In a significant event aimed at strengthening economic ties and exploring new investment opportunities, the “Investopia – Mediterranean” conference commenced in Athens, Greece, coinciding with the official visit of His Highness Sheikh Khalid bin Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi. This conference gathered nearly 500 participants, including senior officials, business leaders, investors, and financial institutions from both the UAE and Greece, alongside five Greek ministers, to drive the partnership between the two nations forward.
Strengthening Investment Partnerships
During the event, the focus was on translating the momentum of Emirati-Greek relations into tangible business collaborations. This included initiatives related to project development and financing, market expansions, and merging capital with operational expertise and technology. Key sectors discussed at the conference included energy, artificial intelligence, financial services, and private markets. The programme encompassed a strategic dialogue, roundtable discussions, and direct networking opportunities among participants.
Commitment to Economic Growth
Mohammed Hassan Al Suwaidi, Minister of Investment and co-chairman of the Investopia Board of Trustees, commented, “The partnership between the UAE and Greece is based on strong relations and mutual trust, which allows us to expand investment cooperation in priority sectors for both countries. We look forward to building upon these foundations to connect capital with projects and expertise, enabling our companies to grow and enter new markets while developing partnerships that support energy security, technological transformation, and economic competitiveness.”
Exploring New Opportunities
Mohammed Abdulrahman Al Hawee, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Investment and Head of Investopia, stated the goal is for participants to leave Athens with clearer opportunities, potential partners, and specific follow-up steps. “This edition serves as a milestone in our ongoing efforts to build and enhance relationships within the business community, transitioning them into partnerships and investment opportunities across multiple markets,” he added.
Insights from Key Financial Leaders
The conference saw participation from leading financial institutions and investment firms, including ADNOC, G42 Group, First Abu Dhabi Bank, Bank of America, the Greek Development Fund, and the Abu Dhabi Global Market Financial Services Regulatory Authority. This diverse assembly highlighted the growing collaboration between the two countries in various investment sectors.
Sessions Addressing Key Economic Challenges
The agenda for “Investopia – Mediterranean” featured ten main sessions and three roundtable discussions. The opening session, entitled “Connecting Markets in Times of Global Change,” explored how to reinforce economic collaboration between Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and Asia amidst the current global economic transformations. Another critical session, “Bridging Continents: Greece and the UAE as Gateways for Global Investment,” highlighted opportunities arising from both countries’ geographical advantages and competitive infrastructures.
Tourism and Sustainable Development
An engaging session titled “Rebuilding Trust in Travel and Developing New Tourism Pathways” examined strategies to enhance traveller confidence, improve connections between tourism destinations across the Mediterranean and the Middle East, and forge new tourism corridors to support international visitor flows. Additionally, a discussion featuring Stavros Papastavrou, Greece’s Minister of Environment and Energy, focused on potential partnerships in renewable energy, clean energy, and circular economy efforts.
Addressing Energy Security and Investment
Another session, “The Next Wave of Global Energy Investments,” tackled opportunities within energy infrastructure development and the role innovation and technology play in advancing the sector while ensuring supply security and reducing carbon emissions—particularly in the context of recent regional developments impacting global energy markets.
Harnessing Financial Technology
The event also featured three roundtable discussions, including “Investing in the Age of Artificial Intelligence,” which examined AI’s impact on reshaping economic sectors and enhancing productivity. Another roundtable, “Financial Technology and Digital Assets: The Future of Financial Innovation,” discussed the rapid transformations within the global financial system due to advancements in financial technology and digital assets.
Growing Economic and Tourist Ties
The relationship between the UAE and Greece has witnessed consistent growth. The number of Greek companies operating in the UAE has risen from 1,244 in September 2025 to 1,483 by September 2026, reflecting a 19.2% increase. Furthermore, the influx of Greek tourists to the UAE is projected to increase from 65,078 in 2024 to 72,482 in 2025, marking an 11.4% growth. Supported by 26 weekly flights, these developments foster economic and cultural exchanges between the two nations.
Continuing the Dialogue
The Athens edition of “Investopia – Mediterranean” continues the series initiated in Cyprus in June 2025. The dialogue on investment and business community integration will extend with future meetings planned for London in December 2026, followed by events in Abu Dhabi in March and Milan in April. The initiative aims to broaden its presence to India, China, and Africa in 2027, thereby fostering relationships established in Athens and unlocking new opportunities for all participants.