Valerio Soldani, director of Italian Trade Agency office in the UAE

He tells us about the success of Made in Italy in the Emirates

In the first 10 months of 2023, the trade volume between Italy and the UAE reached 7 billion euro (+6,3%), out of which the Italian export to the UAE was 5.3 billion euro (+8.5% in the same period in 2022). This underscores the robust appreciation for Italian exports among discerning local consumers and trade partners. This underscores the robust appreciation for Italian exports among discerning local consumers and trade partners. We discuss this with Valerio Soldani who since 2023 joins the dynamic team of Italian Trade Agency (ITA) as director of the Dubai office. ITA Dubai is in charge of the investment attraction and trade promotion assisting Italian companies to develop their business in the UAE and Oman.

Valerio Soldani

How does Made in Italy fit into the reality of Dubai?

Dubai has evolved into a hub of culture and commerce. The city boasts a sophisticated consumer base that places a premium on exceptional craftsmanship and luxurious offerings across various sectors.

The enduring allure of Made in Italy resonates strongly in Dubai, serving as a symbol of unparalleled quality and reliability. This prestigious label extends its influence across diverse sectors, from high-end fashion to designer furniture, luxury automobiles, healthcare, and various service industries. The city’s cosmopolitan atmosphere effectively fosters a thriving marketplace for Italian products and reinforces the notion that products bearing the Made in Italy stamp are synonymous with excellence and refinement. This thriving economic relationship is further supported by Dubai’s advantageous geographic location and its status as a global trading hub. Italian businesses leverage these factors, utilizing Dubai as a gateway to access lucrative markets in the Middle East, Asia, and beyond.

What are the characteristics that make Italian products so attractive to customers in the UAE?

In a diverse and cosmopolitan market like the UAE, where an appreciation for heritage and a proclivity for luxury coexist, Italian goods find resonance with consumers seeking a blend of sophistication, craftsmanship, and enduring style. Italian brands are also adapting to, and in many cases leading in, contemporary trends while maintaining a strong connection to their traditions. This ensures their enduring popularity in the UAE and other international markets.

Made in Italy

What are the 5 events organised by ITA that you would recommend to our readers to get to know the best of Italian products?

We operate across industries and sectors, with several key annual events that I highly recommend attending. Starting from the Dubai International Boat Show where we display a representation of the Italian maritime sector, whose demand in the UAE has generated a turnover of 96 million euros in the first 10 months of 2023 (+41%).Another standout gathering is Gulfood, the world’s largest F&B sourcing event, set at the end of February. This dynamic event boasts over 5,000 global exhibitors, providing a fantastic opportunity to explore and savor the fresh, high-quality produce from Italy. Recently, we also successfully concluded the annual Watch & Jewelry Middle East Show in Sharjah. This event showcased the talent of 40 exceptional Italian jewelry masters who presented their latest designs and creations. Every November, we present more than 50 Italian exhibitors at Downtown Design. This event represents a great occasion to showcase Italy’s rich design heritage, renowned for its association with luxury, beauty, and high-quality craftsmanship, as well as its dedication to sustainability.

Food, Fashion and Furniture but also Automotive and Nautical. How do the pillars of the Made in Italy in the world manage to communicate and which sector is emerging in recent years?

The pillars of the Made in Italy brand typically communicate through a combination of quality, craftsmanship, design, and innovation. Artisanal and organic produce, as well as a focus on sustainability, are emerging trends across industries. Here in the UAE, we champion this forward-looking approach under the slogan Sustainability is SustainabITALY. The Made in Italy brand continues to thrive by staying true to its heritage of quality and craftsmanship while adapting to evolving consumer preferences and global trends. We are proud of this long-lasting reputation and being the primary channel to communicate it to audiences in the UAE and the region as a whole.

ITA dubai

Hospitality is the synthesis of Made in Italy. How important is its evolution in the luxury hotel segment in Dubai?

Dubai and the UAE offer visitors a lot in the luxury hospitality sector. Italy has a lot to offer in the culture of hospitality, but also in all aspects of the luxury hospitality sector. From interior decorations to the training of staff working in accommodation facilities, to furnishing and construction materials. In this area, there is not a single aspect in which the collaborations between Italy and the players in the sector cannot see a new impetus. Italy has strong value reputation in interior design, high end furniture and contracting – all sectors that drive the growth of Italian exports to the UAE. Italy, its production system, its companies and institutions are ready to offer their experience in the hospitality sector to contribute to the momentum that Dubai and the Emirates are experiencing in this vital phase of growth.