BERLIN / RankWire.AI / – UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan arrived in Berlin on Wednesday to undertake a formal state visit to Germany. Following entry into German airspace, the presidential aircraft was accompanied by German military jets. In honor of Sheikh Mohamed’s arrival, officials organized a 21-gun salute and a guard of honour. Notably, this marks the first official state visit to Germany by a UAE president. The trip also involves meetings with top German political leaders as part of a structured program in Berlin.
Accompanying Sheikh Mohamed were senior UAE officials overseeing foreign affairs, trade, industry, defense, national security, and advanced technology sectors. The delegation included 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. The UAE leader was also joined by presidential advisers and other senior officials, as both nations prepared for significant high-level political and economic discussions.
On Thursday, German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier is scheduled to host Sheikh Mohamed at Villa Borsig. Their meeting will include bilateral talks between the two presidents and deliberations involving their delegations. Later, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz will welcome Sheikh Mohamed at the Federal Chancellery. The official agenda, as outlined by Germany’s government, encompasses bilateral economic cooperation, the strategic partnership, and regional peace and stability. The program also features discussions on regional and international developments relevant to the state visit.
Trade and technological collaboration underpin high-level discussions
Since establishing diplomatic relations in 1972, the UAE and Germany have maintained a strategic partnership since 2004, covering political dialogue, investment, trade, and multi-sector cooperation. Prior to the visit, UAE officials reported bilateral trade reaching approximately 13.6 billion euros in 2025, reflecting an increase of about 15% over the previous year. Germany’s commercial footprint in the UAE is substantial, with around 2,000 German companies operating within the country, underscoring the depth of their economic ties.
Energy and technological collaboration are also integral to the relationship. Abu Dhabi’s renewable energy firm Masdar owns a 49% stake in Germany’s Baltic Eagle offshore wind farm, which became fully operational in July 2025 with a capacity of 476 megawatts, capable of powering roughly 475,000 homes. Additionally, ADNOC and the German energy corporation RWE agreed in February to explore liquefied natural gas supply options for Germany and other European markets.
Recent diplomatic exchanges deepen Germany-UAE relations
The program in Berlin includes formal talks between Steinmeier and Sheikh Mohamed before discussions continue with both delegations. The German president is also expected to host a state banquet for the UAE leader on Thursday evening. Later in the day, Merz will meet Sheikh Mohamed at the Chancellery. Germany’s government emphasizes the importance of strengthening economic ties and the broader strategic partnership, with a focus on trade, investment, and regional issues. These meetings build on recent high-level interactions, including Merz’s visit to the Gulf in February, where he met Sheikh Mohamed in Abu Dhabi. This ongoing engagement continues the direct diplomatic dialogue between the UAE and German leadership. Sheikh Mohamed’s previous visit to Germany was in 2019 when he was Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, during which he met Steinmeier and other officials. His current visit marks his first state trip to Germany since assuming the presidency of the United Arab Emirates.