UAE Enhances Investment Relations with Italy and France via Investopia 2026

The UAE Ministry of Investment, in collaboration with the Ministry of Economy and Tourism, successfully wrapped up the fourth edition of Investopia Europe 2026, hosting significant events in Milan and Paris. This initiative was geared towards strengthening economic and investment links between the UAE, Italy, France, and various European nations, with a particular emphasis on sectors fueling the new economy.

A prominent delegation from the UAE, led by Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy and Tourism and Co-Chair of Investopia’s Board of Trustees, showcased the UAE's aspirations. They were joined by Mohammad Abdulrahman Alhawi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Investment, and the UAE Ambassador to Italy, Abdulla AlSubousi.

Many prominent UAE companies, such as Masdar, EDGE Group, 2PointZero Group PJSC, Khazna Data Centres, and Standard Chartered, participated in the initiative.

The opening event, Investopia Global Milan, featured an extensive agenda focused on investment opportunities between the UAE and Europe. Discussions covered vital topics including artificial intelligence infrastructure, industrial capabilities, tourism, and the Italy-UAE-Africa partnership.

Participants concentrated on developing long-term investment prospects and enhancing collaboration in sectors crucial for sustainable economic advancement.

According to Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, Italy and France stand as two of Europe's most resilient economies and play a pivotal role in global industries. Their economic strengths align with the UAE’s ambitions, fostering strong opportunities for collaboration in areas like AI, tourism, advanced manufacturing, defense, and sustainable energy.

These alliances are instrumental in supporting the UAE’s “We the UAE 2031” vision, contributing significantly to enhancing the country's global competitiveness and goals of economic diversification.

Highlighting the importance of this initiative, Mohammad Abdulrahman Alhawi noted that Investopia Europe 2026 reaffirms the UAE's commitment to its European allies. He pointed out that Italy and France constitute nearly 10 percent of the UAE’s overall foreign direct investment and remain among its most significant European trade partners.

The UAE not only offers investors a stable business environment but also presents clear policies, top-notch infrastructure, and pathways to global growth prospects.

The Italian delegation included key figures such as Antonio Tajani, Deputy Prime Minister, and Adolfo Urso, Minister of Enterprise and Made in Italy, who participated in the discussions alongside top Italian firms like Deloitte Italy, Confindustria, and Dolce & Gabbana.

During the session titled “Resilience, Partnership, Opportunity: Navigating the Future of UAE-Italy Investment Ties,” Alhawi emphasized the UAE's resilience and its capacity to foster business growth even in challenging scenarios.

The second leg of the tour, Investopia Global Roundtable Paris, occurred on May 18, 2026, in collaboration with the UAE Embassy in Paris, MEDEF, and Standard Chartered.

This Paris roundtable convened nearly 30 high-level government officials, investors, and business leaders to discuss emerging opportunities for UAE-France collaboration across sectors like artificial intelligence, sustainable energy, advanced manufacturing, and the creative economy.

Alhawi reaffirmed the UAE’s dedication to strengthening economic relations with France and promoting increased French investments in the UAE.

Since its inception in 2021, Investopia has successfully conducted 24 global editions across multiple regions, engaging over 14,000 worldwide participants.

Now under the joint leadership of the Ministry of Economy and Tourism and the Ministry of Investment, Investopia aspires to forge deeper international partnerships, attract fresh investments, and support the UAE’s long-term growth strategy.