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. The occasion was part of Sheikh Mohamed’s state visit to Germany from Sept. 9 to 11. The reception opened with the national anthems of both nations. Sheikh Mohamed then inspected the guard of honour and acknowledged senior German officials present at the event.
He also signed the VIP guestbook at Villa Borsig, emphasizing the deep-rooted connections and growing collaboration between the United Arab Emirates and Germany. Steinmeier welcomed members of the UAE delegation accompanying the president. This included Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, along with other ministers, senior Presidential Court officials, and government representatives involved in the visit.
This visit was notable as the first state visit to Germany by a UAE president. Following the formal reception, Sheikh Mohamed and Steinmeier discussed matters at Villa Borsig. Their talks focused on the UAE-Germany partnership and key regional and international issues. Both leaders also explored areas of shared interest, including diplomatic efforts to promote peace, security, and stability in the Middle East.
Leaders explore expanding UAE-Germany cooperation
During the ongoing program, Sheikh Mohamed met with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz at the Federal Chancellery. The discussions covered economic, technological, cultural, and security collaboration. Germany and the UAE announced a new Strategic Dialogue to enhance their Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. This framework includes trade, investment, defense, energy, climate, transport, education, digitalization, and emerging technologies. Both governments also backed plans to establish a German-UAE Investment Council to boost economic ties.
Several business and investment agreements were signed in Berlin. UAE and German companies finalized 29 accords and memoranda valued at over €9.35 billion. The governments also approved a UAE investment package worth €40 billion in Germany. Priority sectors for investment include digital infrastructure and data centers. The overall economic agenda also involves energy, advanced industry, and technology. Non-oil trade between the UAE and Germany hit $15.5 billion in 2025.
State visit emphasizes investment, security, and innovation
The broader agenda addressed artificial intelligence, industrial growth, environmental policies, and energy cooperation. Both nations committed to strengthening cultural and educational ties. Agreements also covered police cooperation and mutual legal assistance in criminal cases. Germany agreed to facilitate UAE citizens’ use of its EasyPASS airport entry system. Discussions included civil aviation links and collaboration in conventional and emerging energy sectors during the visit.
The Villa Borsig event marked the start of a series of high-level meetings involving Sheikh Mohamed, Steinmeier, and Merz. These engagements combined diplomatic formalities with talks on trade, security, and technology. They also discussed regional conflicts and global security issues, including developments in the Middle East and Ukraine. The visit resulted in new agreements and frameworks that strengthen a relationship spanning more than fifty years of diplomatic relations between the United Arab Emirates and Germany.