An economic delegation from Abu Dhabi, led by the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED), has concluded a successful visit to Italy, culminating in the signing of agreements to accelerate the growth of entrepreneurship, manufacturing and agritech.
The delegation to Italy included more than 100 senior officials and executives from both the public and private sectors, including representatives from the Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ADCCI), ADGM, Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO), Abu Dhabi Customs, and Hub71.
During the visit, the delegation held a series of high-level bilateral meetings with senior government officials, leading businesses, family offices and investors to explore new growth opportunities. Discussions highlighted Abu Dhabi’s position as a global platform for international capital to identify, access and scale investments, underscored by the strength of its integrated ecosystem.
The talks also emphasized the strong alignment between Italy’s cultural, industrial and creative capabilities and Abu Dhabi’s role as a strategic springboard for long-term expansion, supported by its appeal to global talent, innovators and entrepreneurs.
The Abu Dhabi Investment Forum (ADIF) Milan, has been organised by the Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO) in cooperation with the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED). The ADIF event featured keynote addresses by senior leaders, including Ahmed Jasim Al Zaabi, Chairman of ADDED, Abdulla Ali Al Subousi, UAE Ambassador to Italy, and Alvise Biffi, President of Assolombarda.
The Abu Dhabi Investment Forum also hosted panel discussions and presentations highlighting strategic investment opportunities, fostering collaboration between Abu Dhabi and Italy across key sectors.
Ahmed Jasim Al Zaabi Chairman – ADDED
“We are pleased with the outcomes of our visit to Italy, with clear commitments to accelerate growth in priority sectors and clusters secured. Our discussions during the visit focused on providing the right mechanisms to further enhance cooperation, benefiting from opportunities in both our economies and beyond. Our Falcon Economy guides efforts to future-proof industries, supported by progressive policies, disciplined decision-making, and aligned institutions from both the public and private sectors. Our international engagements are geared towards enhancing the role of strategic partners, and we provide them with clarity, certainty, and access to capital to grow and expand into fast-growing markets across the Middle East, Africa, and Asia.”
Abu Dhabi-Italy agreements at ADIF
During Abu Dhabi Investment Forum, ADIO has signed landmark agreements with Italy’s Assolombarda and Confagricoltura to boost cross-border trade and industrial collaboration. The Assolombarda deal focuses on advanced manufacturing, clean energy and digital transformation, while Confagricoltura targets innovation and resilience across the AgriFood Growth & Water Abundance (AGWA) cluster.
Abu Dhabi Customs also signed a cooperation statement with Italian Customs to enhance trade facilitation, promote secure and efficient processes, and establish a digital trade corridor leveraging AI-enabled services. Hub71 highlighted its role in supporting high-potential startups by connecting them with investors, partners, and Abu Dhabi’s thriving market.
The Abu Dhabi Chamber has convened two roundtables in Italy with over 18 leading Italian family businesses and corporate groups, including ENEL, SAIPEM, Haworth Lifestyle, Caracol, Assolombarda, and Anitec-Assinform, promoting market access, partnerships, and long-term expansion in Abu Dhabi. The visit is part of ADDED-led delegations to global capitals to strengthen international cooperation and identify innovative growth opportunities.
Image credits: ADDED | Cropped by GBN
ADDED continues to drive sustainable economic development through actionable insights, seamless registry services, and trusted regulations, accelerating transformation across four sector-specific clusters, namely:
Smart and Autonomous Vehicles Industries (SAVI)
AgriFood Growth & Water Abundance (AGWA)
Health, Endurance, Longevity, and Medicine (HELM)
FinTech, Insurance, Digital & Alternative Assets (FIDA)
Together, these clusters are projected to contribute $77.0 billion (AED 284 billion) to GDP, create over 130,000 jobs, and attract over $58.6 billion (AED 217 billion) in investments by 2045.
