The UAE and Italy held a series of bilateral discussions in Milan aimed at boosting economic relations and creating new investment opportunities as the Emirates seeks to strengthen trade ties globally.
Abdullah bin Touq, the UAE’s Minister of Economy, who is leading a nearly 50-member delegation to Italy for the Emirates-led Investopia Europe event, held meetings with Italian ministers, government officials, businessmen and investors from both countries, state news agency Wam reported on Thursday.
Officials explored opportunities in new economic sectors, including renewable energy, tourism and financial technology.
“The UAE and Italy share strong, continuously evolving relations, with the unlimited support of both leaderships. Our ties will continue to grow in all aspects, supporting common interests and prosperity,” Mr bin Touq said.
He also highlighted the importance of the Investopia event in boosting investments and encouraging business communities to explore more opportunities in new economic sectors.
Investopia is one of the events included in the Projects of the 50 developmental and economic initiative announced by the UAE government in 2021, aimed at accelerating the nation’s growth over the next five decades.
The summit’s inaugural event took place in March last year along with the World Government Summit in Dubai.
The UAE aims to attract $150 billion in foreign investments by 2031 as part of efforts to diversify its economy away from oil.
Last year, the UAE’s non-oil foreign trade reached a record Dh2.23 trillion ($607.1 billion), as the Arab world’s second-largest economy accelerated efforts to reduce its dependence on hydrocarbons and boost its economic partnerships globally.
This was the first time the UAE’s non-oil foreign trade crossed the Dh2 trillion mark.
Mr bin Touq urged Italy's private sector to seek opportunities in the UAE and highlighted the incentives offered by the country to boost growth through platforms such as Investopia as well as comprehensive economic partnership agreements.
The UAE has signed four Cepa deals with India, Israel, Indonesia and Turkey so far, with plans to sign a total of 26 such agreements.
“We will work alongside our partners in the UAE to enhance bilateral relations and increase trade and investment exchanges in the fields of technology and circular economy, and other areas of common interest,” said Giancarlo Giorgetti, Italy's Minister of Economy and Finance.
In March last year, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni met President Sheikh Mohamed in Abu Dhabi, where they witnessed the signing of several agreements.
They also discussed ways to build a strategic partnership between the two countries, especially in the economic, investment and trade sectors.
Mr bin Touq said the tourism sector is among the top priorities on the UAE’s agenda.
“We look forward to exchanging expertise with the Italian side to foster tourism industry’s sustainable growth and governance in accordance with international best practices.”
Mohammed bin Zayed Majlis
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Brief scoreline
Switzerland 0
England 0
Result: England win 6-5 on penalties
Man of the Match: Trent Alexander-Arnold (England)
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Stoke City v Tottenham
Brentford v Newcastle United
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All ties are to be played the week commencing December 21.
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Manchester United's summer dealings
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Romelu Lukaku (Everton) £75 million
Nemanja Matic (Chelsea) £40 million
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Wayne Rooney (Everton) Free transfer
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Why are asylum seekers being housed in hotels?
The number of asylum applications in the UK has reached a new record high, driven by those illegally entering the country in small boats crossing the English Channel.
A total of 111,084 people applied for asylum in the UK in the year to June 2025, the highest number for any 12-month period since current records began in 2001.
Asylum seekers and their families can be housed in temporary accommodation while their claim is assessed.
The Home Office provides the accommodation, meaning asylum seekers cannot choose where they live.
When there is not enough housing, the Home Office can move people to hotels or large sites like former military bases.
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
Afghanistan fixtures
- v Australia, today
- v Sri Lanka, Tuesday
- v New Zealand, Saturday,
- v South Africa, June 15
- v England, June 18
- v India, June 22
- v Bangladesh, June 24
- v Pakistan, June 29
- v West Indies, July 4
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Director: Amar Kaushik
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MATCH INFO
England 241-3 (20 ovs)
Malan 130 no, Morgan 91
New Zealand 165 all out (16.5ovs)
Southee 39, Parkinson 4-47
England win by 76 runs
Series level at 2-2
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Killing of Qassem Suleimani
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The burning issue
The internal combustion engine is facing a watershed moment – major manufacturer Volvo is to stop producing petroleum-powered vehicles by 2021 and countries in Europe, including the UK, have vowed to ban their sale before 2040. The National takes a look at the story of one of the most successful technologies of the last 100 years and how it has impacted life in the UAE.
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Chatham House Rule
A mark of Chatham House’s influence 100 years on since its founding, was Moscow’s formal declaration last month that it was an “undesirable
organisation”.
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following the Ukraine invasion had broadcast Mr Putin’s chicanery.
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with Nelson Mandela, Margaret Thatcher among those helping it provide
authoritative commentary on world events.
Chatham House was formally founded as the Royal Institute of
International Affairs following the peace conferences of World War One. Its
founder, Lionel Curtis, wanted a more scientific examination of international affairs
with a transparent exchange of information and ideas.
That arena of debate and analysis was enhanced by the “Chatham
House Rule” states that the contents of any meeting can be discussed outside Chatham
House but no mention can be made identifying individuals who commented.
This has enabled some candid exchanges on difficult subjects
allowing a greater degree of free speech from high-ranking figures.
These meetings are highly valued, so much so that
ambassadors reported them in secret diplomatic cables that – when they were
revealed in the Wikileaks reporting – were thus found to have broken the rule. However,
most speeches are held on the record.
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policymakers enabling them to more coherently address troubling issues from climate
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The years Ramadan fell in May
MATCH INFO
Uefa Champions League quarter-final, second leg (first-leg score):
Manchester City (0) v Tottenham Hotspur (1), Wednesday, 11pm UAE
Match is on BeIN Sports
How to help
Send “thenational” to the following numbers or call the hotline on: 0502955999
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The Voice of Hind Rajab
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Youth YouTuber Programme
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Killing of Qassem Suleimani
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