Deals worth billions to be signed as UAE leader visits Germany

UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan began a state visit to Germany on Thursday. UAE, Germany deals worth billions of euros are expected to be signed during the trip, spanning energy, technology and investment.

What deals will Germany and the UAE sign?

The two countries are expected to announce multibillion-euro agreements across investment, business, technology, AI and energy. Senior UAE diplomat Lana Nusseibeh said at a briefing ahead of the visit that key announcements would be made in these sectors. No exact number of agreements was confirmed in the briefing, AFP reported.

How did Germany welcome the UAE president?

Sheikh Mohamed was welcomed at Villa Borsig in Berlin by German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier, Gulf News reported. An official reception ceremony was held as his motorcade arrived at the historic lakeside villa. The national anthems of the UAE and Germany were played, and Sheikh Mohamed inspected a guard of honor.

Security was tight for the visit. Berlin cordoned off flag-lined streets and deployed large numbers of police. Sheikh Mohamed signed the villa's VIP guestbook, saying he was pleased to visit Germany.

He noted the two countries' longstanding partnership, rooted in friendship and cooperation. He also expressed hope for deepening relations between the two nations and their peoples.

Who is part of the UAE delegation visiting Germany?

Sheikh Mohamed was introduced to German ministers and senior officials at the ceremony. Steinmeier greeted members of the UAE delegation. The group includes Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, deputy prime minister and minister of foreign affairs, Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, deputy chairman of the Presidential Court for Special Affairs, and Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Tahnoun Al Nahyan, adviser to the UAE president.

Sheikh Mohamed was also due to meet German Chancellor Friedrich Merz later in the visit. No joint press conference was scheduled between the two leaders.

Why is the UAE visiting Germany now?

The visit comes as the US war against Iran has unsettled the Gulf region. President Donald Trump's diplomacy has led many midsize powers to diversify their strategic and economic partnerships.

Merz visited the Gulf region in February, before the US-Israeli war against Iran began. He said at the time that such partnerships were needed more than ever, as major powers increasingly dominate global politics.

What is the trade relationship between Germany and the UAE?

The UAE is Germany's largest trading partner in the Gulf. Bilateral trade topped $15 billion last year. Major German companies including BMW, Siemens, ThyssenKrupp and Deutsche Bahn have a presence in the UAE.

The UAE has also made major investments in Germany, including in the chemical industry and offshore wind power. During Merz's visit in February, German energy company RWE and Abu Dhabi's national oil company ADNOC signed a memorandum of understanding on LNG imports over the next decade.

Gulf countries have long bought defense equipment from Germany. They have also shown interest in start-ups making drones to support NATO's deterrence efforts against Russia. Germany, the largest EU economy, supports talks toward a European Union free trade deal with the UAE.