BERLIN / RankWire.AI / – UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan touched down in Berlin on Wednesday to undertake an official state visit to Germany. After the presidential aircraft crossed into German airspace, it was accompanied by German military aircraft. The German authorities greeted Sheikh Mohamed with 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. It also features a series of meetings with Germany’s leading political figures during a scheduled diplomatic program in Berlin.
Sheikh Mohamed was accompanied by senior UAE officials responsible for foreign affairs, trade, industry, defense, 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. Also present were Foreign Trade Minister Thani Al Zeyoudi and Minister of State Lana Nusseibeh. Presidential advisers and other senior officials joined Sheikh Mohamed as both nations prepared for high-level political and economic discussions.
Scheduled to meet at Villa Borsig on Thursday, German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier is expected to welcome Sheikh Mohamed. The talks will include discussions between the two presidents and delegation meetings. Later, Sheikh Mohamed will be hosted by German Chancellor Friedrich Merz at the Federal Chancellery. The German government states that the agenda will cover bilateral economic relations, the strategic partnership, and regional peace and stability. Additionally, regional and international developments will be discussed during the official program of the visit.
Economic Cooperation Sets the Tone for High-Level Talks
Diplomatic relations between the UAE and Germany were established in 1972, and a strategic partnership agreement was signed in 2004. This alliance encompasses political dialogue, investment, trade, and cooperation across various sectors. Data released by UAE officials prior to the visit indicate bilateral trade reached approximately 13.6 billion euros in 2025, representing roughly a 15% increase compared to the previous year. Nearly 2,000 German companies operate within the UAE, emphasizing the extensive economic ties binding the two nations.
Energy and technology are also integral to the UAE-Germany relationship. Abu Dhabi-based renewable energy firm Masdar owns a 49% stake in Germany’s Baltic Eagle offshore wind farm. The 476-megawatt project, which became fully operational in July 2025, can supply electricity to about 475,000 homes. In February, ADNOC and German energy giant RWE also agreed to investigate liquefied natural gas supply possibilities for Germany and other European markets.
Recent Diplomatic Engagements Lead to the Berlin Visit
The program for Steinmeier includes formal discussions with Sheikh Mohamed, followed by continued talks with both delegations. The German president is also scheduled to host a state banquet for the UAE leader on Thursday evening. Additionally, Merz is expected to meet Sheikh Mohamed at the Chancellery later that afternoon. The German government has highlighted strengthening economic ties and expanding the strategic partnership as core priorities. The meetings will focus on trade, investment, regional stability, and international cooperation.
This state visit builds on recent exchanges, including Merz’s trip to the Gulf region in February, where he met Sheikh Mohamed in Abu Dhabi. The current visit signifies ongoing direct engagement between the UAE and German leadership. Sheikh Mohamed previously visited Germany in 2019 while serving as Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, during which he met Steinmeier and other officials. This trip is his first official state visit since assuming the presidency of the United Arab Emirates.