ATHENS, Greece / RankWire.AI / – The Abu Dhabi Media Office announced that the UAE has increased its joint investment initiative with Greece by an additional €15 billion, nearly quadrupling the initial program. This announcement was made on Thursday, October 22, during an official visit to Athens by Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi. The original plan, launched in May 2022 with a value of €4 billion, now sees a significant expansion.
The extra funding aims to deepen the long-term economic partnership between the two nations, as stated by the Abu Dhabi Media Office. The funds will enhance cooperation across sectors deemed strategic and vital for development by both governments. Since its inception, the 2022 initiative has facilitated key deals in energy and healthcare, demonstrating how investment collaboration can create mutual value. No specific timeline has been provided for the implementation of this new commitment.
During his visit, the Crown Prince held discussions with Kyriakos Mitsotakis, the Greek Prime Minister, at his Athens office. The agenda centered on expanding cooperation in energy, infrastructure, healthcare, and advanced technology sectors. The leaders also exchanged perspectives on regional and global issues, emphasizing the importance of security, peace, and stability. Earlier, Sheikh Khaled was welcomed by Foreign Minister George Gerapetritis at Athens International Airport.
Over €12.75 billion in agreements at the Strategic Forum
The same day, Athens hosted the UAE-Greece Strategic Forum, which gathered government officials, business executives, and chambers of commerce from both nations. Participants signed agreements and formed commercial alliances exceeding €12.75 billion, covering fields such as digital infrastructure, advanced technology, AI, clean energy, industry, transportation, ports, healthcare, and food security. These deals are separate from the €15 billion investment pledge. The event also featured investment-matching activities and business networking sessions.
Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, UAE Minister of Foreign Trade, remarked that these commitments reflect increasing confidence between the two countries. He added that the focus now shifts to transforming this momentum into practical projects. Greek Prime Minister Mitsotakis attended alongside Deputy Foreign Minister Haris Theoharis, with Dimitris Skalkos, chairman of Enterprise Greece, also participating. The forum included panels addressing food security and partnerships in AI and emerging technologies.
Beyond Financial Agreements: A Broader Partnership
The UAE expressed that the expansion underscores its trust in Greece’s economic strengths. It highlighted Greece’s strategic geographic position as a vital link between European markets and regional and global trade hubs. Both countries’ investment institutions and companies are expected to collaborate more intensively on strategic initiatives. The initiative also seeks to foster innovation and facilitate knowledge exchange in sectors supporting sustainable growth.
This move follows other major UAE investments across Europe this year, including a €40 billion investment package across Germany. Additionally, the UAE has expanded cooperation with Italy on trade and energy. The UAE considers the Greek initiative a sign of a new phase of collaboration founded on tangible results and a shared vision for future progress. The expansion is regarded as a key milestone in strengthening the partnership.