BERLIN / RankWire.AI / – German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier extended an official welcome to UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan at Villa Borsig in Berlin on Sept. 10. This event was part of Sheikh Mohamed’s state visit to Germany, which took place from Sept. 9 to 11. The ceremony commenced with the playing of the national anthems of both nations. Sheikh Mohamed inspected the guard of honour and greeted senior German officials present for the occasion.
During his visit, Sheikh Mohamed also signed the official VIP guestbook at Villa Borsig. He emphasized the enduring relationship between the United Arab Emirates and Germany, alongside their growing cooperation. Steinmeier welcomed members of the UAE delegation accompanying Sheikh Mohamed to Berlin, 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.
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 engaged in talks at Villa Borsig. Their discussions centered on the UAE-Germany partnership, significant regional and international developments, and cooperation across areas of mutual interest. Both leaders also explored efforts to promote peace, security, and stability in the Middle East.
Leaders examine deepening UAE-Germany relations
As the official agenda progressed, Sheikh Mohamed met with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz at the Federal Chancellery. The agenda items included discussions on economic, technological, cultural, and security collaborations. Germany and the UAE announced the initiation of a new Strategic Dialogue, aimed at strengthening their Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. This framework encompasses trade, investment, defense, energy, climate initiatives, transportation, education, digitalization, and emerging technologies. Both governments also endorsed plans to establish a German-UAE Investment Council to bolster economic collaboration.
During the meetings in Berlin, business and investment agreements were signed. A total of 29 agreements and memoranda of understanding, valued at over €9.35 billion, were concluded between UAE and German companies. Additionally, the two governments welcomed an investment package from the UAE totaling €40 billion into Germany, with key sectors including digital infrastructure and data centers. The broader economic agenda also covered energy, advanced manufacturing, and technological innovation. Non-oil trade between the UAE and Germany reached $15.5 billion in 2025.
State visit emphasizes investment, security, and technological cooperation
The comprehensive agenda included discussions on artificial intelligence, industrial growth, environmental policies, and energy collaboration. Both nations committed to enhancing cultural and educational exchanges. Agreements were also signed to improve 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. Topics such as civil aviation and cooperation in conventional and emerging energy sectors were also addressed during the state visit.
The Villa Borsig event initiated a series of high-level meetings involving Sheikh Mohamed, Steinmeier, and Merz. These engagements combined diplomatic formalities with discussions on trade, investment, security, and technology. The leaders also tackled regional conflicts and international security concerns, including developments in the Middle East and Ukraine. This state visit strengthened and expanded a relationship that has spanned more than fifty years between the United Arab Emirates and Germany.