UAE and Italy Strengthen Cooperation to Tackle Escalating Global Risks from Middle East Crisis
High-Level Dialogue Highlights Global Implications
Abu Dhabi: Experts, officials, and diplomats from the UAE and Italy convened to address the evolving Middle East crisis, which has now transcended regional boundaries to pose a significant global challenge. This crisis is impacting international security, economic stability, energy supplies, supply chains, and cyber security. The assessment was made during a high-level dialogue organized by TRENDS Global, in collaboration with the UAE Embassy in Rome and the Italian Centre for International Studies (CeSI).
The event, titled “The Crisis in the Middle East: Perspectives from the United Arab Emirates and Italy,” gathered diplomats, researchers, and specialists in strategic studies, economics, and cyber security. Participants examined the geopolitical and economic implications of the crisis and explored mechanisms for enhancing Gulf security and international cooperation.
Call for Stronger International Partnerships
During the discussions, participants emphasized the necessity of stronger international partnerships, expanded research cooperation, and enhanced diplomatic coordination. These efforts are essential for building a resilient framework capable of supporting global security and stability.
Abdulla Ali AlSubousi, UAE Ambassador to Italy, opened the session by highlighting the robust relationship between the UAE and Italy. He noted their shared commitment to dialogue and addressing both regional and international challenges. AlSubousi underscored the UAE’s effective response to recent regional developments, stating that the UAE Armed Forces had successfully intercepted and destroyed over 97 percent of missiles and drones launched during hostile Iranian attacks.
Economic Resilience and Strategic Partnerships
AlSubousi also pointed to the UAE’s economic resilience, revealing that the non-oil sector constitutes approximately 75 percent of the nation’s GDP. He mentioned that sovereign wealth funds are valued at around US$2.49 trillion, with foreign reserves exceeding AED1 trillion.
Dr. Mohammed Abdullah Al-Ali, CEO of TRENDS Group, remarked that the Middle East crisis now extends beyond political and military dimensions, affecting global trade, food security, energy markets, and cyber security. He highlighted the UAE’s approach, which is rooted in diplomacy, dialogue, and de-escalation, while also investing in resilient systems capable of addressing emerging challenges.
Al-Ali further noted that the cooperation between the UAE and Italy serves as a model of strategic partnership, encompassing not only economic and political ties but also research, artificial intelligence, cyber security, and strategic studies.
Economic Consequences of Regional Instability
Fabrizio Lobasso, Deputy Director-General for Growth and Export Promotion at Italy’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, discussed the economic ramifications of regional instability. He stressed that tensions in the Middle East have had immediate repercussions on both global and European economies.
Sarah Al Neyadi, Senior Researcher and Director of Strategic Studies at TRENDS Group, stated that the crisis has fundamentally altered the regional security landscape. She argued that it necessitates broader security concepts that integrate economic, food, and cyber security considerations.
Marco Di Liddo, Director-General of CeSI, warned that the current ceasefire remains fragile. He asserted that European security is increasingly intertwined with developments in the Middle East, Gulf region, and Mediterranean, particularly concerning maritime security.
Future Opportunities and Cyber Security Challenges
Khaled Al Jarman, Counsellor at the UAE Embassy in Rome, reviewed the evolution of bilateral ties between the UAE and Italy. He highlighted ongoing cooperation in diplomatic coordination and future opportunities in artificial intelligence, digital transformation, clean energy, advanced industries, and space technologies.
Dr. Luigi Martino, Director of the Cybersecurity Academy at Khalifa University, focused on the cyber dimension of modern conflicts. He noted that cyber attacks and disinformation campaigns have become increasingly significant tools in contemporary warfare.
In closing remarks, Andrea Margelletti, President of CeSI, emphasized that the increasingly complex global challenges necessitate stronger cooperation between research institutions and policymakers, as well as expanded international dialogue.
The session concluded with a call for sustained strategic engagement, enhanced research partnerships, and improved international cooperation to effectively address rapidly evolving regional and global challenges while supporting security, stability, and sustainable development.
Source: www.emirates247.com
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Published on 2026-07-09 16:47:00 • By the Editorial Desk
