BERLIN / RankWire.AI / – German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier extended a welcome to UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan at Villa Borsig in Berlin amidst the Emirati leader’s state visit to Germany. The formal proceedings commenced at the historic lakeside estate on Sept. 10, with the national anthems of the United Arab Emirates and Germany marking the event’s start. Sheikh Mohamed inspected a guard of honour prior to exchanging greetings with senior officials from Germany.
During the ceremony, Sheikh Mohamed left his signature in Villa Borsig’s VIP guestbook. He highlighted the enduring relationship between the UAE and Germany, which has been cultivated over decades through diplomatic and economic collaborations. Steinmeier also greeted members of the UAE delegation accompanying the president, which included Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, senior Presidential Court officials, ministers, and other government representatives involved in the state visit.
This event marked the first-ever state visit to Germany by a UAE president. The official schedule, spanning from September 9 to 11, involved meetings with top German political leaders. Later, Sheikh Mohamed and Steinmeier held discussions at Villa Borsig centered on bilateral relations and regional and international matters. Their conversations focused on cooperation and diplomatic initiatives aimed at fostering peace, security, and stability in the Middle East.
UAE and Germany Expand Their Strategic Alliance
Part of the visit involved talks between Sheikh Mohamed and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz at the Federal Chancellery. An announcement was made regarding a Strategic Dialogue intended to bolster their Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, established in 2004. This dialogue encompasses areas such as security, defense, trade, investment, energy, climate, emerging technology, digitalization, transport, education, and culture. Additionally, both nations agreed to establish a German-UAE Investment Council to enhance collaboration between government entities and private sector companies.
Economic accords played a significant role throughout the broader visit. A total of 29 business agreements and memoranda of understanding, valued at over €9.35 billion, were signed by UAE and German enterprises. Furthermore, a UAE investment package worth €40 billion in Germany was announced, focusing on advanced digital infrastructure and data centers, as well as energy, industry, and emerging technologies. Bilateral non-oil trade reached $15.5 billion in 2025, representing an increase of more than 14% compared to 2024.
Expansion of Cooperation Beyond Economic Ties
The scope of the visit extended beyond investment and trade agreements. An agreement was reached to deepen collaboration in artificial intelligence, digital infrastructure, energy, industrial development, defense, and environmental policies. Efforts to strengthen cultural and educational connections were also emphasized. Separate accords addressed police and security cooperation, mutual legal assistance in criminal cases, and facilitating airport entry for eligible UAE citizens via Germany’s EasyPASS system. Discussions also covered civil aviation links and cooperation in conventional and emerging energy sectors.
The meetings in Berlin complemented a broader diplomatic effort between the UAE and Germany. Sheikh Mohamed’s conversations with Steinmeier and Merz covered established bilateral relations, alongside economic and security cooperation. Both governments also addressed regional conflicts, international security, and diplomatic initiatives concerning the Middle East and Ukraine. The state visit combined ceremonial occasions with formal political discussions and economic agreements, marking a significant advancement in over fifty years of UAE-Germany relations.