Page 563 - MOE ENGLISH PR REPORT - MAY 2025 (Part 1)_Neat

5/27/25, 4:49 PM Third edition of Investopia Europe kicks off in Milan
The UAE’s exports to Italy increased by 50 per cent in 2024 to total USD 1.2 billion compared to that of
2023. Currently, there are nearly 11,000 Italian brands operating across various economic sectors in the
UAE. As for bilateral investments, the UAE’s investments in Italy reached around USD 81 million
between 2019 and 2023, primarily in tourism, hospitality, transport, and logistics. Meanwhile, Italian FDI

inflows into the UAE reached approximately USD 519 million during the same period, reflecting the
growing momentum of economic and investment exchanges between the two sides.

Invitation to the Italian business community

H.E. Abdulla bin Touq invited the Italian business community to expand its investments in the UAE and

capitalize on the attractive incentives and advantages offered by the local business environment. These
include 100 per cent foreign ownership, the availability of more than 2,000 licensed economic activities,
tax incentives, long-term residency options for investors and entrepreneurs, a wide array of integrated
and sector-specific free zones, and a comprehensive legislative framework that encourages expansion
in future economic sectors.

His Excellency emphasized the UAE’s keenness to enhance dialogue between the private sectors of
both countries through dynamic platforms such as the UAE-Italy Business Council and the forthcoming
Joint Economic Committee.

H.E. Alia Al Mazrouei, Minister of State for Entrepreneurship, participated in a session on enhancing the

leadership role of SMEs on the global stage. She stated: “The UAE and Italy share a common vision for
business and startup development. SMEs currently account for 95 per cent of all businesses operating in
the UAE, while in Italy, small and family-owned enterprises represent a significant portion of the
industrial sector. This highlights our shared belief in the vital role SMEs play in driving sustainable
economic development.”

Investopia Europe: A new platform supporting entrepreneurs

Her Excellency continued: "The UAE prioritizes the development of a comprehensive national
entrepreneurship ecosystem based on global best practices, recognizing its importance in diversifying
the national economy and fostering innovation across various vital sectors. Thanks to these efforts, our

country ranked first globally for the fourth consecutive year in the 2024/2025 Global Entrepreneurship
Monitor (GEM) Report, which recognized it as the world’s best environment for entrepreneurship and
SMEs, out of 56 economies. The UAE is currently home to more than 50 public and private business
incubators and accelerators."

Her Excellency added that Investopia Europe dialogues is a powerful new platform for engagement,

bringing together policymakers, entrepreneurs, and investors from both countries to shape future visions
and strategies for SME growth.

14 panel sessions at Investopia Europe

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