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5/27/25, 4:49 PM Latest News
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
The latest edition of Investopia Europe dialogues, organized in partnership with strategic partner EFG

Consulting, featured 14 sessions on the UAE's vision for building an economic model that combines
innovation and competitiveness. The sessions highlighted the UAE's efforts to diversify its economy, its

geographic advantages, and its role as an economic hub that attracts foreign direct investment while
supporting sustainable economic development at regional and global levels. The discussions addressed

challenges facing the global economy and potential economic scenarios amid geopolitical shifts, exploring
how these challenges could be transformed into opportunities to support SME growth.
Business environment enablers in the UAE and Italy

The sessions explored the shared vision of the UAE and Italy to foster a more dynamic investment
environment and outlined strategies to boost bilateral investment flows in line with the goals of both countries'

business communities. Discussions highlighted the economic strength of Italian tourism and its key role in

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