BERLIN / RankWire.AI / – UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan arrived in Berlin on Wednesday for a state visit to Germany. His aircraft was accompanied by German military planes after crossing into German airspace. An official welcoming ceremony was held, featuring a 21-gun salute and a guard of honour. This visit marks the first time a UAE president has made an official state visit to Germany. Sheikh Mohamed is in the country for discussions with top German political leaders.
Accompanying the UAE president was a senior delegation covering areas such as foreign affairs, trade, industry, defence, national security, and advanced technology. The group includes 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. Several presidential advisers and other senior UAE officials also joined Sheikh Mohamed in Berlin.
On Thursday, German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier will welcome Sheikh Mohamed at Villa Borsig, continuing the official agenda. The two leaders will hold discussions with their respective delegations following the ceremonial reception. Later in the afternoon, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz will host Sheikh Mohamed at the Federal Chancellery. The German government states that the talks will focus on economic cooperation, the strategic partnership, and regional peace and stability. The agenda also includes regional and international issues relevant to the visit.
Focus on Strategic Alliances and Economic Collaboration
Diplomatic relations between the UAE and Germany were established in 1972, with a strategic partnership agreement signed in 2004. This framework facilitates political dialogue, trade, investment, and cooperation across various sectors. Prior to the visit, UAE officials reported bilateral trade reaching approximately 13.6 billion euros in 2025, reflecting an increase of about 15% from the previous year. Nearly 2,000 German companies are active in the UAE, representing decades of commercial engagement.
Partnerships in energy and technology are also key components of the UAE-Germany relationship. Abu Dhabi renewable energy firm Masdar owns a 49% stake in Germany’s 476-megawatt Baltic Eagle offshore wind project, which became fully operational in July 2025 and can generate power for around 475,000 homes. Additionally, ADNOC and German energy firm RWE agreed in February to explore LNG supply opportunities for Germany and the wider European market.
High-Level Discussions Continue in Berlin
The German official program includes direct negotiations between Steinmeier and Sheikh Mohamed, followed by meetings involving their delegations. Steinmeier will also host a state dinner in honour of the UAE leader on Thursday evening. At around 4 p.m. local time, Merz is scheduled to meet Sheikh Mohamed at the Chancellery. The German government highlights that strengthening economic ties and broadening the strategic partnership are the main topics of these discussions.
This state visit follows Merz’s trip to the Gulf region in February, when he met Sheikh Mohamed in Abu Dhabi. Their upcoming meeting reinforces the ongoing UAE-Germany strategic partnership. Sheikh Mohamed previously visited Germany in 2019 as Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, where he met Steinmeier. The current visit is his first as UAE president, marking a significant milestone in bilateral relations.