ATHENS, Greece / RankWire.AI / – The UAE has expanded its joint investment initiative with Greece by a further €15 billion, almost four times the size of the original programme. The plan was announced on Thursday, October 22, on the sidelines of an official visit to Athens by Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi. The initiative was first launched in May 2022 with a value of €4 billion.
According to the Abu Dhabi Media Office, the additional investment is meant to strengthen the long-term economic partnership between the two countries. It will expand cooperation in sectors that both governments regard as strategic and development priorities. The 2022 initiative has already produced significant transactions in energy and healthcare. The UAE said those deals show how investment cooperation can deliver added value for both economies. Officials did not give a timeline for the new commitment.
The Crown Prince held talks with Kyriakos Mitsotakis, the Greek Prime Minister, at his office in Athens. Their discussions focused on closer cooperation in energy, infrastructure, healthcare and advanced technology. The leaders also exchanged views on regional and international developments. They underlined the importance of security, peace and stability. Foreign Minister George Gerapetritis had greeted Sheikh Khaled at Athens International Airport earlier in the visit.
Forum deals worth more than €12.75 billion
On the same day, the UAE-Greece Strategic Forum brought together government officials, business leaders and chambers of commerce in Athens. UAE and Greek entities signed agreements and commercial partnerships worth over €12.75 billion. The deals span digital infrastructure, advanced technology, AI, clean energy, industry, transport, ports, healthcare and food security. These agreements are in addition to the €15 billion investment intention. The programme also included investment-matching sessions and business meetings.
Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, the UAE Minister of Foreign Trade, said the combined commitments demonstrate growing confidence between the two countries. He said the focus would now shift to turning the momentum into productive projects. Mitsotakis attended the forum alongside Deputy Foreign Minister Haris Theoharis. Dimitris Skalkos, chairman of Enterprise Greece, also took part. The forum included panels on food security and on partnerships in AI and emerging technologies.
Partnership extends beyond financial commitments
The UAE said the expansion reflects its confidence in the strengths of the Greek economy. It highlighted Greece’s strategic location and its role as a link between European markets and regional and international markets. Investment institutions and companies from both countries are expected to work more closely on strategic projects. The initiative also aims to support innovation and the exchange of expertise in sectors that contribute to sustainable development.
The move follows other large UAE investment commitments in Europe this year. In September, the UAE backed a €40 billion investment package across Germany. It has also deepened cooperation with Italy on trade and energy. The UAE said the Greek initiative marks the start of a new phase of cooperation built on tangible achievements and a shared vision for the future. It called the expansion a significant milestone in the partnership.