UAE Fortifies Economic Partnerships with Leading Global Markets
The Minister of Economy and Tourism has convened strategic discussions with counterparts from Italy, Uzbekistan, Scotland and the City of London to advance the Emirates' position as a premier destination for investment and innovation.
Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy and Tourism and Co-Chair of Investopia, has undertaken a series of distinguished bilateral engagements with international dignitaries to cultivate and strengthen the United Arab Emirates’ economic partnerships across key global markets. These momentous discussions took place during Investopia Bridge 2026, held on 7 October 2026 at the Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi Hotel on Saadiyat Island, convened under the evocative theme of ‘Investing in a More Resilient World.’
The Minister engaged in substantive dialogues with Adolfo Urso, Minister of Enterprises and Made in Italy of the Italian Republic; Laziz Kudratov, Minister of Investment, Industry and Trade of the Republic of Uzbekistan; Stephen Flynn, Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Tourism and Transport, Scottish Government; and Dame Susan Langley, Lady Mayor of the City of London. These carefully orchestrated meetings reaffirmed the UAE’s unwavering commitment to consolidating its pre-eminent position as a leading global nexus for the new economy, innovation and entrepreneurship.
The discussions encompassed a comprehensive spectrum of strategic sectors fundamental to contemporary economic development. Technology, artificial intelligence, financial services, advanced industry, tourism, infrastructure and logistics emerged as focal points for collaborative advancement. Through these engagements, the UAE continues its endeavour to broaden economic and investment partnerships across diverse geographical markets whilst deepening cooperation with international counterparts, thereby positioning itself at the forefront of global economic transformation.
The dialogue with Italy concentrated upon advancing economic and investment cooperation through a particular emphasis on advanced industry, the new economy, technological innovation and the nurturing of startups and entrepreneurship. The conversations further explored avenues for enhanced collaboration between the business communities of both nations, thereby fostering reciprocal commercial opportunities.
Discussions with Uzbekistan examined multifaceted opportunities for strengthening economic and investment relations, with particular attention to the new economy, tourism, aviation, financial technology, transport, renewable energy, logistics, industry and infrastructure. These sectors present considerable scope for private sector investment and the sustained expansion of bilateral economic engagement.
The engagement with the Scottish Government examined how the UAE’s strategic geographical positioning, sophisticated business ecosystem, and exceptional infrastructure and logistics capabilities might facilitate enhanced connectivity between Scottish enterprises and their counterparts throughout the Emirates and the broader regional landscape. The discussions illuminated pathways for investment and collaborative ventures, particularly within clean energy and forward-facing, high-growth technological sectors.
In a parallel discussion, the Minister and the Lady Mayor of the City of London explored opportunities to advance economic and investment cooperation between the UAE and the United Kingdom, with particular emphasis upon the pivotal role of financial services in facilitating capital flows and broadening investment horizons. The dialogue addressed cooperation across asset management, insurance, legal services, green finance and risk management, thereby strengthening ties between financial institutions and opening fresh prospects for partnership and investment aligned with contemporary global economic and technological developments.
Source: WAM