Monaco’s latest trade mission to the United Arab Emirates has marked a significant step forward in strengthening business links with the Gulf region. Organised by the Monaco Economic Board (MEB), the visit brought 32 representatives from 25 Monaco-based entities to Abu Dhabi from 22nd to 26th April for a focused programme of economic exchanges, strategic visits, and networking sessions.
The mission began with a business forum hosted by the Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry, where Monegasque participants were welcomed by board members Masaood Rahma Al Masaood and Noor Al Tamimi. The event offered insights into both economies, featuring presentations from the MEB and the Abu Dhabi Investment Office on investment opportunities, free zones, and regional business incentives.
Delegates then visited key innovation centres in the emirate, including the Abu Dhabi Global Market, a leading financial hub, and Hub71, a tech start-up platform attracting global interest. MonacoTech Director Sandrine Sauval took part in these visits alongside several start-ups from the Principality, using the opportunity to benchmark and exchange ideas.
The next morning, the delegation was received at the Department of Economic Development for a session co-organised with CCI France UAE. Topics included sector-specific briefings, legal frameworks for foreign investors, and practical insights from entrepreneurs operating in the region. The highlight was a business lunch at the Shangri-La, where more than 50 meetings took place between Monegasque and Emirati companies across a range of industries including finance, logistics, consulting, and hospitality.
The visit continued with an exploration of the UAE’s innovation strategy through visits to the Technology Innovation Institute and the Advanced Technology Research Council. These offered a closer look at the country’s proactive approach to research and development, further underlining its position as a regional leader in emerging technologies.
The mission concluded with a cultural visit to the Louvre Abu Dhabi and a positive outlook on future collaborations.
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Photo source: MEB