Austria, UAE deepen cooperation on AI, energy and trade

Austrian Chancellor Christian Stocker met UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan during a working visit to the United Arab Emirates. Both sides agreed to deepen cooperation across artificial intelligence, energy, trade and investment, according to a joint readout.

The leaders exchanged views on regional and international developments and discussed ways to further expand political, economic, humanitarian and cultural ties between Vienna and Abu Dhabi.

Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Stocker reviewed the progress in bilateral relations in recent years, describing them as based on mutual trust, shared interests and a commitment to development and prosperity for both nations.

Both sides reaffirmed their shared objective of promoting regional and international security and stability.

They also agreed to build on the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Agreement signed in 2021, with plans to adapt it to emerging sectors, particularly artificial intelligence and advanced technologies.

The two leaders stressed their commitment to strengthening cooperation in AI through a “digital bridge” initiative, including policy coordination, joint research, data centre development, talent exchange and training programmes. The cooperation framework builds on a memorandum of understanding signed in 2024.

Discussions also covered expanding investment flows and enhancing economic cooperation, with both countries highlighting their roles as regional hubs and gateways to high-growth markets.

They underlined the importance of improving business environments to attract sustainable investment and support long-term economic development. Both sides also welcomed continued engagement between small, medium and large enterprises through regular high-level meetings.

The leaders supported the creation of a UAE-Austria Business Council to further institutionalise economic ties and facilitate private sector engagement.

They also noted progress in negotiations on a UAE-European Union Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement, saying it would further strengthen trade and investment links.