The United Arab Emirates and Austria reinforced their economic partnership as Minister of Foreign Trade Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi hosted Austrian Minister for European and International Affairs Beate Meinl-Reisinger and a delegation of business leaders for a high-level business roundtable in the UAE.
The meeting aimed to expand private sector collaboration and drive bilateral trade and investment.
The roundtable follows the inaugural UAE-Austria Business Roundtable in November 2025, reflecting both nations’ commitment to accelerating trade growth. Dr. Al Zeyoudi highlighted Austria’s role as a strategic EU partner, noting that non-oil trade between the UAE and Austria grew 15.8 percent year-on-year to US$2.1 billion in 2025.
“Our partnership with Austria continues to evolve, presenting opportunities in sectors like technology, renewable energy, and advanced manufacturing,”
Dr. Al Zeyoudi said, encouraging Austrian companies to leverage the UAE’s pro-growth investment ecosystem to access markets across the Middle East, Africa, and Asia.
Minister Meinl-Reisinger emphasized the UAE’s importance as Austria’s top business partner in the GCC and highlighted potential collaboration in AI, sustainability, and free trade under ongoing EU-UAE CEPA negotiations. She stressed the need to expand trade in a global environment increasingly defined by protectionism.
The roundtable included bilateral sessions connecting Emirati and Austrian companies, focusing on high-growth sectors. Delegates from UAE firms such as Masdar City, Aldar, and Dubai Chamber met with Austrian representatives from Bene, Planradar, OMV, and Primetals Technologies to explore joint projects.
Participants committed to pursuing initiatives in advanced manufacturing, renewable energy, tourism, and technology, aiming to strengthen trade relations, create jobs, and foster long-term economic growth for both nations.
News Source: Emirates News Agency
