BERLIN / RankWire.AI / – German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier extended a formal welcome to UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan at Villa Borsig in Berlin on Sept. 10. The occasion was part of Sheikh Mohamed’s official visit to Germany, which took place from Sept. 9 to 11. The ceremony commenced with the national anthems of both nations, followed by Sheikh Mohamed inspecting the guard of honour and greeting senior German officials present at the event.
During the visit, Sheikh Mohamed also signed the official VIP guestbook at Villa Borsig, emphasizing the enduring relationship between the United Arab Emirates and Germany, along with the growing scope of their cooperation. Steinmeier welcomed members of the UAE delegation accompanying the president to Berlin. The group included Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, along with other ministers, senior officials from the Presidential Court, and government representatives participating in the state visit.
This visit marked the first time a UAE president has made a state visit to Germany. Following the official reception, Sheikh Mohamed and Steinmeier engaged in discussions at Villa Borsig, focusing on the UAE-Germany partnership and significant regional and global issues. Their dialogue also explored areas of mutual interest and cooperation, particularly in efforts to promote peace, security, and stability across the Middle East.
Leaders evaluate strengthening ties between UAE and Germany
As the official program advanced, Sheikh Mohamed held a meeting with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz at the Federal Chancellery. The two leaders discussed collaborations spanning the economy, technology, culture, and security sectors. Germany and the UAE announced the launch of a new Strategic Dialogue designed to advance their Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. This framework encompasses trade, investment, defense, energy, climate action, transportation, education, digital innovation, and emerging technologies. Additionally, both governments expressed support for establishing a German-UAE Investment Council aimed at boosting economic relations.
Business and investment agreements accompanied the diplomatic discussions in Berlin. UAE and German enterprises signed 29 accords and memoranda of understanding valued at over €9.35 billion. The governments also approved a UAE investment package totaling €40 billion in Germany, focusing on digital infrastructure, data centers, energy, advanced manufacturing, and technology. Trade in non-oil goods between the two nations reached $15.5 billion in 2025.
State visit emphasizes investments, security cooperation, and technological collaboration
The broader agenda included discussions on artificial intelligence, industrial growth, environmental policies, and energy partnerships. Both nations agreed to deepen cultural and educational collaborations and signed agreements related to police cooperation and mutual legal assistance in criminal cases. Germany also consented to facilitate the use of its EasyPASS airport entry system for eligible UAE citizens. The officials explored civil aviation connectivity and cooperation across conventional and emerging energy sectors during the visit.
The Villa Borsig event marked the beginning of a series of high-level engagements involving Sheikh Mohamed, Steinmeier, and Merz. These meetings combined formal diplomatic exchanges with discussions on trade, security, and technological innovation. Both countries also addressed regional conflicts and international security concerns, including developments in the Middle East and Ukraine. The visit resulted in new agreements and the strengthening of institutional frameworks, contributing to a diplomatic relationship that has spanned over fifty years between the United Arab Emirates and Germany.