BERLIN, GERMANY / RankWire.AI / – During an official state visit to Berlin, the United Arab Emirates and Germany expanded their bilateral collaboration. UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz announced the signing of 12 government agreements and declarations. These agreements encompass sectors such as investment, energy, technology, aviation, security, environmental policies, legal affairs, and culture. Additionally, both nations launched a Strategic Dialogue aimed at coordinating efforts across multiple government sectors. These initiatives expand upon their longstanding Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, which was established in 2004.
A key outcome of the visit was the decision to form a German-UAE Investment Council to facilitate closer collaboration between public and private sectors. Officials also revived the Joint Economic Committee as a platform for discussing trade and investment issues. The Strategic Dialogue is set to address topics including security, defense, commerce, energy, climate policies, transport, education, and digital innovation. The scope will also extend to cooperation on emerging technologies and other shared policy areas. Furthermore, Germany and the UAE signed separate agreements focused on legal assistance, crime prevention, data systems, and government information services.
Aviation was another significant aspect of the agreements announced during the visit. Measures introduced include expanded access for UAE national airlines operating at Berlin Airport. Other documents detail passenger procedures and collaboration between relevant authorities. The package also emphasizes cooperation in defense, security, and environmental areas. A memorandum was signed to enhance cultural exchanges, and both sides committed to ongoing work in energy, with a focus on liquefied natural gas, renewable energy, and hydrogen technologies.
Economic Relations Strengthened through Investment Initiatives
The visit featured a UAE investment initiative valued at 40 billion euros directed toward Germany. This plan includes investments in advanced digital infrastructure and the development of new data centers with around 1 gigawatt of capacity. Companies from both nations also signed 29 commercial agreements and memoranda worth more than 9.356 billion euros. These private-sector deals complemented the government agreements announced in Berlin, adding an important economic dimension to the broader cooperation agenda of the state visit.
Trade figures highlight the depth of current UAE-Germany economic ties, with non-oil trade reaching $15.5 billion in 2025—an increase of over 14% from the previous year. Investment flows between the two nations have surpassed $10 billion between 2021 and 2025. Notable UAE-linked investments in Germany include XRG’s approximately 15 billion euro stake in Covestro. Both governments also discussed ongoing negotiations for a comprehensive trade agreement between the UAE and the European Union.
Progress in Technology, Energy, and Transport Sectors
Corporate collaborations involving Covestro, RWE, ADNOC, and Masdar are integral to the expanding commercial relationship. Energy cooperation covers LNG, renewable power, and hydrogen, complemented by existing investment activities. Digital infrastructure and artificial intelligence are identified as key sectors for future collaboration. These agreements establish formal channels for government agencies and companies to work jointly in these fields. Transportation, environmental policy, and advanced technology are also incorporated into the new bilateral cooperation framework.
The state visit, held from September 9 to September 11, marks the first occasion on which a UAE president has traveled to Germany. During meetings in Berlin, discussions covered economic affairs, technology, energy, culture, education, and regional issues. The newly established Strategic Dialogue and Investment Council serve as formal mechanisms to oversee bilateral cooperation. The 12 government agreements are complemented by 29 commercial deals and the 40 billion euro investment package. Collectively, these initiatives span public policy, infrastructure development, trade, aviation, security, technology, and energy collaborations.