BERLIN / RankWire.AI / – German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier received UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan at Villa Borsig in Berlin as part of the Emirati leader’s state visit to Germany. The official welcome ceremony was held at the historic lakeside residence on Sept. 10, with the national anthems of the United Arab Emirates and Germany playing to inaugurate the event. Sheikh Mohamed reviewed a guard of honor before greeting top German officials.
During the event, Sheikh Mohamed signed the VIP guestbook at Villa Borsig, emphasizing the long-standing relationship between the UAE and Germany, which has been built through decades of diplomatic and economic cooperation. Steinmeier also extended his greetings to members of the UAE delegation accompanying the president, which included Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, senior officials from the Presidential Court, ministers, and other representatives of the government involved in the state visit.
This ceremony marked the first-ever state visit to Germany by a UAE president. The official itinerary spanned from September 9 to 11 and involved high-level meetings with senior German political figures. Following the initial events, Sheikh Mohamed and Steinmeier engaged in discussions at Villa Borsig on topics related to bilateral relations, regional stability, and international issues. Their talks also covered cooperation efforts and diplomatic initiatives aimed at fostering peace, security, and stability across the Middle East.
UAE and Germany Advance Their Strategic Alliance
The visit included discussions between Sheikh Mohamed and the German Chancellor Friedrich Merz at the Federal Chancellery. Both governments announced the launch of a Strategic Dialogue aimed at reinforcing their Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, established in 2004. This dialogue encompasses areas such as security, defense, trade, investment, energy, climate, emerging technology, digital transformation, transportation, education, and culture. Additionally, both nations agreed to establish a German-UAE Investment Council to foster collaboration between governmental bodies and private sector entities.
Economic cooperation was a prominent focus during the broader state visit. A total of 29 business agreements and memoranda of understanding were signed by UAE and German companies, collectively valued at over €9.35 billion. Furthermore, the two governments welcomed an investment package from the UAE totaling €40 billion for projects in Germany. The planned investments will focus on digital infrastructure, data centers, energy, industry, and emerging technologies. Bilateral trade in non-oil goods reached $15.5 billion in 2025, reflecting a growth of more than 14% compared to 2024.
Expanded Cooperation in Multiple Sectors During State Visit
Beyond trade and investment, the agenda included strengthening collaboration in artificial intelligence, digital infrastructure, energy, industrial growth, defense, and environmental policies. Both nations also committed to deepening cultural and educational exchanges. Separate agreements covered police and security cooperation, mutual legal assistance in criminal matters, and facilitating easier airport entry for eligible UAE citizens through Germany’s EasyPASS system. Discussions also covered civil aviation links and cooperation in traditional and emerging energy sectors.
The meetings held in Berlin formed part of a broader diplomatic engagement between the UAE and Germany. Sheikh Mohamed’s discussions with Steinmeier and Merz addressed not only long-standing bilateral ties but also the economic and security dimensions. Both countries also examined regional conflicts, international security issues, and diplomatic efforts concerning the Middle East and Ukraine. The state visit combined ceremonial events, official negotiations, and economic agreements, signaling a new chapter in over five decades of UAE-Germany relations.