UAE and Italy Open Defence Industries Forum to Strengthen Strategic Partnerships and Boost Technology Collaboration

UAE-Italy Defence Industries Cooperation Forum Kicks Off in Abu Dhabi The UAE-Italy Defence Industries Cooperation Forum opened today in Abu Dhabi, uniting senior defence officials, industry leaders, and technology specialists from both countries to foster strategic partnerships and discuss avenues for future collaboration. This pivotal two-day forum is being organised by the Ministry of Defence, in cooperation with the Tawazun Council for Defence Enablement and the Embassy of the Italian Republic to the UAE. Representing Italy at the event is a prominent delegation comprising companies from the Italian Industries Federation for Aerospace, Defence and Security (AIAD), who are currently visiting the UAE. In his opening address, Brigadier/ Engineer Nasser Rashid Al Ali, Head of the Executive Department for Defence Technology and Industry at the Ministry of Defence, extended a warm welcome to all attendees. He hailed the steady growth in cooperation between the two nations, with particular emphasis on the defence industries sector. Key speeches were also delivered by Lorenzo Fanara, Ambassador of Italy to the UAE; Admiral Giacinto Ottaviani, Italian National Director of Armaments; Giorgio Aliberti, Director of the National Authority for Export Control of Armament and Dual-Use Materials; and Giuseppe Cossiga, President of the Italian Industries Federation for Aerospace, Defence and Security (AIAD). Abdullah Saif Al Awani, Executive Director of Investor Relations and Industrial Promotion at Tawazun Council for Defence Enablement, underscored the promising potential for leading international companies: “The growing expansion of the UAE’s defence and security industries presents promising opportunities for leading global companies to establish solid, long-term strategic partnerships.” He stated that Tawazun, as a key facilitator, is committed to empowering national expertise within this critical sector. Al Awani further highlighted successful partnerships already established under the Tawazun Economic Programme between UAE and Italian defence companies. He noted that these joint ventures serve as an exemplary model for enhancing capabilities and facilitating the transfer of advanced technology and know-how. The forum’s first day included working sessions between Emirati and Italian defence companies, delving into ways to boost joint cooperation, share expertise in advanced technology fields, and collaborate on research and development, especially in the sphere of dual-use technology. The Italian Industries Federation for Aerospace, Defence and Security (AIAD), a key body within the General Confederation of Italian Industry, represents a significant number of Italian companies involved in the design, production, research, and services for both civil and military aerospace and defence sectors. Team V.4-EM-UAE