BERLIN / RankWire.AI / –
Accompanying Sheikh Mohamed on the trip were senior UAE officials overseeing foreign affairs, trade, industry, defence, national security, and advanced technology sectors. 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. Alongside the UAE leader, presidential advisers and other senior officials participated, as the two nations prepared for high-level discussions on politics and economics.
On Thursday, German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier is expected to meet Sheikh Mohamed at Villa Borsig. The agenda includes talks between the two presidents and discussions involving their delegations. Later in the day, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz will host Sheikh Mohamed at the Federal Chancellery. The official program highlights bilateral economic cooperation, the strategic partnership, and regional stability. Additionally, regional and international issues are part of the scheduled agenda for the state visit.
High-Level Discussions Center on Economic Cooperation
The diplomatic relationship between the UAE and Germany was established in 1972, with a strategic partnership formalized in 2004. This partnership encompasses political dialogue, investments, trade, and cooperation across numerous sectors. Prior to the visit, UAE officials reported bilateral trade reaching approximately 13.6 billion euros in 2025, representing about a 15% increase from the previous year. The presence of roughly 2,000 German companies operating within the UAE underscores the strength of their economic ties.
The existing relationship also includes energy and technological collaboration. Abu Dhabi-based renewable energy firm Masdar owns a 49% stake in the Baltic Eagle offshore wind project in Germany. Fully operational since July 2025, the 476-megawatt facility supplies electricity to approximately 475,000 homes. Furthermore, ADNOC and German energy firm RWE agreed in February to jointly explore LNG supply opportunities for Germany and other European markets.
Visits Reinforce Recent Diplomatic Exchanges
Steinmeier’s schedule includes formal discussions with Sheikh Mohamed, followed by further talks involving their delegations. Later Thursday, the German president will host a state banquet for the UAE leader. In the afternoon, Merz is expected to meet Sheikh Mohamed at the Chancellery. According to Germany’s government, the key topics are enhancing economic relations and strengthening the broader strategic partnership. The meetings will focus on trade, investment opportunities, and regional security issues.
This state visit follows Merz’s February trip to the Gulf region, during which he met Sheikh Mohamed in Abu Dhabi. The latest engagement continues the ongoing dialogue between the UAE and German leadership. Sheikh Mohamed previously visited Germany in 2019 when he was serving as Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, meeting Steinmeier and other officials. His current visit marks his first official state visit to Germany since assuming the presidency of the United Arab Emirates.