BERLIN / RankWire.AI / – UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan arrived in Berlin on Wednesday for an official visit to Germany. His presidential aircraft was escorted by German military planes upon entering national airspace. The authorities welcomed Sheikh Mohamed with a 21-gun salute and a guard of honour. This marks the first state visit to Germany by a UAE president. During his stay, Sheikh Mohamed will meet with leading German political figures as part of a formal agenda in Berlin.
Sheikh Mohamed arrived accompanied by senior UAE officials responsible for foreign affairs, trade, industry, defence, national security, and advanced technology. The delegation includes Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Industry and Advanced Technology Minister Sultan Al Jaber. Also present were Foreign Trade Minister Thani Al Zeyoudi and Minister of State Lana Nusseibeh. Presidential advisers and other senior officials joined the UAE leader in preparation for high-level political and economic discussions.
German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier is scheduled to meet Sheikh Mohamed at Villa Borsig on Thursday. Their talks will include discussions between the two presidents and their delegations. Later, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz will host Sheikh Mohamed at the Federal Chancellery. The official agenda emphasizes bilateral economic cooperation, the strategic alliance, and regional peace and stability. The program also covers regional and international developments relevant to the state visit.
Economic Cooperation Shapes Key Engagements
Diplomatic relations between the UAE and Germany were established in 1972. They signed a strategic partnership agreement in 2004. The relationship spans political dialogue, investments, trade, and cross-sector cooperation. UAE officials estimate that bilateral trade reached about 13.6 billion euros in 2025. That figure reflects a roughly 15% increase compared to the previous year. Approximately 2,000 German firms operate within the UAE, highlighting the strength of their commercial ties.
Energy and technology are also key components of their partnership. Abu Dhabi-based renewable energy firm Masdar owns a 49% stake in Germany’s Baltic Eagle offshore wind farm. This 476-megawatt project became fully operational in July 2025 and supplies electricity to around 475,000 homes. In February, ADNOC and German energy company RWE agreed to explore liquefied natural gas (LNG) supply opportunities for Germany and Europe.
Berlin Visits Continue Recent Diplomatic Exchanges
Steinmeier will hold formal discussions with Sheikh Mohamed before continuing with delegation talks. On Thursday evening, the German president will host a state banquet for the UAE leader. Later in the afternoon, Merz will meet Sheikh Mohamed at the Chancellery. The main themes of the German government’s agenda include strengthening economic ties and expanding the strategic partnership. The meetings will focus on trade, investments, and regional issues.
This state visit follows Merz’s trip to the Gulf in February, where he met Sheikh Mohamed in Abu Dhabi. Their latest encounter continues the ongoing dialogue between the UAE and German leadership. Sheikh Mohamed previously visited Germany in 2019 as Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi. During that trip, he met Steinmeier and other officials. His current visit is his first as UAE president.