Cyprus and Greece are enhancing their economic and tourism partnerships with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) through a series of high-level bilateral talks. These discussions are focused on sustainability and innovation, aiming to forge new pathways for collaboration in sectors including renewable energy, smart tourism, digital infrastructure, and environmentally responsible investment. The talks took place during a major regional forum and reflect a mutual vision to future-proof their economies and expand cross-border opportunities.

The UAE has actively engaged in promoting economic and tourism cooperation with Cyprus and Greece. This engagement was marked by the inaugural edition of a significant investment forum in Cyprus, which served as a platform for a series of bilateral meetings. The objective was to explore new opportunities for mutual growth in emerging sectors, thereby reinforcing the UAE’s status as a global economic and tourism hub.

Key discussions focused on establishing stronger frameworks for collaboration in crucial industries such as digital infrastructure, food security, renewable energy, tourism innovation, and sustainable development. Delegations from both Cyprus and Greece participated in these high-level sessions, which were designed to foster long-term partnerships across the Mediterranean region.

The UAE highlighted its national goals of accelerating economic diversification and reducing reliance on oil revenues. Officials from the UAE emphasized their ambition to evolve into a knowledge-based and innovation-driven economy through strategic investments and cross-border collaborations. The discussions underscored the UAE’s commitment to enhancing its global competitiveness and positioning itself as a preferred destination for investment and emerging industries.

The forum also highlighted the significance of cross-regional cooperation in attracting international capital, nurturing entrepreneurship, and facilitating economic integration between Gulf and Mediterranean countries. The UAE encouraged collaborative efforts in sectors such as clean energy, smart technologies, agri-tech, and digital transformation to meet the changing demands of global markets.

One important area of dialogue focused on expanding economic relations between the UAE and Cyprus. Representatives examined opportunities to create new channels for private sector collaboration and support mechanisms for UAE-based companies operating in Cyprus. Both sides also discussed strategies to assist Cypriot exporters in entering the UAE market, utilizing its extensive trade partnerships, free trade agreements, and regional logistics infrastructure.

These discussions revealed a shared interest in maximizing the potential of bilateral economic engagement, specifically through streamlining investment flows and enhancing business connectivity. The UAE positioned itself as a strategic gateway to global markets, showcasing its central location, investor-friendly regulations, and active role in international commerce.

Another significant meeting addressed the diplomatic and economic coordination between the UAE and Cyprus. Dialogue in this context explored deeper collaboration in areas such as energy, industry, and sustainable development. The UAE stressed the importance of mutual learning and policy alignment to drive shared prosperity. Both nations acknowledged the potential for joint projects that promote green growth and circular economic models.

Tourism was a major focus of the conversations, with the UAE sharing its national tourism strategy aimed at establishing the country as the world’s most dynamic travel destination by 2031. This strategy includes plans to enhance tourism’s contribution to GDP, attract foreign investment in hospitality, and develop infrastructure that supports cultural, entertainment, and eco-tourism experiences.

Officials from both Cyprus and the UAE discussed how to work together to promote sustainable tourism practices, develop joint tourism products, and implement innovative programs to attract visitors. Particular emphasis was placed on the Eastern Mediterranean’s potential for integrated tourism experiences that prioritize environmental responsibility and digital transformation.

The importance of building long-term partnerships in tourism through data sharing, knowledge exchange, and joint investment in technology was also underscored. These collaborative efforts aim to support the development of smart tourism platforms, digital visitor services, and resilient tourism ecosystems in both countries.

In addition, the UAE expanded its dialogue with Greece during the forum. Conversations with Greek tourism officials concentrated on enhancing two-way visitor flows and encouraging collaborative efforts to develop smart tourism infrastructure. Both nations expressed a shared commitment to promoting sustainable environmental practices in tourism and working on programs that boost cultural exchange and eco-tourism.

The UAE emphasized its intention to collaborate closely with Greece to improve air connectivity, promote new destination marketing strategies, and share expertise in tourism technology. Both sides recognized the importance of establishing a solid foundation for future cooperation, particularly in areas that align with global sustainability goals and digital innovation in travel.

Tourism relations between the UAE and Greece have been steadily growing. In 2024, the UAE welcomed over 20,000 visitors from Greece, reflecting a 25 percent increase from the previous year. This growth was supported by enhanced air connectivity, with more than 30 weekly flights operating between the two nations through various national carriers.

This upward trend indicates a rising demand for travel between the Gulf and Europe, facilitated by coordinated policies, open visa access, and strong diplomatic relations. The UAE emphasized the necessity of maintaining this momentum through targeted tourism campaigns and enhanced partnership frameworks that enable both countries to leverage the increasing interest from global travelers.

The forum concluded with a shared acknowledgment that economic resilience and sustainable tourism are vital for long-term prosperity. The UAE reaffirmed its commitment to fostering inclusive economic partnerships that extend beyond trade, focusing on shared innovation, environmental stewardship, and empowering the private sector.

By leveraging platforms like the Mediterranean investment forum, the UAE continues to advance its role as a bridge between regions, connecting businesses, governments, and investors within a global network of cooperation and opportunity. The discussions held in Cyprus represent a new chapter in the UAE’s efforts to deepen its presence in European markets, while providing Mediterranean partners with a reliable ally for growth.