ATHENS, Greece / AsiaWire.IO / – The Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, has touched down in Athens to kick off an official state visit to Greece. Upon arrival at Athens International Airport, he was welcomed by George Gerapetritis, Greece’s Minister of Foreign Affairs. The trip is set to take place at the invitation of Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis. During his stay, Sheikh Khaled is anticipated to engage in significant discussions with Mitsotakis.
The visit commemorates 50 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations between the UAE and Greece in 1976. Over this half-century, the relationship has evolved into a broad strategic alliance, encompassing sectors such as the economy, investments, energy, and technology. Emerging collaborations in artificial intelligence, advanced technologies, renewable energy, and digital infrastructure are also emerging as vital components for deepening bilateral cooperation.
Sheikh Khaled is leading a distinguished official delegation. Among its members are 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. Also present is Dr Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology and ADNOC Managing Director and Group CEO.
Senior officials and ministers join the official team
The delegation is further strengthened by Reem Al Hashimy, Minister of State for International Cooperation, and Dr Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Minister of Foreign Trade. Accompanying Sheikh Khaled are Mohamed Hassan Alsuwaidi, Minister of Investment, and Ghanem Sultan Alsuwaidi, Advisor of Security Affairs at the Crown Prince Court. Additionally, 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, are part of the entourage.
Saif Saeed Ghobash, Secretary General of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council and Chairman of the Office of the Crown Prince, is also part of the group. Maryam Eid AlMheiri, Chairperson of Abu Dhabi Media Office and Advisor of Strategic Relations at the Crown Prince Court, is accompanying him as well. Completing the delegation is Dr Ali Obaid Al Dhaheri, UAE Ambassador to the Hellenic Republic. The team’s scope spans defence, trade, investment, cultural exchange, healthcare, and media sectors.
Investopia forum runs concurrently with the visit
The Investopia Mediterranean – Athens event is taking place alongside Sheikh Khaled’s official visit. The forum aims to bolster economic and investment ties between the UAE and Greece, offering a platform for government leaders and business executives to explore new avenues for collaboration. Key opportunities discussed include food security, logistics, and supply chain management.
This visit follows a series of high-level exchanges earlier this year. In May, UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan met with Mitsotakis in Abu Dhabi for talks in Abu Dhabi. Their discussions focused on the economy, investments, technology, artificial intelligence, renewable energy, sustainability, infrastructure, and cultural projects. Throughout 2026, Sheikh Mohamed and Mitsotakis also maintained several phone conversations to reinforce their cooperation.