The recent discussions between the UAE and Italy highlight a significant collaboration aimed at boosting trade and investment flows between the two nations. Under the leadership of Dr. Thani Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, the UAE Minister of Foreign Trade, a meeting was held with the Italian Business Council in the UAE. This engagement underscores the UAE’s commitment to strengthening its economic ties with Italy, a key partner within the European Union.
During the meeting, Dr. Al Zeyoudi emphasized the importance of economic relations between the UAE and Italy. He noted the remarkable growth in trade between both nations, with non-oil bilateral trade reaching $14 billion in 2024, representing a 19.7% increase from 2023 and a 22.2% increase over 2022. In the first half of 2025, bilateral trade soared to $7.9 billion, reflecting a year-on-year growth of 14.6% compared to the first half of 2024, alongside a 12.3% increase from the latter half of 2024.
Italy has emerged as a leading non-oil trading partner for the UAE within the EU in 2024, ranking twelfth globally and constituting 1.7% of the UAE’s total global trade. Dr. Al Zeyoudi remarked, “The UAE and Italy are committed to continuing to elevate their economic partnership, which has seen accelerating growth in non-oil trade flows over the past five years.” This highlights the ongoing commitment to enhancing bilateral cooperation, particularly in the private sector, for mutual benefits.
The discussions also focused on exploring partnership opportunities in key sectors such as technology, renewable energy, healthcare, and infrastructure, which are expected to drive growth in both countries. Dr. Al Zeyoudi added, “Through joint efforts, we continue to open new avenues for opportunities that drive economic growth and contribute to the sustainable development of both countries.” This vision aligns with the broader goal of sustainable economic development and innovation.
The meeting also reviewed various initiatives and agreements aimed at leveraging the existing frameworks of trade and investment to attain shared benefits. Dr. Al Zeyoudi emphasized that investment in sustainable and innovative projects could generate job opportunities and create lasting economic value for both the UAE and Italy.
The evolving bilateral relations between the UAE and Italy reflect a strong commitment to fostering partnerships that promote sustainable growth and technological advancement. As the meeting concluded, both parties reiterated their shared dedication to exploring collaborative projects that would further enhance trade relations and cultivate robust economic connections, paving the way for a prosperous future.