The Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED) has led a high-level economic delegation to Italy, reinforcing Abu Dhabi’s commitment to strengthening strategic partnerships with key global economies.
The visit, scheduled from 19–22 January 2026, forms part of the emirate’s broader efforts to expand international economic engagement and further enhance its position as a global magnet for talent, businesses and investment.
The Italian visit builds on Abu Dhabi’s economic delegations to major global capitals and financial centers in 2025, reflecting the emirate’s commitment to expanding its international engagement with global economic partners around the world.
The Abu Dhabi delegation led by ADDED includes 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.
The delegation will meet senior Italian government officials, business leaders and investors to explore new opportunities for cooperation and long-term strategic partnerships.
ADIO, ADDED to host ADIF in Milan
ADIO, in cooperation with ADDED, will organize the Abu Dhabi Investment Forum (ADIF) Milan on 22 January 2026, bringing together Italian businesses and investors with Abu Dhabi decision-makers to explore opportunities in high-growth sectors.
ADIF Milan aims to further strengthen Abu Dhabi’s position as a trusted, long-term partner for Italian businesses and investors seeking to invest with Abu Dhabi and expand globally.
Additional forums and engagements will bring together business leaders and investors to advance long-term partnerships and reinforce Abu Dhabi’s role as a gateway to regional and international markets.
HE Ahmed Jasim Al Zaabi Chairman – ADDED
“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. As the catalyst for economic growth and diversification, ADDED continues to align policy, regulation, capital and talent to translate Abu Dhabi’s ambitious vision into measurable economic outcomes.
The UAE-Italy partnership, launched in February 2025 with investment commitments of up to $40 billion (AED 147 billion), spans AI, data centers, energy transition, space, connectivity, water, ICT, SMEs, agriculture, aviation, education, culture, and healthcare.
Abu Dhabi investors are expanding in Italy, especially in infrastructure, energy transition, advanced manufacturing, and tech-driven sectors, while over 680 Italian companies operate in Abu Dhabi across energy, construction, finance, technology, education, and professional services. New Italian businesses in the emirate grew 29 percent in 2025.
Italy, the world’s 8th largest economy, is a key partner of UAE. In the first half of 2025, bilateral non-oil trade reached $7.9 billion (AED 29 billion), up 14.6 percent from 2024. Both countries’ focus on clean energy, sustainability, and innovation-driven growth underpins long-term collaboration.
