UAE backs Ukraine’s rebuilding efforts with new partnerships

The UAE has reaffirmed its strong commitment to Ukraine’s recovery efforts at the 2025 Ukraine Recovery Conference, held this week in Rome.

Leading the Emirati delegation was Minister of State for International Cooperation, Reem bint Ebrahim Al Hashimy, who highlighted the UAE’s continued engagement in Ukraine and emphasised the importance of global platforms like the URC in coordinating long-term support.

 The UAE also welcomed Poland as the next host for URC 2026, emphasizing the importance of continuity in international cooperation.

During the event, the UAE signed new humanitarian initiatives with the Olena Zelenska Foundation, aimed at supporting children affected by the conflict through education, psychosocial care and safe spaces.

A trilateral agreement between the UAE, Italy and Ukraine was also announced, focusing on digital transformation, vocational training and empowering women-led businesses.

In addition, the UAE and Italy pledged joint support for youth in Ukraine and agreed to co-finance development projects in Africa, including climate-smart coffee production in Ethiopia and sustainable farming in Côte d’Ivoire.

On the business front, UAE-based Khazna Data Centres signed a major deal with Italian energy firm Eni to build a 500-megawatt AI data centre campus in Lombardy, powered by low-carbon energy.

Al Hashimy also held high-level talks with Italian officials to strengthen investment ties and reaffirm the strong UAE–Italy partnership.

Since the beginning of the conflict in 2022, the UAE has played a vital humanitarian role in Ukraine—delivering aid, building housing for orphans, and facilitating over 15 prisoner exchanges.

The UAE also remains the only country to sign a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement with Ukraine since the conflict began.