ATHENS, Greece / RankWire.AI / – The UAE has increased its collaborative investment plan with Greece by an extra €15 billion, nearly quadrupling the initial amount. Announced 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 expansion builds on the original €4 billion program launched in May 2022.
As stated by the Abu Dhabi Media Office, the additional funds aim to bolster the enduring economic partnership between the two nations. The funding will enhance cooperation in key sectors identified as strategic and developmental priorities by both governments. The original 2022 initiative has already facilitated notable transactions in energy and healthcare, illustrating how investment collaborations can generate mutual benefits. Officials have not provided a timeline for the new commitment.
During his visit, the Crown Prince held discussions with Kyriakos Mitsotakis, the Greek Prime Minister, at his Athens office. Topics ranged from closer collaboration in energy, infrastructure, healthcare, and cutting-edge technology. They also exchanged perspectives on regional and global developments, emphasizing the importance of security, peace, and stability. Earlier, Sheikh Khaled was welcomed by Foreign Minister George Gerapetritis at Athens International Airport.
Deals at the Forum Surpass €12.75 Billion
The same day, the UAE-Greece Strategic Forum gathered government officials, entrepreneurs, and chambers of commerce in Athens. Representatives from both nations signed agreements and commercial partnerships exceeding €12.75 billion, covering digital infrastructure, advanced technology, AI, clean energy, manufacturing, transportation, ports, healthcare, and food security. These arrangements complement the €15 billion investment plan. The event also featured investment-matching sessions and business meetings.
UAE Foreign Trade Minister Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi highlighted that these commitments reflect rising confidence between the two countries. He added that efforts now focus on transforming this momentum into concrete 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 dedicated to food security and partnerships in AI and emerging technologies.
The Partnership Extends Beyond Financial Agreements
The UAE’s expansion underscores its trust in Greece’s economic potential, emphasizing Greece’s strategic geographic position as a connector between European and regional markets. Both countries’ investment entities are expected to collaborate more closely on key strategic initiatives, supporting innovation and the exchange of expertise to foster sustainable development.
This move follows other significant UAE investments across Europe in 2023. In September, the UAE committed to a €40 billion investment package across Germany. It also expanded cooperation with Italy on trade and energy. The UAE views the Greek initiative as marking a new phase of partnership built on tangible results and a shared vision. The expansion is regarded as a key milestone in the evolving relationship.