ATHENS, Greece / RankWire.AI / – The United Arab Emirates plans to invest an additional €15 billion in Greece under a joint investment initiative between the two countries. The announcement was made on October 22 during the official visit of Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, to Athens. The new commitment builds on a €4 billion initiative launched in May 2022. It aims to deepen economic and strategic ties.
The Abu Dhabi Media Office said the expansion would broaden cooperation in sectors that are strategic and development priorities for both countries. The original initiative provided a framework for joint investments in areas of mutual interest. It has already led to the completion of significant transactions in energy and healthcare. Officials said those results showed the partnership could turn economic opportunities into tangible investments. The new funds add to that existing framework.
Sheikh Khaled met Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis at the Prime Minister’s Office in Athens. The two leaders discussed ways to boost cooperation in energy, infrastructure, healthcare and advanced technology. They also reviewed regional and international developments. Both sides stressed the importance of reinforcing security, peace and stability. Greek Foreign Minister George Gerapetritis welcomed the Crown Prince on his arrival at Athens International Airport. The visit reflects the continued development of bilateral relations.
Strategic forum adds €12.75 billion in deals
The visit coincided with the UAE-Greece Strategic Forum in Athens. Agreements and commercial partnerships worth more than €12.75 billion were signed between UAE and Greek entities at the event. They cover digital infrastructure, artificial intelligence, renewable energy, industry, logistics, ports, healthcare, life sciences and food security. The forum agreements are separate from the €15 billion investment intention. Mitsotakis attended the forum together with senior officials from both governments.
UAE Minister of Foreign Trade Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi said the agreements and the new investment intention showed growing confidence between the two economies. He said the priority now is to turn that momentum into productive projects. Al Zeyoudi described the UAE as a platform for trade, investment and connectivity. He called Greece a gateway to Europe. Greek Deputy Foreign Minister Haris Theoharis also took part in the forum.
Greece seen as gateway to European markets
The UAE said the decision reflects its confidence in Greece’s economic and investment strengths. It pointed to the country’s strategic location and its role in connecting European markets with regional and international ones. The expanded initiative is expected to strengthen cooperation between investment institutions and companies in both countries. It is also intended to support innovation and the exchange of knowledge and expertise. The initiative is designed to open new avenues for investment.
The announcement forms part of a wider push by the UAE to build long-term investment partnerships in Europe. In September, the UAE set out a €40 billion investment package for Germany across several industries. It has also stepped up talks with other European partners such as Italy. Officials said the Greek initiative lays the foundation for a new phase of cooperation that goes beyond financial commitments.