Italy meets UAE: the CDP – Cassa Depositi e Prestiti business matching initiative between Italian and Emirati companies at the Dubai Hub for Made in Italy

On Thursday, July 11th, the Dubai Hub for Made in Italy hosted the event “Italy meets UAE”, organized by CDP – Cassa Depositi e Prestiti to explore the market trends of the UAE and the collaboration opportunities between Italian and Emirati companies, with a focus on the Energy sector.

The initiative saw the participation of over 150 guests, 90 registered UAE companies, and important local institutions. Over 300 companies followed the live broadcast on the CDP Business Matching platform, the innovative digital tool created by Cassa Depositi e Prestiti to support Italian companies, especially SMEs, looking to expand abroad.

Companies had the opportunity to participate remotely in the 3D event at the CDP Business Matching Digital Expo Center, where they interacted with their digital avatars. This digital environment was also engaged by guests present at the Dubai Hub for Made in Italy, thanks to a dedicated tech corner.

A space for the Business Matching activities of Cassa Depositi e Prestiti was set up within the hub, where Italian companies had access to consulting services for internationalization and B2B.

The event was held under the auspices of the Italian Embassy in Abu Dhabi and in collaboration with ITA – Italian Trade Agency, Dubai International Chamber Dubai Chambers, Italiacamp, the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism, Dubai SME, SIMEST Spa, ANIE Federation, Confindustria, SACE, and Artigiani Imprenditori d’Italia.

Speakers included:

• H.E. Lorenzo Fanara, Ambassador of Italy to the United Arab Emirates
• Pasquale Salzano, Director of European and International Affairs, CDP and President, SIMEST
• H.E. Abdul Baset Al Janahi, CEO of Dubai SME at Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism
• Franciosi Laurent, Head of International Markets Development, CDP
• Valerio Soldani, Director of the Italian Trade Agency in Dubai
• Riccardo Honorati Bianchi, Head of Country System Initiatives Support and Business Matching Platform Manager, CDP
• Leo Cisotta, General Manager, Italiacamp EMEA – Dubai Hub for Made in Italy
• Stefano Antonelli, Chief Representative – Italy, Global Markets Sector, Dubai Chambers
• Francesca Alicata, Head of External Relations, SIMEST
• Ciro Aquino, MBA, Regional Manager Middle East – Head of Dubai Office, SACE
• Ludovica Zigon, Coordinator Internationalization Committee ANIE (Italian Electrical Engineering and Electronic Federation)
• Nicola Radice, Branch General Manager, Proger Saudi Arabia