UAE President Mohammed Bin Zayed will hold high-level talks with Italian leaders following Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s diplomatic push in Abu Dhabi. The visit highlights growing UAE-Italy cooperation in energy, defence, and economic connectivity, positioning both countries as key players in the Indo-Mediterranean region
A diplomatic follow-up. United Arab Emirates President Mohammed Bin Zayed is set to visit Rome for high-level meetings with Italian leaders in the coming days.
- The visit, scheduled for February 23-24, follows just one month of Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s diplomatic push in Abu Dhabi and signals deeper cooperation in energy, defence, and investment.
- During Meloni’s visit, multiple cooperation agreements were signed, including a major energy deal with Albania.
- The UAE and Italy are strengthening their economic and security ties within the Indo-Mediterranean region.
A strategic partnership. According to Ebtesam Al-Ketbi, President of the Emirates Policy Center (EPC), UAE-Italy relations have reached a new strategic level.
- On energy cooperation, UAE’s ADNOC and Italy’s Eni are expanding their partnership beyond oil and gas, integrating renewable energy projects.
- In defence and security, Italy’s Leonardo remains a key supplier to the UAE Armed Forces, and further cooperation is expected.
- Climate change, food security, and the space industry represent emerging areas where bilateral cooperation can expand.
Beyond bilateral ties. The March 2023 visit of Giorgia Meloni to the UAE was a turning point, restoring high-level political and economic dialogue after a period of divergence between the two nations.
- Mohammed Baharoon, Director of the Dubai Public Policy Research Center (b’huth), argues that UAE-Italy relations should evolve beyond a strictly bilateral framework.
- The partnership could be a foundation for trilateral and regional alliances, particularly in Africa and East Asia.
- While Italy prioritises Eastern Europe, the UAE remains focused on Africa, creating opportunities for strategic alignment.
- The UAE aims to transform its national interests into regional stability initiatives rather than seek global power status.
A broader geopolitical framework. Bin Zayed’s visit underscores Italy and the UAE’s shared Indo-Mediterranean priorities.
- Both nations play key roles in security, economic connectivity, and diplomatic cooperation across Europe, the Gulf, and Africa.
- Strengthened ties could lead to joint initiatives in global infrastructure, cyber resilience, and trade.
