UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan’s state visit to Germany underscores the increasingly robust strategic partnership between the two nations, a relationship that has been cultivated over decades through collaboration in political, economic, energy, and cultural fields. Diplomatic ties between the UAE and Germany were first established in 1972, and since then, the partnership has flourished, particularly in trade and investment. Last year, bilateral trade reached over Dh57 billion ($15.52 billion), positioning the UAE as Germany’s top trading partner within the Gulf region.
Currently, approximately 2,000 German companies are operational within the UAE, including major industry players such as BMW, Siemens, ThyssenKrupp, and Deutsche Bahn. This presence underscores the significant economic interdependence between the two countries. Furthermore, their cooperation extends notably into the energy sector, where they have jointly pursued initiatives in renewable energy, climate action, decarbonisation, and energy security.
In 2022, the UAE and Germany took a significant step to bolster their energy collaboration by signing an agreement focused on enhancing energy security and industrial cooperation. This agreement includes the supply of UAE liquefied natural gas to Germany and the development of joint projects aimed at promoting clean energy and climate initiatives.
Beyond trade and energy, the partnership between the UAE and Germany encompasses various other sectors, notably research, technology, infrastructure, and cultural exchanges. The formal elevation of political ties occurred in 2004 through a strategic partnership agreement, which covers areas such as regional security, economic cooperation, and research. This agreement has further solidified the foundation of their multifaceted relationship.
Despite facing global political and economic challenges, the relationship between the UAE and Germany remains resilient. Both nations continue to nurture and expand their cooperation across strategic sectors, demonstrating a commitment to sustaining and enhancing their enduring partnership.