co-led by the Ministry of Economy and Tourism and the Ministry of Investment, Investopia aims to forge deeper international partnerships, draw in new investments, and propel the UAE’s long-term economic development strategy.