In a significant diplomatic engagement, UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan visited Berlin on Thursday, where he held discussions with German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier. The meeting, a part of Sheikh Mohamed’s state visit to Germany, underscored the enduring and evolving relationship between the United Arab Emirates and Germany, which has been nurtured over more than fifty years. With their strategic partnership seeing marked growth in recent years, the two leaders focused on enhancing bilateral ties further.
The dialogue between Sheikh Mohamed and President Steinmeier centered on mutual efforts to foster peace and security in the Middle East, a region fraught with challenges. Both leaders expressed a shared dedication to expanding their cooperation to promote stability and advance their countries’ mutual interests. The visit included an official reception at Villa Borsig, where Sheikh Mohamed was welcomed by senior German officials and signed the guestbook, symbolizing the warmth of the diplomatic relationship.
During his stay, Sheikh Mohamed also visited the Bundestag and the Neue Wache war memorial, reflecting on historical and contemporary dimensions of Germany’s legacy. He is slated to hold further talks with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, focusing on deepening collaboration in economic and development sectors. These discussions are likely to culminate in agreements spanning artificial intelligence, energy, and investment, reflecting the broad spectrum of shared interests between the two nations.
The diplomatic bonds between the UAE and Germany were first forged in 1972, with a strategic partnership formalized in 2004. This long-standing relationship has seen substantial economic interaction, with bilateral trade surpassing $15.5 billion in 2025, underscoring its growing economic significance. The current state visit by Sheikh Mohamed marks the first of its kind by a UAE president to Germany, symbolizing a pivotal moment in the deepening partnership between the two countries.