UAE President Welcomes Nigerian Leader, Italian Prime Minister
UAE President His Highness Sheik Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan reached a vital milestone through diplomatic meetings with Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. The leaders met during their working visits to the UAE and discussed ways to boost economic partnerships while promoting sustainability initiatives. They joined Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week 2025, which serves as a vital platform that tackles global challenges like climate change, lack of water, and energy crises. Senior officials, including Sheik Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, participated in these diplomatic talks that aimed to expand cooperation between nations in economy, investment, and sustainability sectors.
Strategic Diplomatic Summit
The diplomatic summit at Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week 2025 brought most important developments in international relations. His Highness Sheik Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan welcomed distinguished guests to this vital platform that addresses global sustainability challenges.
The UAE and Italy raised their bilateral relations to a Strategic Partnership level and announced several key initiatives:
- A ‘Declaration of Intent’ to boost COP28 cooperation
- An MoU between ADNOC and Eni for energy transition projects
- Joint initiatives in emissions reduction and clean energy
The UAE-Nigeria dialog produced substantial outcomes as both nations started learning about expanded cooperation in economic and investment sectors. The Nigerian President brought a notable delegation that included the core team of Foreign Affairs, Finance, and the National Security Adviser.
The summit became a vital platform for global climate action discussions. Dr. Sultan bin Ahmed Al Jaber highlighted UAE’s achievements in nuclear energy and noted that all four units at the Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant operate now.
The event showed its global reach by hosting heads of state, more than 500 global speakers, 150 government ministers, and 1,000 international businesses. The visiting leaders expressed their appreciation for UAE’s hospitality and affirmed their dedication to strengthen bilateral relations.
Economic Partnership Developments
Economic cooperation between participating nations has grown remarkably in multiple sectors. Italian exports to the UAE hit AED 25.70 billion with a 10.4% year-on-year increase. The UAE-Nigeria non-oil trade volume reached AED 8.81 billion in 2022.
The renewable energy sector stands out as a key focus area. Italian renewable energy technology exports to the UAE showed impressive growth:
- Jumped from EUR 133.8 million in 2022 to EUR 204 million in 2023
- Reached EUR 126.3 million in the first quarter of 2024, with a 66.54% year-on-year increase
- Italy’s market share in UAE’s renewable energy sector expanded from 3.77% to 6%
Tourism has deepened the bonds between Italy and the UAE. The Emirates drew more than 210,000 Italian visitors in 2023 and maintained over 300 monthly flights between both countries.
The UAE-Nigeria partnership has grown through mutually beneficial initiatives. Nigerian exports to the UAE consisted mainly of:
- Gold valued at AED 1,795.58 million
- Spices worth AED 43.70 million
- Wood coal amounting to AED 26.58 million
Dubai International Chamber opened its representative office in Nigeria, creating new business opportunities between both nations. The UAE has emerged as Nigeria’s leading trading partner in the GCC region, boosting economic ties in various sectors.
Global Sustainability Collaboration
The UAE, Italy, and Albania formed a groundbreaking three-way partnership at Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week 2025. This framework focuses on renewable energy and infrastructure development. The partners want to deploy gigawatt-scale renewable energy projects in Albania, and much of the generated power will go to Italy.
Abu Dhabi’s Technology Innovation Institute, a leading global research center, has strengthened its role in advancing sustainability through scientific findings. The UAE now captures 3.7 million tons of carbon each year from three major projects, which makes up 10% of the global total.
The sustainability agenda covers several key initiatives:
- Implementation of the National Climate Change Plan 2017-2050 for managing greenhouse gas emissions
- Development of infrastructure for Compressed Natural Gas and electric vehicles
- Introduction of the National Clean Cooking Policy for environmental benefits
The partnership goes beyond environmental concerns. The UAE has invested over two billion euros to implement circular economy strategies. This framework shows UAE’s dedication to:
- Enhancing energy security
- Promoting sustainable development
- Accelerating clean energy transition in the Mediterranean region
Global experts at the summit stressed that countries cannot achieve sustainability goals alone. UAE’s approach matches this viewpoint and focuses on practical implementation through advanced technologies and strategic frameworks.
UAE, Nigeria, and Italy have made remarkable progress toward their shared global goals. The mutually beneficial alliances formed during Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week 2025 have shown impressive economic results. Italian exports to UAE have reached AED 25.70 billion. UAE and Nigeria have strengthened their trade ties in sectors of all types.
The partnership goes far beyond economics. UAE has proven its steadfast dedication to sustainability through its carbon capture achievements and renewable energy projects. The country’s framework with Italy and Albania has created a clear path to clean energy transition. New opportunities for trade and investment have emerged through collaboration with Nigeria.
UAE has become a vital force in worldwide sustainability efforts. The soaring success of the Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant and carbon capture projects demonstrates UAE’s environmental leadership. These partnerships help UAE build connections between nations and move toward an environmentally responsible future.
