During a state visit to Germany, UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan engaged in high-level discussions with German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier in Berlin on Thursday. The conversations centered on enhancing the longstanding relationship between the United Arab Emirates and Germany, a partnership that has flourished over more than fifty years. In recent times, this relationship has broadened significantly under a strategic partnership framework. Both leaders underscored their shared commitment to fostering cooperation and pursuing mutual interests, with particular attention to promoting enduring peace and bolstering security and stability in the Middle East.
Sheikh Mohamed’s visit included an official reception at Villa Borsig, where he was greeted by senior German officials and took the opportunity to sign the guestbook. His itinerary also featured visits to significant landmarks such as the Bundestag and the Neue Wache war memorial, highlighting the importance of this diplomatic engagement. The UAE President’s discussions with German leaders are expected to pave the way for further collaborative efforts, especially in the fields of economic development and strategic sectors.
A key meeting anticipated during Sheikh Mohamed’s visit is with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, where the focus will likely be on deepening bilateral cooperation. Areas of particular interest include artificial intelligence, energy, and investment, as both nations aim to sign agreements that will further cement their partnership. This visit signifies a historic milestone, being the first state visit to Germany by a UAE president, and highlights the expanding scope of UAE-Germany relations.
Diplomatic ties between the UAE and Germany were formally established in 1972, and the two nations entered into a strategic partnership in 2004. Economic interactions have been a crucial component of this relationship, with bilateral trade surpassing $15.5 billion in 2025. Such figures underscore the growing economic significance and interdependence of these two countries, which continue to seek avenues for enhanced collaboration.