BERLIN, GERMANY / RankWire.AI / – During a diplomatic visit to Berlin, the United Arab Emirates and Germany expanded their bilateral partnership through the announcement of numerous agreements. UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz witnessed the signing of 12 government accords and declarations, which encompass sectors such as investment, energy, technology, aviation, security, environmental policy, legal affairs, and cultural exchange. In addition, both nations launched a Strategic Dialogue aimed at coordinating efforts across various government sectors, building upon their longstanding Comprehensive Strategic Partnership established in 2004.
Furthermore, the two governments agreed to establish a German-UAE Investment Council to foster closer collaboration between public and private sectors, while also resuming the Joint Economic Committee to serve as another platform for discussions related to trade and investment. The scope of the Strategic Dialogue will include topics such as security, defence, commerce, energy, climate policy, transport, education, and digital development, as well as cooperation on emerging technologies and other shared policy areas. The agreements also cover separate arrangements addressing legal assistance, crime prevention, data systems, and government information services.
Aviation was another key area covered during the visit, with new measures including expanded access for UAE national airlines operating at Berlin Airport. Additional agreements addressed passenger procedures and enhanced cooperation between relevant authorities. The package also includes collaborations in defence, security, and environmental sectors. Moreover, the two nations signed a memorandum on cultural cooperation and committed to ongoing work in energy sectors such as liquefied natural gas, renewable energy, and hydrogen.
Economic relations deepen through new investment initiatives
A significant element of the visit was the announcement of a UAE investment package valued at 40 billion euros dedicated to Germany, focusing on advanced digital infrastructure and the development of new data centers with approximately 1 gigawatt of capacity. Additionally, companies from both countries signed 29 commercial agreements and memoranda worth over 9.356 billion euros, supplementing the government agreements made in Berlin. This substantial economic component underscores the importance of the broader cooperation agenda outlined during the state visit.
Trade data reveal the magnitude of the current UAE-Germany business relationship, with non-oil trade reaching $15.5 billion in 2025, representing an increase of over 14% compared to the previous year, while cumulative investment flows from 2021 to 2025 exceeded $10 billion. Notable investments include XRG’s approximately 15 billion euro stake in Covestro. Both governments also highlighted ongoing negotiations aimed at establishing a comprehensive trade agreement between the UAE and the European Union.
Collaboration in technology, energy, and transportation advances
The broader commercial relationship includes projects involving Covestro, RWE, ADNOC, and Masdar, with cooperation in energy sectors such as LNG, renewable power, and hydrogen, alongside existing investment links. Digital infrastructure and artificial intelligence are also prioritized for expanded collaboration, with formal channels established for government agencies and companies to work together in these areas. The bilateral framework now incorporates cooperation in transport, environmental policy, and advanced technology as well.
The state visit, taking place from September 9 to September 11, marks the first time a UAE president has visited Germany, with meetings in Berlin focusing on economic affairs, technology, energy, culture, education, and regional issues. The newly established Strategic Dialogue and Investment Council create institutional mechanisms to manage ongoing bilateral cooperation effectively. The 12 government agreements are complemented by 29 commercial deals and the 40 billion euro investment package, collectively spanning public policy, infrastructure, trade, aviation, security, technology, and energy sectors, reinforcing the depth and breadth of the partnership.