President Sheikh Mohamed's state visit highlights growing UAE-German ties
Since President Sheikh Mohamed’s official visit to Germany in June 2019 - in his previous capacity as Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi - the world has endured the Covid-19 pandemic, wars on numerous fronts and increasing climate concerns. Seven years on, the UAE President's state visit comes at a time when bilateral relations between the nations are arguably stronger than ever and a source of strength…
In June 2019, President Sheikh Mohamed's visit to Germany marked a pivotal moment in the growing relationship between the UAE and Germany. This period has been characterized by global crises, including the Covid-19 pandemic, ongoing conflicts, and climate change concerns. Today, the strategic partnership between the two nations appears stronger than ever, providing stability and support in challenging times worldwide.
Their relationship extends beyond politics to encompass trade, investment, and energy collaborations. The UAE is now Germany's most significant trading partner in the Gulf, with bilateral trade surpassing Dh57 billion ($15.52 billion) last year, reflecting a 50% increase in German imports from the UAE. Over 2,000 German companies have established offices in the UAE, including major players like BMW, Siemens, ThyssenKrupp, and Deutsche Bahn, which played a crucial role in establishing Etihad Rail's initial freight services.
While diplomatic ties between the two countries date back to May 1972, following the formation of the UAE, informal connections between the two nations trace back to the early 20th century. In 1904, a German explorer, Hermann Burchardt, captured images of life in Abu Dhabi, which are now part of the Zayed National Museum's collection.
Sixty years later, a German company, Seibert, installed a pipeline from Al Ain to Abu Dhabi, providing the city with its first reliable water supply in 1964. The German brand Mercedes-Benz holds a special place in UAE culture, with the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan being a notable enthusiast. The first traffic lights in Dubai were manufactured by Siemens, another German company.
Football also unites Germans and Emiratis, as the UAE and Germany faced off in the same group stage during the 1990 World Cup, with UAE's Khalid Mubarak scoring the first goal at a World Cup finals. Politically, a strategic partnership was established in April 2004 through an accord signed in Berlin by then German Chancellor Gerhard Schroder and Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed.
This agreement addressed regional security, visa procedures, and collaborations across various industries. Despite the current global political climate, the UAE-Germany relationship remains robust and stable, with a senior German diplomat affirming the exceptional nature of the UAE's relationship, stating that it is the only Arab country with which Germany has elevated its partnership to a strategic level.
Written by urgent.news from The National UAE's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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