The United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Greece have significantly bolstered their economic partnership through the recent UAE-Greece Strategic Forum held in Athens. This event marked the signing of 18 memoranda of understanding, agreements, and commercial partnerships, collectively valued at over €12.75 billion. These agreements span a variety of industries, including digital infrastructure, artificial intelligence, advanced technology, renewable energy, and healthcare, among others.
The forum coincided with the official visit of Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, to Greece and was attended by key figures such as Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and UAE Minister of Foreign Trade Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi. This gathering underscored the commitment of both nations to deepen economic ties and foster private sector-led growth across strategically important sectors.
In addition to the agreements, the UAE announced plans to invest an additional €15 billion in Greece through a joint investment initiative. This initiative aims to enhance long-term economic cooperation and support projects that are crucial to both economies. Dr. Al Zeyoudi highlighted the growing confidence in the UAE-Greece partnership and the importance of turning investment commitments into practical projects and sustainable economic growth.
The forum also emphasized the complementary roles played by the two economies, with the UAE serving as a global hub for trade and investment, while Greece acts as a gateway to European markets. The collaboration between the UAE and Greece is expected to facilitate business expansion into Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and Asia.
Discussions during the forum included strengthening food security through resilient supply chains and expanding cooperation in artificial intelligence and emerging technologies. The event also featured investment-matching sessions and business-to-business meetings, providing opportunities for companies to explore joint ventures and establish new commercial partnerships.
The recent agreements and the proposed investment initiative reflect a concerted effort by the UAE and Greece to diversify their cooperation and promote economic growth through innovation and collaboration in priority industries. This strategic partnership is poised to create business opportunities and strengthen commercial ties for mutual benefit.