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. The event was part of Sheikh Mohamed’s official visit to Germany from September 9 to 11, with the national anthems of both nations marking the start of the ceremony. Sheikh Mohamed inspected the guard of honour and exchanged greetings with senior German officials present at the event.
During the visit, Sheikh Mohamed also signed the official VIP guestbook at Villa Borsig, emphasizing the longstanding relationship between the United Arab Emirates and Germany, as well as their growing cooperation. Members of the UAE delegation accompanying the president, including 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, were welcomed by Steinmeier.
This visit marked the first-ever state visit to Germany by a president of the United Arab Emirates. Following the formal reception, Sheikh Mohamed and Steinmeier held discussions at Villa Borsig focusing on the UAE-Germany partnership and significant regional and international issues. Their dialogue also covered ongoing cooperation in fields of mutual interest, including diplomatic efforts aimed at supporting peace, security, and stability in the Middle East.
Leaders examine expanding UAE-Germany collaboration
As the official schedule continued, Sheikh Mohamed met with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz at the Federal Chancellery. Their conversations spanned economic, technological, cultural, and security collaborations. The two nations announced the initiation of a new Strategic Dialogue within the framework of their Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, encompassing trade, investment, defense, energy, climate, transport, education, digitalization, and emerging technologies. Both governments also endorsed plans for establishing a German-UAE Investment Council to bolster economic engagement.
In addition to political discussions in Berlin, business and investment agreements were signed. UAE and German companies finalized 29 agreements and memoranda valued at over €9.35 billion. The governments also approved a UAE investment package of €40 billion for Germany, targeting sectors like digital infrastructure and data centers. The broader economic agenda included energy, advanced industry, and technology, with non-oil trade between the UAE and Germany reaching $15.5 billion in 2025.
State visit emphasizes investment, security, and technological collaboration
The overall agenda extended to artificial intelligence, industrial growth, environmental policies, and energy cooperation. The UAE and Germany agreed to enhance cultural and educational ties, along with agreements on police cooperation and mutual legal assistance in criminal matters. Germany also consented to facilitate the use of its EasyPASS airport entry system for eligible UAE citizens. Discussions during the visit also covered civil aviation links and cooperation in both traditional and emerging energy sectors.
The Villa Borsig ceremony launched a series of high-level engagements involving Sheikh Mohamed, Steinmeier, and Merz. These meetings combined formal diplomatic exchanges with talks centered on trade, investment, security, and technology. The discussions also addressed regional conflicts and international security issues, including developments in the Middle East and Ukraine. This state visit added new agreements and institutional frameworks to the relationship that has spanned more than fifty years of diplomatic ties between the United Arab Emirates and Germany.