BERLIN / RankWire.AI / – German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier welcomed UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan at Villa Borsig in Berlin on Sept. 10. The event was part of Sheikh Mohamed’s official visit to Germany from Sept. 9 to 11. The opening ceremony featured the national anthems of both nations, followed by Sheikh Mohamed’s inspection of the guard of honour and greetings to senior German officials present at the event.
During his visit, Sheikh Mohamed also signed the VIP guestbook at Villa Borsig. He emphasized the enduring connection between the United Arab Emirates and Germany, as well as their growing cooperation. Steinmeier received members of the UAE delegation accompanying the president to Berlin, which included Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, other ministers, senior Presidential Court officials, and government representatives participating in the state visit.
This visit marked the first time a UAE president made a state visit to Germany. Following the official reception, Sheikh Mohamed and Steinmeier engaged in discussions at Villa Borsig covering the UAE-Germany partnership and significant regional and global issues. They also reviewed areas of joint interest, including diplomatic efforts aimed at peace, security, and stability in the Middle East.
Leaders explore deepening UAE-Germany relations
Continuing the official schedule, Sheikh Mohamed held talks with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz at the Federal Chancellery. The discussions focused on economic, technological, cultural, and security collaboration. Germany and the UAE announced the launch of a new Strategic Dialogue to support their Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. This framework encompasses trade, investment, defense, energy, climate, transportation, education, digitalization, and emerging technologies. Both nations also endorsed plans for a German-UAE Investment Council to foster stronger economic ties.
The political discussions were complemented by numerous business and investment agreements. A total of 29 accords and memoranda valued at over €9.35 billion were signed by UAE and German companies. Additionally, both governments welcomed a UAE investment package amounting to €40 billion in Germany, with targeted sectors including digital infrastructure and data centers. The broader economic agenda also involved energy, advanced manufacturing, and technology sectors. In 2025, non-oil trade between the UAE and Germany reached $15.5 billion.
State visit emphasizes investment, security cooperation, and technological collaboration
The broader agenda included discussions on artificial intelligence, industrial progress, environmental policies, and energy cooperation. Both nations also agreed to strengthen cultural and educational exchanges. Agreements in police cooperation and mutual legal assistance in criminal cases were part of the talks. Germany also consented to facilitate the use of its EasyPASS airport entry system for eligible UAE citizens. During the visit, officials discussed civil aviation connectivity and collaboration across conventional and emerging energy sectors.
The Villa Borsig ceremony marked the start of a series of high-level meetings involving Sheikh Mohamed, Steinmeier, and Merz. These engagements blended formal diplomatic dialogue with discussions on trade, security, and technological innovation. Topics also included regional conflicts and international security concerns, such as developments in the Middle East and Ukraine. This state visit contributed new agreements and institutional frameworks to a relationship that has spanned over fifty years of diplomatic relations between the United Arab Emirates and Germany.