“Malta is open for business”, says H.E. Maria Camilleri Calleja, Ambassador of Malta to UAE at AIBC Eurasia 2026
On 11th February at AIBC Eurasia 2026, the SiGMA Group Stage hosted a keynote address from H.E. Maria Camilleri Calleja, Ambassador of Malta to the United Arab Emirates and Permanent Representative of Malta to IRENA, offering a diplomatic yet forward-looking perspective on how international cooperation is shaping the future of AI and the digital economy.
Speaking to an audience of innovators, policymakers and industry leaders in Dubai Festival City, the Ambassador delivered a clear message of ambition and openness, declaring that “Malta is open for business, open for collaboration and open for ideas.” Her keynote reinforced the growing global importance of technology diplomacy and the role that nations like Malta are playing in creating trusted innovation ecosystems.
AIBC as a global meeting point
Opening her address, H.E. Camilleri Calleja praised AIBC for its continued growth and influence, highlighting the event’s ability to bring together major stakeholders from across the international technology landscape. “AIBC has established itself as a truly global platform,” she said, adding that it was “an honour to address such a distinguished audience.”
She emphasised that forums like AIBC are no longer just industry gatherings, but strategic platforms for shaping global direction. In her view, the digital world is moving too quickly for governments, regulators and innovators to operate in isolation. “AI and the digital economy are no longer emerging trends. They are actively reshaping our economies and how we grow, how governments serve their citizens,” she said.
Her remarks framed the summit as a bridge between regions, enabling the kind of cross-border dialogue required for sustainable progress. “AIBC brings together policymakers, regulators and innovators,” she said, describing the event as “a space for dialogue and shared understanding,” which she noted is essential “in times of rapid transformation.”
Malta’s strategy and digital infrastructure
The Ambassador then turned attention to Malta’s position on the world stage, describing the country as small in size but deeply connected through its international relationships and its historic role as a crossroads between cultures.
“Malta strongly believes in such ecosystems,” she said, explaining that as “a small but highly connected country,” Malta understands the value of “trust and collaboration,” which she noted is “deeply rooted in our history.”
She described Malta as a nation shaped by global interaction, stating that its identity has been influenced by its role as a “meeting point between cultures and markets.” That same identity now supports Malta’s modern positioning as a digital and innovation-focused nation.
She highlighted the role of Tech.mt, which she credited with supporting Malta’s innovation environment and helping to bring structure to its international ambitions.“Tech.mt plays a central role in supporting our ecosystem,” she said, noting that it has helped transform Malta’s digital roadmap while “opening doors to new markets and investment opportunities.”
Importantly, her message was not just about progress, it focused on responsible progress. She stressed that innovation must be built on solid foundations of security and credibility. “It ensures innovation is grounded in trust,” she said, adding that it supports the development of technologies that are “secure and internationally respected.”
She also pointed to concrete developments underway in Malta, including the country’s renewed approach to AI policy. “Malta has realigned its national AI strategy,” she said, while also advancing the rollout of a national digital wallet, signalling a commitment to infrastructure.
A shared vision
Throughout the keynote, the Ambassador repeatedly referenced the importance of international partnership, particularly between Malta and the UAE, describing both as regions driven by forward-thinking goals. She noted that Malta’s engagement with global economies is closely tied to cooperation with the UAE and that both nations share a responsibility to ensure AI adoption is balanced with ethical oversight. She said that by bridging nations, the global community can build “new digital economies that are resilient.”
She ended by telling the audience, “I am excited for the conversations and connections we will have here.” With AIBC Eurasia 2026 continuing to deliver key insights from global leaders, stay tuned and continue checking out our Day 2 AIBC Eurasia coverage, as we bring you more highlights, keynote takeaways and major moments from Dubai.
