The event series A Journey through Made in Italy brought the spirit of Italian excellence to the United Arab Emirates with a captivating journey held from April 14 to 17. With a packed agenda spanning Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Sharjah, the program showcased Italian craftsmanship in all its forms – from art and design to technology and entrepreneurship.
Promoted by Italiacamp alongside the Embassy of Italy in Abu Dhabi, the Consulate General in Dubai, and the Italian Cultural Institute – in collaboration with Challenge Network and Triumph Group MENA – the initiative took place as part of the celebrations for the National Made in Italy Day. This day, established by the Ministry of Enterprises and Made in Italy and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, honors Italian excellence worldwide and commemorates the birth of Leonardo Da Vinci on April 15.
Throughout the week, a variety of workshops, talks, round tables, exhibitions, and networking sessions were held, including:
- Identity and Innovation: The Future of Made in Italy in the UAE – Held in Abu Dhabi at the residence of Ambassador of Italy to the UAE Lorenzo Fanara, this event focused on the evolving Italian identity, bringing together business leaders, media representatives, and diplomats to reflect on Italy’s role in a rapidly changing world.
- Future Innovators – Hosted at the Sharjah Research Technology and Innovation Park, this session explored innovation as a driver of development, with contributions from Italian and Emirati representatives from academia, industry, and public institutions.
- The Future of Made in Italy – At the Lamborghini Showroom in Dubai, Italian luxury took center stage in an evening featuring brands and speakers from Bulgari Resort & Residences, Tod’s, and Damiani, delving into local market trends and the potential of Made in Italy.
- Presentation of the Book “Storie di Successo. L’Italia dell’Ingegno e dell’Eccellenza nel Mondo” – Italiacamp’s Dubai Hub for Made in Italy hosted the launch of the second edition of the book created by Roberto Santori, founder of the Made in Italy community, in collaboration with ANSA news agency.
In parallel with the institutional and business events, the Consulate General in Dubai promoted the Italian Lounge at Art Dubai from April 15 to 20, showcasing works by Italian artists and engaging over 120 galleries from more than 50 cities. This initiative blended creativity and technology, fostering a vibrant cultural dialogue. Additionally, beginning April 11, two exhibitions curated by the Italian Cultural Institute opened the series, exploring the intersections of design, architecture, and visual arts.
The first Made in Italy Week in the UAE – A Journey through Made in Italy – concluded with more than 40 speakers and hundreds of participants across the three Emirates of Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Sharjah. The project successfully represented a contemporary, innovative, and forward-looking Italy, helping to strengthen economic, cultural, and institutional ties between our country and the United Arab Emirates.
A special thanks goes to the initiative’s ambassadors – Ealixir, Buzztech, Real Time Brand Health – and to all the sponsors who made this journey through Italian excellence possible.
More than just a week dedicated to Made in Italy: our journey has only just begun.
