Abu dhabi: The Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED) is spearheading a significant economic delegation to Italy from January 19-22, in a bid to intensify strategic partnerships and broaden international economic ties. This initiative is part of Abu Dhabi's continuous efforts to bolster its status as a global hub for talent, business, and investment.
According to Emirates News Agency, this visit builds on previous economic delegations to major global capitals and financial centers in 2025. The delegation, comprising over 100 senior officials and executives from both the public and private sectors, includes representatives from the Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Abu Dhabi Global Market, Abu Dhabi Investment Office, Abu Dhabi Customs, and Hub71. They are set to engage with senior Italian government officials, business leaders, and investors to explore new cooperation opportunities and forge long-term strategic partnerships.
The Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO), in collaboration with ADDED, is organizing the Abu Dhabi Investment Forum (ADIF) Milan on January 22. This event aims to connect Italian businesses and investors with Abu Dhabi decision-makers, focusing on opportunities in high-growth sectors. ADIF Milan is designed to reinforce Abu Dhabi's position as a reliable, long-term partner for Italian businesses and investors looking to expand globally.
Additional forums and engagements are planned to bring together business leaders and investors, promoting long-term partnerships and highlighting Abu Dhabi's role as a gateway to regional and international markets. Ahmed Jasim Al Zaabi, Chairman of ADDED, underscored the importance of Italy as a longstanding partner for Abu Dhabi and the UAE, emphasizing the potential for unlocking new opportunities that drive economic development.
Al Zaabi also highlighted ADDED's role as a catalyst for economic growth and diversification, aligning policy, regulation, capital, and talent to realize Abu Dhabi's ambitious vision. Notably, the emirate has seen an 82 percent increase in new businesses over the past five years, reflecting the success of its efforts to attract investors and entrepreneurs.
Currently, more than 680 Italian companies operate in Abu Dhabi across various sectors, including energy, construction, advanced manufacturing, and technology. In 2025, the number of new Italian businesses in the emirate rose by 29 percent, illustrating the growing economic ties between the two regions.
The delegation's visit is aligned with the UAE-Italy strategic partnership announced in February 2025, which is backed by investment commitments of up to US$40 billion across several high-tech and innovative sectors. The collaboration between Abu Dhabi and Italy is based on shared goals in clean energy, sustainability, and technology-driven industrial growth, providing a robust foundation for enduring partnerships.
Italy continues to be a pivotal partner for Abu Dhabi and the UAE, with bilateral non-oil trade between the two countries reaching US$7.9 billion in the first half of 2025, marking a 14.6 percent increase from the previous year. This economic engagement underscores the mutual commitment to fostering sustainable, innovation-led growth.