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Cyprus And UAE Strengthen Economic Bridge With Business Council Launch In Dubai

Establishing A Strategic Partnership

Cyprus has cemented its commercial relationship with the United Arab Emirates this week as Energy Minister George Papanastasiou inaugurated the Cyprus Business Council (CBC) in Dubai. The minister described this initiative as a tangible step toward further solidifying economic cooperation and expanding mutual opportunities between the two nations.


Connecting Markets For Sustainable Development

At the council’s founding ceremony and inaugural general assembly, held during the Doers Summit 2025, Minister Papanastasiou outlined the CBC’s mission to serve as a structured platform, facilitating meaningful exchanges among companies, investors, and innovators from both markets. Such collaboration is anticipated to drive sustainable growth through technology transfer, joint ventures, and shared prosperity.


Focused Sectors: Energy, Innovation And Beyond

Systematic cooperation will now target a spectrum of sectors ranging from energy, innovation, and green technologies to tourism, maritime services, and infrastructure projects. Both Cyprus and the UAE are aligned in their ambition to advance fields like the food and water chain, digital assets, and digital transformation—efforts that promise significant regional and global impact.


Leadership And Industry Collaboration

The CBC, established by the Republic’s Trade Centre in Dubai under the auspices of Dubai Chambers, will be headquartered in the emirate and guided by a nine-member board. Key figures on the board include President Yiannos Olympios, Vice President Andrea Stephani, Treasurer Dina El Guindi, and Secretary Andreas Tsintos, together with noted professionals Demetris Zampoglou, Georgios Pantechis, Phoivos Stephanou, Theodoros Kriggou, and Michalis Nicolaou.


Government Endorsements And Future Outlook

Senior government officials were present at the ceremony, reflecting the importance of this initiative. Attendees included Mohammed Al Zarooni, Executive Chairman of the Dubai Integrated Economic Zones Authority, UAE Deputy Minister of Economy and Tourism Abdullah Ahmed Al Saleh, Cyprus Deputy Minister of Research, Innovation and Digital Policy Nikodemos Damianou, and Cypriot Ambassador to the UAE Meropi Christofi. Their presence underscores a robust bilateral commitment to innovation and economic development.

Cyprus Property Valuers Advocate Investment Funds For Affordable Housing Initiative

A Strategic Investment for Social Stability

Cyprus’ property valuers association has put forward a compelling proposal for the creation of 500 new affordable housing units. The association recommends that investment funds, including the social insurance fund and other private initiatives, actively participate in the development process. This strategic move is intended to secure the long-term financial stability required for such a vital infrastructure project.

An Innovative Financial Model

Polys Kourousides, President of the association, emphasized that the financial structure should be designed to avoid additional strain on the state budget. “The model should prioritize sustainability and efficiency, especially since the private sector is tasked with the delivery of these housing units,” Kourousides stated. His remarks highlight the importance of blending public interest with private sector expertise to effectively address pressing social challenges.

Addressing a Growing Social Need

Kourousides further described the initiative as a timely response to one of the most urgent social issues of our time. The association has long championed the use of state-owned land for affordable housing projects, underlining its commitment to socially balanced urban development. In addition, the association remains prepared to assist the government by providing essential technical and scientific perspectives to shape a modern, efficient housing framework.

Looking Ahead

This proposal underscores the growing recognition among industry leaders that innovative financial models and public-private collaboration are essential to address housing shortages. With a clear roadmap and the right investment partners, Cyprus may well set a benchmark in sustainable and inclusive urban development.

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