BERLIN / RankWire.AI / – German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier welcomed UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan at Villa Borsig in Berlin on Sept. 10, marking a significant step in bilateral relations. The occasion was part of Sheikh Mohamed’s official state visit to Germany, which took place from Sept. 9 to 11. The event commenced with the playing of both nations’ anthems before Sheikh Mohamed inspected the guard of honour and exchanged greetings with senior German officials present at the ceremony.
During the visit, Sheikh Mohamed signed the official VIP guestbook at Villa Borsig, emphasizing the deep-rooted ties between the United Arab Emirates and Germany, alongside their growing cooperation. Steinmeier also welcomed members of the UAE delegation accompanying the president, 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 represented the first-ever state visit to Germany by a UAE president. Following the formal reception, Sheikh Mohamed and Steinmeier engaged in discussions at Villa Borsig focused on strengthening their partnership and addressing key regional and global issues. They examined ongoing cooperation in fields of mutual interest, with particular attention to diplomatic efforts aimed at fostering peace, security, and stability throughout the Middle East.
Leaders explore expanding the UAE-Germany relationship
As the official program progressed, Sheikh Mohamed held a meeting with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz at the Federal Chancellery. Their dialogue encompassed economic, technological, cultural, and security collaboration. Germany and the UAE also unveiled plans for a new Strategic Dialogue to support their Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, covering sectors such as trade, investment, defense, energy, climate, transport, education, digital technology, and innovative fields. Furthermore, both governments expressed support for establishing a German-UAE Investment Council to boost economic ties.
In conjunction with the political talks, business and investment agreements were signed by UAE and German companies, totaling over €9.35 billion through 29 agreements and memoranda. The UAE also announced a €40 billion investment package aimed at Germany, targeting digital infrastructure and data centers, alongside energy, advanced industry, and technology sectors. Bilateral trade in non-oil goods reached $15.5 billion in 2025.
Focus on investment, security, and technological cooperation during state visit
The broader agenda included discussions on artificial intelligence, industrial progress, environmental strategies, and energy collaboration. Both nations also committed to deepening cultural and educational exchanges. Additional agreements facilitated police cooperation and mutual legal assistance in criminal cases. Germany agreed to enable UAE citizens to use its EasyPASS airport entry system, and officials explored civil aviation links and cooperation in traditional and emerging energy sectors during the visit.
The Villa Borsig event was just the beginning of a series of high-level meetings involving Sheikh Mohamed, Steinmeier, and Merz. These engagements combined formal diplomatic interactions with discussions on trade, security, and technological innovation. Topics also included regional conflicts and international security issues, with focus on developments in the Middle East and Ukraine. This state visit introduced new agreements and institutional frameworks, reinforcing a relationship that has spanned over fifty years of diplomatic engagement between the United Arab Emirates and Germany.