Lithuania’s Innovation-Driven Economy and Stronger Bilateral Cooperation at the Heart of Vice Minister Verbickas’ UAE Visit
From 3 - 5 February, Lithuania’s Viceminister of Foreign Affairs, Vidmantas Verbickas, visited Dubai, where he took part in the World Governments Summit (WGS). During the visit, he presented Lithuania’s priorities in building a competitive, innovation-driven economy and consistently advanced the economic dialogue with the UAE.
At the Summit’s Forum on Future Economies, the Viceminister delivered an address outlining Lithuania’s innovation ecosystem, the rapid growth of its technology sector and start-up environment, as well as government policies aimed at boosting productivity, accelerating digital transformation and fostering high-value-added industries.
Mr. Verbickas also participated in a high-level retreat hosted by the UAE Ministry of Economy and Tourism, dedicated to strengthening economic resilience. Together with ministers and representatives of the academic community, he discussed the impact of technological change on international cooperation and underlined that demographic trends, environmental challenges and geopolitical uncertainty call for new and more flexible approaches to economic policymaking.
In Dubai, the Vice Minister met with UAE Deputy Minister for Foreign Trade Abdulla Ahmed Alsaleh to discuss priorities for Lithuania–UAE economic cooperation, opportunities to expand trade and investment flows, and the role of innovation and tourism in strengthening bilateral ties.
Special attention during the visit was devoted to the space sector. Mr. Verbickas held talks with Salem Al Marri, Director General of the Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre, focusing on prospects for Lithuanian companies to engage in joint projects and inviting UAE space-sector representatives to take part in the Space Days to be held in Vilnius in May 2026.
During his stay in the UAE, the Vice Minister also travelled to Abu Dhabi, where he met with the leadership of Mubadala Bio. The discussion explored opportunities for Lithuania–UAE cooperation in the life-sciences field, including biotechnology, pharmaceutical research and the development of innovation ecosystems. Mr. Verbickas extended an invitation for Mubadala Bio representatives to attend the Life Sciences Baltics exhibition and conference in 2027.
The World Governments Summit is an annual high-level international forum held in Dubai, bringing together heads of state and government, ministers, and leaders from international organisations, business and academia to debate global trends in the economy, technology, governance and sustainable development. It is widely regarded as one of the most important platforms for shaping future public policy, promoting innovation and strengthening international cooperation.
