(16 June 2017) What is the worth of Italian mechanics exports to the United Arab Emirates? How much of the Italian manufacturing is demanded from Dubai? These were the questions at the centre of Focus Dubai, promoted by the internationalisation of Anima (Federation of National Associations of Various Mechanical Industries). Among others, Valentina Setta, the Italian Consul General in Dubai; Gianpaolo Bruno, director of the ICE (Italian Trade Agency) Office in Dubai, Giancarlo Lamio; and Camillo Maria Pulcinelli of Simest Institutional Relations Service took part in Focus Dubai. The export of mechanical products by Anima to the United Arab Emirates in 2016 reached about € 570 million, down by 22% compared to 2015 when a value of €727 million was reached. The most exported technologies are valves and faucets, pumps and turbines. These three product categories account for 60% of exports. Valves are the most widely exported product, worth €172 million in 2016. The pumps sector exported for a value of €83 million, increasing by 4% since 2015. However, gas turbines and steam turbines resulted €81 million, halved from 2015. (Red)

THE GULF COUNTRIES

If we look at the Gulf countries, faced with the suit against Qatar isolated from other countries, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates are more receptive to products of the Italian mechanics sector represented by Anima. As of 2013, exports to Saudi Arabia are the most important component of the industry. There has also been an increase in exports to Iran, still far from the values that this market could potentially reach. On a much lower level, exports to Oman have been slowly growing over the past few years. In contrast, in recent years, exports to Qatar have declined.