BERLIN / RankWire.AI / – German President Frank-Walter_Steinmeier received UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan at Villa Borsig in Berlin during the Emirati leader’s state visit to Germany. The official event was held at the historic lakeside villa on Sept. 10. The reception opened with the national anthems of the United Arab Emirates and Germany. Sheikh Mohamed then inspected a guard of honour before meeting senior German officials.
During the ceremony, Sheikh Mohamed signed Villa Borsig’s VIP guestbook. He highlighted the long-standing partnership between the UAE and Germany, built on decades of diplomatic and economic collaboration. Steinmeier also greeted members of the UAE delegation accompanying the president. The delegation included Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, senior Presidential Court officials, ministers, and other government representatives participating in the state visit.
This event marked the first state visit to Germany by a UAE president. The official program lasted from Sept. 9 to 11 and involved meetings with key German political leaders. Sheikh Mohamed and Steinmeier later discussed bilateral relations, regional issues, and international concerns at Villa Borsig. Their talks focused on cooperation and diplomatic efforts to support peace, security, and stability in the Middle East.
UAE and Germany Strengthen Their Strategic Alliance
Part of the visit involved discussions between Sheikh Mohamed and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz at the Federal Chancellery. Both governments announced a Strategic Dialogue aimed at enhancing their Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, established in 2004. This dialogue covers security, defense, trade, investment, energy, climate, emerging technology, digitalization, transport, education, and culture. Both nations also agreed to create a German-UAE Investment Council to boost cooperation between governments and private sector entities.
Economic deals played a key role in the broader state visit. UAE and German companies signed 29 agreements and memoranda worth over €9.35 billion combined. The two governments announced a UAE investment package worth €40 billion in Germany. The investment focuses on digital infrastructure, data centers, energy, industry, and emerging technologies. Bilateral non-oil trade hit $15.5 billion in 2025, a rise of more than 14% from 2024.
Visit Broadens Cooperation in Multiple Sectors
The agenda extended beyond trade and investment. Germany and the UAE agreed to strengthen cooperation in artificial intelligence, digital infrastructure, energy, industrial growth, defense, and environmental policies. They also committed to deepening cultural and educational links. Separate agreements covered police and security cooperation, mutual legal assistance in criminal matters, and easier airport access for eligible UAE citizens through Germany’s EasyPASS system. Discussions also included civil aviation and collaboration in conventional and emerging energy sectors.
The meetings in Berlin placed the Villa Borsig welcome within a broader diplomatic framework. Sheikh Mohamed’s conversations with Steinmeier and Merz focused on solid bilateral ties, economic development, and security. They also addressed regional conflicts, international security, and diplomatic efforts concerning the Middle East and Ukraine. The state visit combined ceremonial events with official political discussions and economic agreements, marking a significant milestone after over fifty years of UAE-Germany relations.