“The UAE has invested 110 billion in Africa. Synergies with Italian agritech”
Interview with Bin Touq, the UAE’s Minister of Economy: “Italia’s expertise in food processing, irrigation systems and solutions for sustainable agriculture aligns perfectly with our strategy. Furthermore, there are as many as 13,547 Italian trademarks registered in the country.”
The UAE’s GDP grew by 3.8% in 2024, exceeding $500 billion. The non-oil sector drove this growth, recording a 6.2% increase and accounting for nearly 70% of the total. We asked the United Arab Emirates’ Minister of Economy, Abdulla Bin Touq, how tensions with Iran are driving a strategic shift in terms of security, energy, alliances and geopolitical posture. Are changes on the horizon, or do you believe they are accelerating trends that are already underway?
‘Our region is entering a phase of globalisation that is more selective and security-conscious, but this does not mean deglobalisation. Geopolitics is now directly influencing trade routes, investment decisions and operational models, and the United Arab Emirates’ role in this context is clear: to remain open, operational and predictable whilst others are recalibrating their strategies. This is already evident in the structure of our economy. In 2025, non-oil sectors accounted for over 77 per cent of the UAE’s GDP. “In the United Arab Emirates, we are not scaling back our ambitions simply because the region is going through a difficult phase. On the contrary, times like these reinforce the importance of pressing ahead with reforms, accelerating implementation and channelling capital into sectors that create long-term value.”
What is the main and most promising sector to invest in over the next five years?
‘Logistics, food systems, healthcare, digital infrastructure, cyber security and funding for the growth of domestic businesses. Against this backdrop, investors should align themselves with the country’s strategic priorities. We need to focus less on short-term arbitrage and more on where the Emirates will need reliable capacity over the next 5–10 years. Investments in clean energy, energy transition technologies, sustainable infrastructure and climate-focused industries will also continue to expand, supported by global commitments to net-zero.”
Abu Dhabi is establishing itself as a global hub for artificial intelligence and cloud computing, thanks to massive investment in data centre infrastructure, particularly through partnerships with US technology companies. Does this remain a cornerstone of the Emirates’ strategic vision?
