Abu Dhabi takes investment push to Italy as business ties grow

Abu Dhabi is stepping up its international economic engagement with a high-level investment mission to Italy, as business ties between the two economies continue to strengthen.

Abu Dhabi’s Department of Economic Development (ADDED) is leading an economic delegation to Italy from 19 to 22 January 2026, aimed at deepening strategic partnerships and unlocking new opportunities for trade, investment and long-term collaboration.

The visit comes after the number of Italian companies operating in the emirate rose by 29 per cent in 2025, underlining the emirate’s growing appeal to international investors and entrepreneurs.

The delegation includes more than 100 senior officials and executives from the public and private sectors, including representatives from the Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ADCCI), ADGM, the Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO), Abu Dhabi Customs and Hub71.

Meetings are planned with senior Italian government officials, business leaders and investors to explore cooperation across priority sectors.

Investment forum to boost cooperation

As part of the visit, ADDED and ADIO will host the Abu Dhabi Investment Forum in Milan on 22 January. The forum will bring together Italian businesses and investors with the emirate decision-makers to highlight opportunities in high-growth sectors and reinforce the emirate’s position as a long-term partner and gateway to regional and global markets.

Ahmed Jasim Al Zaabi, Chairman of ADDED, said: “Italy has been a key partner for Abu Dhabi and the UAE for over five decades, and our visit will unlock new opportunities, driving economic development.

“Partnerships are key to Abu Dhabi’s Falcon Economy, which is guiding our transition to the next phase of development, and we remain committed to continue building and enhancing ties with leading economies around the globe, address emerging trends and technologies, and focus on human development, sustainability and economic diversification to shape a better future for current and future generations.”

More than 680 Italian companies are currently operating in the emirate across sectors including energy, construction, advanced manufacturing, financial services, technology and education. At the same time, Abu Dhabi-based investors are expanding their footprint in Italy, particularly in infrastructure, energy transition and technology-driven industries.

The visit builds on the UAE–Italy strategic partnership announced in February 2025, which includes investment commitments of up to $40 billion across areas such as clean energy, artificial intelligence, data centres, space, connectivity and advanced manufacturing.

In the first half of 2025, non-oil trade between Italy and the UAE reached $7.9 billion, a year-on-year increase of nearly 15 per cent.

Abu Dhabi officials said the growing alignment between the two economies provides a strong foundation for deeper, long-term collaboration.