The roundtable, according to the Emirates News Agency, featured discussions on leveraging the UAE’s investment-friendly policies to attract more Austrian capital across key sectors. Al Zeyoudi emphasised the need for closer private sector engagement to unlock the full potential of the economic relationship. He pointed to the country’s strategic geographic position and state-of-the-art infrastructure as factors that make it an ideal partner for European businesses seeking to expand in the region. The minister further noted that such collaborations could extend to emerging fields like artificial intelligence and sustainable technologies.
Ministry of Foreign Trade data presented at the event showed that non-oil trade between the UAE and Austria had risen 15.8 percent year-on-year, reflecting the positive momentum in bilateral relations. This increase builds on years of steady growth that have seen the two countries become important economic partners. Al Zeyoudi used the occasion to invite the Austrian delegation to explore specific investment prospects that align with both nations’ development priorities. Participants exchanged views on how to overcome any remaining barriers to greater commerce.
Subsequent ministry figures placed the 2025 non-oil foreign trade total at $2.1 billion following a 16.4 percent expansion from the prior year. The data illustrates how high-level engagements have contributed to measurable gains in economic activity. Both sides reviewed existing frameworks for cooperation with an eye toward expanding them into new areas. Austrian representatives shared perspectives on potential joint projects during the session.
A WAM report from the previous year had detailed collaborative initiatives in renewable energy and green hydrogen that continue to serve as cornerstones of the partnership. Those projects demonstrate the depth of technical exchange between the UAE and Austria in support of global climate goals. The latest talks sought to replicate that success in additional domains such as petrochemicals and advanced manufacturing. Officials expressed satisfaction with the level of interaction achieved.
The establishment of a dedicated high-level dialogue platform has provided a structured channel for ongoing discussions on trade and investment matters, the agency indicated. This mechanism enables timely identification of opportunities and resolution of any issues that may arise. Al Zeyoudi highlighted the UAE’s openness to foreign investment as a key driver of its economic model. The Austrian side conveyed interest in deepening ties through increased business-to-business contacts.
According to the meeting outcomes reported by WAM, plans for follow-up activities including targeted workshops and delegation visits were outlined to sustain the impetus from the February roundtable. Such steps are expected to translate the explored ideas into concrete agreements and partnerships over the coming months. The event underscored the commitment of both countries to evolving their economic relationship in line with changing global conditions.
