BERLIN / RankWire.AI / – German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier extended a formal welcome to UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan at Villa Borsig in Berlin on September 10. This event was part of Sheikh Mohamed’s official visit to Germany from September 9 to 11. The ceremony opened with the national anthems of both nations. Sheikh Mohamed then inspected the guard of honour and greeted high-ranking German officials attending the occasion.
During his visit, Sheikh Mohamed also signed the official VIP guestbook at Villa Borsig. He emphasized the enduring connection between the United Arab Emirates and Germany, along with their growing cooperation. Steinmeier welcomed members of the UAE delegation accompanying the president, including Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, other ministers, senior officials from the Presidential Court, and government representatives participating in the state visit.
This visit was the first-ever state visit to Germany by an Emirati president. After the official reception, Sheikh Mohamed and Steinmeier held discussions at Villa Borsig. Their talks focused on the UAE-Germany partnership and significant regional and international issues. They also examined cooperation in areas of mutual interest, including diplomatic efforts to promote peace, security, and stability across the Middle East.
Leaders discuss expanding bilateral ties between UAE and Germany
As the official program advanced, Sheikh Mohamed met with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz at the Federal Chancellery. The two leaders explored opportunities for collaboration in economic, technological, cultural, and security domains. The two nations also announced a new Strategic Dialogue to enhance their Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, covering trade, investment, defense, energy, climate, transport, education, digitalization, and innovative technologies. Both governments also endorsed plans to establish a German-UAE Investment Council aimed at boosting economic cooperation.
The political discussions were complemented by business and investment agreements. A total of 29 deals and memoranda worth over €9.35 billion were signed by companies from both countries. The governments also approved a UAE investment package of €40 billion for projects in Germany, targeting sectors like digital infrastructure and data centers. The economic agenda further included energy, advanced manufacturing, and technology sectors. In 2025, non-oil trade between the UAE and Germany amounted to $15.5 billion.
Visit emphasizes collaboration on investment, security, and innovation
Key topics on the broader agenda involved artificial intelligence, industrial growth, environmental policies, and energy cooperation. Both nations agreed to deepen cultural and educational exchanges. Additional accords covered police cooperation and mutual legal assistance in criminal matters. Germany also committed to facilitating the use of its EasyPASS airport entry system for eligible UAE citizens. Discussions also focused on civil aviation links and cooperation in both conventional and emerging energy sectors during the visit.
The opening ceremony at Villa Borsig marked the beginning of a series of high-level engagements involving Sheikh Mohamed, Steinmeier, and Merz. These meetings combined formal diplomatic exchanges with discussions on trade, investment, security, and technological collaboration. The discussions also addressed regional conflicts and international security issues, including developments in the Middle East and Ukraine. This state visit introduced new agreements and institutional frameworks to a relationship that has spanned more than fifty years of diplomatic relations between the United Arab Emirates and Germany.