Post by : Badri Ariffin

The UAE has concluded the fourth edition of Investopia Europe 2026, an initiative led by the Ministry of Investment alongside the Ministry of Economy and Tourism. Major events were hosted in Milan and Paris to bolster economic connections between the UAE, Italy, France, and various other European nations, concentrating on sectors that propel the new economy forward.

Heading the UAE delegation was Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, the Minister of Economy and Tourism and Co-Chair of Investopia’s Board of Trustees. He was supported by Mohammad Abdulrahman Alhawi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Investment and President of Investopia, along with Abdulla AlSubousi, UAE Ambassador to Italy.

Participating in the initiative were notable UAE firms, including Masdar, EDGE Group, 2PointZero Group PJSC, Khazna Data Centres, and Standard Chartered.

The initial session, Investopia Global Milan, presented a day packed with discussions centered on UAE-Europe investment potentials. Key themes revolved around artificial intelligence infrastructure, sovereign industrial capabilities, tourism, global capital movements, and the collaborative Italy-UAE-Africa partnership platform.

Officials and business leaders concentrated on establishing long-term investment avenues and enhancing collaboration in essential sectors for sustainable economic development.

Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri noted that Italy and France are among Europe’s economic powerhouses and play pivotal roles in global industries. He highlighted that their economic capabilities align with the UAE’s aspirations, fostering significant cooperation opportunities in areas like AI, tourism, advanced manufacturing, defense, and sustainable energy.

According to him, these collaborations back the UAE’s “We the UAE 2031” vision, fortifying the nation’s competitiveness and diversifying its economy.

Mohammad Abdulrahman Alhawi emphasized that Investopia Europe 2026 arrives at a crucial moment to reinforce the UAE's dedication to its European allies. He pointed out that Italy and France contribute nearly 10 percent to the UAE’s total foreign direct investment and remain top trade partners for the UAE in Europe.

Alhawi affirmed that the UAE presents a stable business setting, transparent policies, world-class infrastructure, and access to global growth avenues.

The Italian delegate roster featured Antonio Tajani, Italy's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, along with Adolfo Urso, Gianmarco Mazzi, and Valentino Valentini.

Prominent Italian companies like Deloitte Italy, Confindustria, Mapei Group, Dolce & Gabbana, and Enel also contributed to the discussions.

During a discussion panel titled “Resilience, Partnership, Opportunity: Charting the Next Chapter of UAE–Italy Investment Ties,” Alhawi emphasized the UAE’s resilience and capacity to facilitate business expansion in both stable and challenging scenarios.

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

This Paris roundtable assembled nearly 30 prominent government officials, investors, and industry leaders to discuss new opportunities for collaboration between the UAE and France in fields such as artificial intelligence, sustainable energy, advanced manufacturing, financial services, and the creative economy.

In his address, Alhawi reaffirmed the UAE’s determination to bolster economic relations with France and attract more French investments into the UAE.

Since its inception in 2021, Investopia has conducted 24 global editions across North America, Europe, Africa, and Asia, drawing over 14,000 participants globally.

Now guided jointly by the Ministry of Economy and Tourism and the Ministry of Investment, Investopia aims to deepen international partnerships, bring in new investments, and back the UAE’s long-term economic growth vision.

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