Greece is a small country. With a population of just 11 million, and an economy the size of New Zealand’s, small nations don’t have many options when it comes to international partnerships that can make a big difference. Perhaps that’s why Greece’s close relationship with Saud Arabia has provoked their interest in the UAE. The UAE has become one of Greece’s key trading partners in recent years and the two countries are working on strengthening their cooperation even further. After making deals with Saudi Arabia, Greece is reportedly moving toward making more with the United Arab Emirates in several sectors, less than a year after signing a cooperation agreement over foreign policy and defence.
When you think about Greece, the UAE probably doesn’t immediately come to mind. This is understandable, as the two countries don’t appear to have much in common. The UAE is a modern economy with lots of money, while Greece is a struggling country with lots of debt. As a result, the two countries don’t have much in the way of trade either. Greece’s exports to UAE make up just 0.2% of the total value of Greek exports. UAE’s interest in Greece, therefore, is best explained by the fact that it’s a gateway to Europe. Greece is strategically placed at the entrance to the Mediterranean, and it controls access to the Suez Canal. This makes Greece a strategic partner for any country that wants to have a big impact on the European market. UAE is one of those countries.
UAE’s interest in Greece
The UAE is one of Greece’s top trading partners. In fact, UAE imports from Greece have increased by 42% since 2012. UAE’s import of goods from Greece includes a variety of products, including t-shirts, footwear, and textiles. UAE’s imports from Greece are also growing in value. In 2016 alone, the value of UAE’s imports from Greece increased by over 19%. UAE’s interest in Greece, therefore, is due to a variety of factors. Firstly, the two countries have a long history of cultural exchange. UAE is home to over 100,000 people of Greek origin, many of whom still speak their mother tongue. UAE is also home to the Greek Orthodox Church and several Greek Orthodox schools. Another factor behind UAE’s interest in Greece is its strategic location. As mentioned above, Greece offers easy access to the rest of Europe.
The UAE is a very important trading partner for Greece. UAE imports from Greece, though, only make up a very small percentage of the total value of Greek exports. This is because Greece specializes in products that the UAE doesn’t really need. For example, Greece exports a lot of foodstuffs, including olive oil, wine, and table grapes. UAE imports foodstuffs from all over the world, so these wouldn’t bring any special benefit. Instead, the UAE imports a lot of products that Greece doesn’t export, including machinery, electrical appliances, and plastics.
The UAE and Greece are both very important tourist destinations. In fact, Greece welcomed over 17 million tourists in 2017, earning about $26 billion from tourism. UAE, on the other hand, welcomed over 16 million tourists and earned about $24 billion from tourism. Tourism between Greece and the UAE is growing in both directions. In fact, the UAE is Greece’s fifth-highest source of inbound tourism. At the same time, Greece is a top ten source of outbound tourism for the UAE. There is also a lot of cultural exchange between Greece and the UAE. UAE is home to a variety of Greek cultural festivals and many UAE-based Greek cultural organizations. Some of these organizations also publish magazines and host exhibitions that seek to celebrate Greek culture.
Greece and UAE are both modern economies that are looking to the future. At the same time, both countries have a long cultural history and a rich heritage that should be preserved and celebrated. UAE’s interest in Greece, therefore, is due to a variety of factors. Firstly, Greece has a strategic location in the Mediterranean, while UAE is one of the most important hubs in the region. Secondly, both countries have a long cultural history that is worth preserving. The challenge, therefore, is to build on these shared interests and create something truly special. The UAE and Greece are both modern economies that have a lot to offer each other. At the same time, they also have a long cultural history that is worth preserving and celebrating. These shared interests and values are the foundation on which Greece and the UAE can build a truly special partnership.
When we talk about the importance of Greece-UAE relations, we’re not just talking about two random countries. We’re talking about two of the world’s oldest civilisations coming together to create something special. The challenge is to build on these shared interests and create a partnership that benefits both countries and their people. This will be a match made in heaven, rather than hell.
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