The Investment Ministry signed three new MoUs with Italy to expand cooperation in pharma, minerals, and digital infrastructure, particularly in data centers and AI, state news agency Wam reports. The agreements are part of the UAE’s recent USD 40 bn investment pledge in Italy, and aim to boost investment collaboration, innovation, and economic diversification in both countries.

ICYMI- Earlier this week, UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan met with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni in Rome, where the UAE committed USD 40 bn in investments across key sectors. The two nations signed over 40 agreements spanning data centers, AI, energy, critical minerals, defense technology, cybersecurity, and healthcare.

A rundown of the new agreements:

  • #1- Pharma and biotechnology: The UAE and Italy will enhance cooperation in biotechnology, vaccine production, R&D, and regulatory policy—with a focus on oncology, cardiovascular diseases, immunology, and rare diseases. AI will play a key role in optimizing drug testing and production.
  • #2- Sustainable minerals development: A five-year MoU will drive collaboration in sustainable mining, covering exploration, extraction, processing, recycling, and workforce training. The agreement promotes responsible mineral sector governance and seeks to attract investment across the mineral value chain.
  • #3- Data centers and AI expansion: The UAE and Italy will invest in green data centers — targeting up to 2 GW of capacity — and explore Virtual Data Embassies to strengthen cross-border data resilience. Leading companies MGX, G42, Khazna, and Eni will drive investment in cloud services, AI infrastructure, and talent development in high-performance computing.

ALSO- More renewables cooperation ahead: Italy’s state-owned export credit agency Sace signed USD 350 mn worth of agreements with two UAE firms to support renewable energy, water infrastructure, and sustainability projects in Africa, Zawya reports. Signed at the Italy-UAE Business Forum in Rome, the agreements will boost Italian exports to Africa and the UAE while supporting Italian companies’ global expansion.

The details: Amea Power will receive USD 250 mn for renewable energy production, desalination, green ammonia, and green hydrogen projects, while Metito Utilities will get USD 100 mn for water supply, desalination, wastewater treatment, irrigation, and waste-to-energy initiatives across Africa, the UAE, and other key markets.

AND- Sharjah Research, Technology, and Innovation Park (SRTI Park) inked three MoUs with leading Italian institutions to attract 100 Italian startups and SMEs to its ecosystem by 2028, Wam reports. The agreements include:

  • Kilometro Rosso will support 20 startups and 10 research projects in robotics, new materials, and health sciences.
  • Italiacamp will help more than 50 mature tech startups expand in healthcare, sustainability, and advanced manufacturing.
  • Andersen Italy will bring 30 SMEs focused on AI, waste management, food security, and automation.
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