A Historic Presidential Visit Marks the Dawn of a New Era in UAE-Germany Relations

This week marks a moment of genuine historic significance in the relationship between the UAE and Germany. For the first time since diplomatic relations were established, a UAE President will travel to Germany. President Sheikh Mohamed's visit and his meeting with German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier represent more than a historic first, serving as a signal of how far the relationship has come and where it can go next.

The foundations of this partnership were built over decades. The bilateral Strategic Partnership Agreement of 2004, followed by further steps to deepen co-operation in 2019 and 2022, established a relationship grounded in mutual respect, shared interests, economic openness and international co-operation. What began with diplomacy and trade has evolved into a partnership between two countries looking towards the industries, technologies and infrastructure that will shape the global economy of tomorrow.

Germany and the UAE are navigating a world where economic resilience, energy security, supply-chain reliability and technological competitiveness have become fundamental to national prosperity and security. Geopolitical instability in both Europe and the Middle East has illustrated that strong economies need trusted partners, and resilience is built through co-operation. This is where the UAE and Germany are exceptionally well matched, with Germany bringing strengths in engineering, advanced manufacturing, research and industrial technology, while the UAE brings strategic investment capital, world-class infrastructure, an open and competitive business environment, and a unique position connecting Europe with the Gulf, Asia and Africa.

Total bilateral trade surged to €13.5 billion ($15.6 billion) last year and continues to grow rapidly. This development is driven by structural integration, clean energy partnerships, advanced manufacturing and technology exchange. About 2,000 German companies now operate in the UAE alongside a significant German community, while Emirati investment flows into German firms. Through XRG’s €14.7 billion investment in Covestro, the UAE has made one of the largest commitments by an international investor to German industry, reflecting confidence in Germany's industrial future and technological leadership.

Energy offers a clear example of this co-operation. Germany is focused on securing reliable energy supplies alongside the longer-term challenge of decarbonisation. The Energy Security and Industry Accelerator signed in 2022 brought these priorities together, leading to LNG cargo deliveries to Brunsbuttel and demonstration cargoes of low-carbon ammonia for German industry. Furthermore, Masdar invested in the €1.6 billion Baltic Eagle offshore wind project off the north-eastern coast of Germany, providing renewable energy to 475,000 households.

The opportunities extend well beyond energy, as seen in the collaboration between Wilo and DP World to extend partnerships into sustainable water technology, smart logistics and AI-based solutions for the water sector. Ultimately, this first presidential visit highlights the depth and maturity of a relationship built over decades, creating an opportunity to drive more investment, innovation, jobs, connectivity and solutions to shared challenges.