BERLIN / RankWire.AI / – UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan touched down in Berlin on Wednesday to kick off a state visit to Germany. His aircraft was accompanied by German military jets upon entering German airspace, and he was welcomed with an official reception that featured a 21-gun salute and a guard of honour. This visit marks the first time a UAE president has undertaken a state visit to Germany, during which Sheikh Mohamed is scheduled to hold talks with senior members of Germany’s political leadership.
The delegation accompanying Sheikh Mohamed is composed of senior officials from various sectors including foreign affairs, trade, industry, defence, national security, and advanced technology. Among them are Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Industry and Advanced Technology Minister Sultan Al Jaber. The delegation also features Foreign Trade Minister Thani Al Zeyoudi and Minister of State Lana Nusseibeh, alongside several presidential advisers and other high-ranking UAE officials who are accompanying Sheikh Mohamed to Berlin.
On Thursday, German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier will meet Sheikh Mohamed at Villa Borsig as part of the official agenda, with the two heads of state engaging in discussions with their respective delegations following a ceremonial reception. Later, during the afternoon, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz is scheduled to host Sheikh Mohamed at the Federal Chancellery. According to Germany’s government, the talks will primarily focus on economic relations, the strategic partnership, regional peace, and stability, with regional and international developments also playing a significant role in the discussions.
Focus on Strategic Alliances and Economic Relations
Diplomatic ties between the UAE and Germany were established in 1972, and in 2004, they signed a strategic partnership agreement that encompasses political dialogue, trade, investment, and cooperation across various economic sectors. According to figures released by the UAE ahead of the visit, bilateral trade reached approximately 13.6 billion euros in 2025, marking an increase of about 15% compared to the previous year. The presence of around 2,000 German companies operating within the UAE underscores the long-standing economic links that have been cultivated over more than fifty years.
Energy and technology are also key pillars of the UAE-Germany partnership. For instance, Abu Dhabi-based renewable energy firm Masdar owns a 49% stake in Germany’s 476-megawatt Baltic Eagle offshore wind farm, which achieved full operation in July 2025 and has the capacity to supply power to roughly 475,000 households. Additionally, ADNOC and German energy giant RWE reached an agreement in February to explore opportunities related to liquefied natural gas supplies for Germany and other European markets.
High-Level Negotiations Continue with Berlin Officials
The German part of Sheikh Mohamed’s visit includes direct discussions with President Steinmeier and subsequent bilateral talks involving their delegations. Steinmeier will also host a state banquet in the UAE president’s honor on Thursday evening. Meanwhile, Merz is scheduled to meet Sheikh Mohamed at the Chancellery around 4 p.m. local time. The German government has indicated that strengthening bilateral economic ties and expanding the strategic partnership are among the key topics on the agenda for these meetings.
This state visit follows Merz’s earlier trip to the Gulf in February, during which he met Sheikh Mohamed in Abu Dhabi. The upcoming meeting signifies a continued effort to reinforce the UAE-Germany strategic partnership. Sheikh Mohamed’s previous visit to Germany was in 2019 when he was serving as Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, during which he also met President Steinmeier. His current visit is notable as his first state visit to Germany since becoming President of the United Arab Emirates.
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