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 state visit to Germany, which took place from September 9 to 11. The reception began with the national anthems of both nations. Following this, Sheikh Mohamed inspected the guard of honour and greeted senior German officials present at the ceremony.
During the visit, Sheikh Mohamed also signed the official VIP guestbook at Villa Borsig, emphasizing the enduring relationship between the United Arab Emirates and Germany and their growing collaboration. Steinmeier welcomed 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 officials from the Presidential Court, and government representatives participating in the state visit.
This marked the first-ever state visit to Germany by a president of the United Arab Emirates. After the official reception, Sheikh Mohamed and Steinmeier held bilateral talks at Villa Borsig. Their discussions addressed the UAE-Germany partnership and key regional and international issues. They also reviewed ongoing cooperation in areas of mutual interest, including diplomatic efforts to promote peace, security, and stability in the Middle East.
Leaders examine expanding collaborations between UAE and Germany
As the official schedule progressed, Sheikh Mohamed met with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz at the Federal Chancellery. The discussions focused on economic, technological, cultural, and security partnerships. Germany and the UAE announced a new Strategic Dialogue to enhance their Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, encompassing trade, investment, defense, energy, climate, transport, education, digitalization, and emerging technologies. Both governments also endorsed plans to establish a German-UAE Investment Council aimed at boosting economic engagement.
In addition to political dialogues, business and investment agreements were signed in Berlin. UAE and German enterprises finalized 29 agreements and memoranda valued at over €9.35 billion. The two nations also approved a UAE investment package of €40 billion for Germany, with focus areas including digital infrastructure and data centers. The broader economic discussions spanned energy, advanced industry, and innovative technologies. In 2025, non-oil trade between the UAE and Germany amounted to $15.5 billion.
State visit emphasizes investment, security cooperation, and technological advancement
The comprehensive agenda covered artificial intelligence, industrial growth, environmental policies, and energy collaboration. The UAE and Germany also committed to strengthening cultural and educational exchanges. Additional agreements addressed police cooperation and mutual legal assistance in criminal matters. Germany agreed to facilitate the use of its EasyPASS airport entry system for eligible UAE citizens. Discussions also included civil aviation connections and cooperation in both conventional and emerging energy sectors during the visit.
The Villa Borsig event marked the beginning of a series of high-level engagements involving Sheikh Mohamed, Steinmeier, and Merz. These meetings combined diplomatic formalities with discussions on trade, security, and technological progress. Both nations also addressed regional conflicts and international security issues, including developments in the Middle East and Ukraine. This state visit established new agreements and institutional frameworks, reinforcing a diplomatic relationship that has spanned over fifty years between the United Arab Emirates and Germany.