ATHENS, Greece / AsiaWire.IO / – His Highness Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, has touched down in Athens to kick off an official visit to the Hellenic Republic. Upon arrival, he was greeted at Athens International Airport by Greece’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, George Gerapetritis. The visit was extended at the invitation of Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis. Sheikh Khaled is anticipated to engage in significant discussions with Mitsotakis during his stay.
This visit commemorates 50 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations between the UAE and Greece in 1976. Over the past five decades, the relationship has evolved into a comprehensive strategic alliance. This partnership encompasses areas such as the economy, investment, energy, and technology. Additionally, collaboration in artificial intelligence, advanced technology, clean energy, and digital infrastructure is emerging as a crucial focus for deepening bilateral ties.
Sheikh Khaled is accompanied by a senior official delegation, including Major General Pilot Sheikh Ahmed bin Tahnoun bin Mohammed Al Nahyan, Deputy Chief of Staff of the UAE Armed Forces, and Sheikh Khalifa bin Tahnoon bin Mohammed Al Nahyan, Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Court. Dr Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology and ADNOC Managing Director and Group CEO, is also part of the entourage.
Senior ministers and officials join Sheikh Khaled
The delegation features Reem Al Hashimy, Minister of State for International Cooperation, along with Dr Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Minister of Foreign Trade. Traveling with Sheikh Khaled are Mohamed Hassan Alsuwaidi, Minister of Investment, and Ghanem Sultan Alsuwaidi, Advisor of Security Affairs at the Crown Prince Court. The group also includes Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, and Mansour Ibrahim Al Mansouri, Chairman of the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi.
Saif Saeed Ghobash, Secretary General of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council and Chairman of the Office of the Crown Prince, is part of the delegation. Maryam Eid AlMheiri, Chairperson of Abu Dhabi Media Office and Advisor of Strategic Relations at the Crown Prince Court, is also present. Completing the group is Dr Ali Obaid Al Dhaheri, UAE Ambassador to the Hellenic Republic. The delegation’s scope spans defence, trade, investment, culture, health, and media sectors.
Investopia forum occurs concurrently with the official visit
Alongside Sheikh Khaled’s trip, the Investopia Mediterranean – Athens event is taking place. The forum aims to bolster economic and investment collaboration between the UAE and Greece. It offers a platform for government officials and business leaders to explore new partnerships. Key opportunities discussed include food security, logistics, and supply chain management.
This visit follows a series of high-level exchanges between the two nations earlier this year. In May, UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan hosted Mitsotakis for talks in Abu Dhabi. These discussions focused on the economy, investment, technology, artificial intelligence, renewable energy, sustainability, infrastructure, and culture. Throughout 2026, Sheikh Mohamed and Mitsotakis also maintained several phone conversations.