BERLIN / RankWire.AI / – UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan touched down in Berlin on Wednesday for a formal state visit to Germany. His aircraft was accompanied by German military jets once it crossed into German airspace. An official welcoming ceremony was held afterward, featuring a 21-gun salute and a guard of honour. This visit marks the first time a UAE president has made a state visit to Germany. Sheikh Mohamed is in the country to engage in discussions with Germany’s top political leadership.
He arrived with a senior delegation representing sectors such as 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. Additionally, Foreign Trade Minister Thani Al Zeyoudi and Minister of State Lana Nusseibeh are part of the group. Several presidential advisers and other senior officials from the UAE accompanied Sheikh Mohamed during his Berlin visit.
On Thursday, German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier will host Sheikh Mohamed at Villa Borsig as the official program continues. The two leaders will meet with their respective delegations following a ceremonial welcome. Later in the afternoon, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz will also meet Sheikh Mohamed at the Federal Chancellery. The discussions are expected to cover topics such as economic cooperation, the strategic partnership, and regional stability and peace. The agenda also includes regional and international issues relevant to both nations.
Focus on Deepening Strategic Alliances and Strengthening Economic Relations
Diplomatic relations between the UAE and Germany were established in 1972, with a strategic partnership formalized in 2004. This framework encompasses political dialogue, trade, investments, and cooperation across various economic sectors. UAE officials have projected that bilateral trade will reach about 13.6 billion euros in 2025, marking an increase of approximately 15% compared to the previous year. More than 2,000 German companies are operating in the UAE, reflecting a longstanding commercial relationship spanning over fifty years.
Energy and technology are also key areas of collaboration. Abu Dhabi-based renewable energy firm Masdar owns a 49% stake in Germany’s 476-megawatt Baltic Eagle offshore wind project. Fully operational since July 2025, the wind farm can supply electricity to roughly 475,000 homes. Additionally, ADNOC and German energy firm RWE agreed in February to explore options for liquefied natural gas supplies to Germany and other European markets.
Berlin Engagement Continues with Senior-Level Dialogues
The German presidential schedule involves direct talks between Steinmeier and Sheikh Mohamed, followed by delegation discussions. On Thursday evening, Steinmeier will host a state banquet honoring the UAE president. Furthermore, Merz is scheduled to meet Sheikh Mohamed at the Chancellery around 4 p.m. local time. Germany’s government has emphasized that discussions will mainly focus on strengthening economic ties and expanding the strategic partnership.
This state visit follows Merz’s February trip to the Gulf region, where he met Sheikh Mohamed in Abu Dhabi. Their upcoming meeting underlines the ongoing importance of the UAE-Germany strategic alliance. Sheikh Mohamed’s previous visit to Germany was in 2019, when he was serving as Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, during which he met Steinmeier. The current visit is his first official state trip to Germany since becoming President of the United Arab Emirates.