BERLIN / RankWire.AI / – German President Frank-Walter_Steinmeier hosted UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan at Villa Borsig in Berlin during the Emirati leader’s official visit to Germany. The formal event was held at this historic lakeside residence on Sept. 10, with the national anthems of the United Arab Emirates and Germany playing to inaugurate the gathering. Sheikh Mohamed reviewed a guard of honour before engaging with senior German officials, demonstrating the importance placed on the occasion.
During the ceremony, Sheikh Mohamed inscribed his name in Villa Borsig’s VIP guestbook, emphasizing the deep-rooted partnership between the UAE and Germany, which has been built over many years through diplomatic and economic collaboration. Steinmeier also extended warm greetings to members of the UAE delegation accompanying the president. The delegation comprised Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, senior officials from the Presidential Court, ministers, and various representatives from the government involved in this state visit.
This event marked the first-ever state visit to Germany by a president of the United Arab Emirates. The official itinerary spanned from September 9 to 11, featuring discussions with top German political leaders. Following the opening ceremony, Sheikh Mohamed and Steinmeier convened at Villa Borsig to deliberate on bilateral relations, regional stability, and international issues. Their talks focused on enhancing cooperation between the two nations and supporting diplomatic efforts to promote peace, security, and stability across the Middle East.
UAE and Germany advance their strategic alliance
A significant part of the visit involved discussions between Sheikh Mohamed and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz at the Federal Chancellery. The two leaders announced the launch of a Strategic Dialogue aimed at reinforcing their Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, which has been in place since 2004. This dialogue encompasses areas such as security, defense, trade, investment, energy, climate action, emerging technologies, digital transformation, transportation, education, and culture. Both nations also endorsed the establishment of a German-UAE Investment Council to foster deeper engagement between government bodies and private sector entities.
Economic cooperation was a prominent feature of the broader state visit agenda. Companies from the UAE and Germany signed a total of 29 business agreements and memoranda, with combined values exceeding €9.35 billion. Additionally, the two governments welcomed a UAE investment package valued at €40 billion in Germany, aimed at developing advanced digital infrastructure, data centers, and expanding energy, industrial, and emerging technology sectors. Bilateral non-oil trade between the two countries reached $15.5 billion in 2025, reflecting a growth of over 14% compared to 2024.
Broader collaboration efforts are reinforced through the state visit
Beyond trade and investment, the diplomatic agenda emphasized cooperation in artificial intelligence, digital infrastructure, energy, industrial development, defense, and environmental initiatives. Both nations committed to enhancing cultural and educational exchanges as well. Separate agreements addressed police and security cooperation, mutual legal assistance in criminal cases, and facilitated easier airport entry for eligible UAE citizens via Germany’s EasyPASS system. Discussions also covered civil aviation links and collaborations across conventional and emerging energy sectors.
The meetings in Berlin integrated the Villa Borsig welcome into a comprehensive diplomatic framework between the UAE and Germany. Sheikh Mohamed’s conversations with Steinmeier and Merz covered both longstanding bilateral relations and future economic and security collaborations. Discussions extended to regional conflicts, international security, and diplomatic initiatives concerning the Middle East and Ukraine. Combining ceremonial events with high-level political talks and economic agreements, this state visit signaled a renewed chapter in more than fifty years of UAE-Germany relations, setting the stage for deeper cooperation and mutual growth.