BERLIN / RankWire.AI / – UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan arrived in Berlin on Wednesday for a state visit to Germany. The presidential aircraft was escorted by German military planes upon entering German airspace. The delegation was welcomed with a 21-gun salute and a guard of honour. This marks the first official state visit to Germany by a UAE president, including meetings with top German political leaders as part of a formal program in Berlin.
Sheikh Mohamed’s entourage included senior UAE officials responsible for foreign affairs, trade, industry, defence, national security, and advanced technology. Notable members are Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Industry and Advanced Technology Minister Sultan Al Jaber. The delegation also features Foreign Trade Minister Thani Al Zeyoudi and Minister of State Lana Nusseibeh, along with presidential advisers and other senior officials, all participating in high-level political and economic discussions in Berlin.
On Thursday, German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier is scheduled to host Sheikh Mohamed at Villa Borsig. Their meetings will include discussions between the two presidents and their delegations. Later, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz will welcome Sheikh Mohamed at the Federal Chancellery. Official reports indicate that bilateral economic relations, strategic partnership, and regional peace and stability are key topics on the agenda. Additionally, regional and international developments will be addressed during the state visit.
High-level talks centered around economic cooperation
Since establishing diplomatic relations in 1972 and signing a strategic partnership agreement in 2004, the UAE and Germany have developed close ties across political, investment, trade, and multi-sector cooperation. Pre-visit figures estimate bilateral trade at approximately 13.6 billion euros in 2025, representing a roughly 15% increase from the previous year. Around 2,000 German companies are operational within the UAE, showcasing the robust economic connection between the two nations.
Energy and technology are also important components of this relationship. Abu Dhabi renewable energy firm Masdar owns a 49% stake in the Baltic Eagle offshore wind farm in Germany. This 476-megawatt project became fully operational in July 2025, capable of supplying electricity to about 475,000 homes. Additionally, ADNOC and German energy giant RWE agreed in February to explore LNG supply opportunities for Germany and other European markets.
Visit to Berlin builds on recent diplomatic exchanges
The program for Steinmeier includes formal talks with Sheikh Mohamed prior to further discussions involving both delegations. Steinmeier will also host a state banquet for the UAE leader on Thursday evening. Later that day, Merz will meet Sheikh Mohamed at the Chancellery. The German government emphasizes strengthening economic ties and advancing the broader strategic partnership, focusing on trade, investment, and regional issues during the Berlin schedule.
This state visit follows Merz’s trip to the Gulf in February, where he met Sheikh Mohamed in Abu Dhabi. Their recent engagement continues ongoing direct contact between the UAE and German leadership. Sheikh Mohamed previously visited Germany in 2019 when serving as Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, meeting Steinmeier and other officials. His current visit is his first official state trip to Germany as President of the United Arab Emirates.