The UAE and Argentina are looking to expand economic and tourism ties, with officials from both countries exploring new partnerships across technology, renewable energy, agriculture, infrastructure and other priority sectors.
Abdulla Bin Touq Al Marri, UAE Minister of Economy and Tourism, held a series of bilateral meetings in Argentina with Luis Caputo, Minister of Economy; Daniel Scioli, Secretary of Tourism, Environment and Sports; and Pablo Quirno Magrane, Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Trade and Worship.
The meetings took place during Bin Touq’s visit to Buenos Aires, where he led the UAE delegation at the 30th International Tourism Fair (FIT 2026), held from 26 to 29 September.
Bin Touq said economic relations between the UAE and Argentina continue to grow, supported by efforts to broaden cooperation and develop more sustainable partnerships, particularly across the economy and tourism sectors.
During his meeting with Caputo, discussions focused on opportunities in the new economy, food and agriculture, renewable energy, technology, infrastructure, mining and logistics, as the two countries seek greater integration between their economies.
Bin Touq also highlighted changes to the UAE’s economic legislation in recent years, including allowing 100% foreign ownership of companies and introducing legislation covering family businesses, cooperatives and technology-enabled trade. The reforms form part of the country’s efforts to improve its business environment and strengthen economic competitiveness.
Tourism was another focus of the visit. In talks with Scioli, the two sides discussed cooperation in sports and cultural tourism, destination development and event organisation, and the potential for joint initiatives to increase visitor flows.
The discussions come as the number of Argentine tourists visiting the UAE continues to rise. In 2025, the UAE welcomed 41,476 visitors from Argentina, an increase of 55.7% compared with the previous year.
Bin Touq also pointed to Abu Dhabi’s upcoming hosting of the 127th session of the UN Tourism Executive Council in November — the first time the meeting will be held in the UAE — as an opportunity to expand cooperation with Argentina in areas including tourism innovation, sustainability and skills development.
Trade and investment were also on the agenda. During his meeting with Quirno Magrane, Bin Touq discussed ways to facilitate the flow of goods between the two markets and expand the presence of UAE businesses in Argentina.
Meanwhile, Argentine companies are increasing their footprint in the UAE. The number of active Argentine commercial companies operating in the country reached nearly 750 by the end of March 2026, up 21.1% from the same period the previous year.
Bin Touq also joined a roundtable with government officials and private-sector representatives from both countries, where discussions focused on investment opportunities, tourism and hospitality, and ways for businesses to expand across the two markets.
The talks also explored how the UAE and Argentina could leverage their positions as regional and global trade hubs while strengthening connections between their tourism and business communities.
