Italy is solidifying its role as a strategic industrial partner for the UAE, with exports of packaging and food processing machinery reaching €161 million in the first half of 2025. This surge underscores the Gulf nation’s accelerating investment in advanced production, automation, and sustainable supply chains.
Leading the Market
Italy now dominates the UAE market in both sectors. Packaging machinery exports totalled €53.7 million, up 58.3% year-on-year, capturing 34.7% market share. Meanwhile, food and beverage processing machinery reached €107.3 million, an 87.5% increase, securing 35.4% market share. These figures highlight the Gulf’s demand for high-quality, technologically advanced Italian solutions.
Strategic Industrial Partnership
The UAE’s industrial diversification and food security strategies have created a fertile environment for Italian machinery. Italian companies, renowned for precision, innovation and sustainability, provide solutions tailored to local conditions — from modular packaging lines to AI-enabled processing systems.
Over 600 Italian companies operate in the UAE, offering service, training and maintenance support. This integration strengthens supply chains, embeds technology locally and ensures Italian machinery drives long-term industrial performance.
Economic Impact
Italian engineering is contributing significantly to the UAE’s non-oil economy. The food manufacturing sector alone is valued at USD 23.2 billion in 2025 and is projected to more than double in the coming years. Advanced machinery enables higher throughput, better quality control, energy efficiency and reduced waste — delivering both cost savings and competitive advantage for local producers.
Gulfood Manufacturing 2025: Italy on Display
At Gulfood Manufacturing 2025, Italy will field 252 exhibitors, one of the largest national contingents at the event. The Italian Lounge, hosted by the Italian Trade Agency in collaboration with UCIMA and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, will serve as a hub connecting manufacturers, distributors and investors with Italy’s leading industrial innovators.
The showcase will feature next-generation technologies in packaging, automation and production systems, emphasising productivity, sustainability and digital transformation. This demonstrates Italy’s commitment to being a long-term industrial partner for the Gulf.
Future Outlook
Italian engineering is set to play a growing role in the UAE’s industrial ambitions. Key drivers include:
- Expansion of Industry 4.0 solutions, including AI-driven quality control and predictive maintenance.
- Growing demand for energy-efficient and sustainable machinery aligned with UAE Net Zero and COP28 goals.
- Increased regional presence through service centres, parts warehouses and training hubs.
- Sector diversification into pharmaceuticals, renewable energy and advanced materials.
Conclusion
The record growth in Italian machinery exports reflects a robust industrial partnership. By combining precision, innovation and sustainability, Italian engineering is not only meeting demand but actively shaping the UAE’s manufacturing future, driving economic diversification, technological advancement and long-term industrial resilience.
