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…
President Sheikh Mohamed’s state visit to Germany in June 2019 marked a significant moment in the strengthening of ties between the two nations. Despite the challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic, ongoing conflicts and climate concerns, the bilateral relationship between the UAE and Germany has flourished. Trade and investment have become pivotal aspects of the partnership, with the UAE emerging as Germany’s most important trading partner in the Gulf.
Last year, bilateral trade reached over Dh57 billion ($15.52 billion), with German imports from the UAE increasing by more than 50 per cent. Over a decade-long energy partnership has expanded to include robust action on climate change. German businesses have established a significant presence in the UAE, with 2,000 companies setting up offices there, including global giants like BMW, Siemens, ThyssenKrupp, and Deutsche Bahn.
The roots of the relationship trace back to 1972, six months after the UAE’s formation, when diplomatic ties were established with West Germany. Germany became the UAE’s embassy host following the unification of East and West Germany in 1989. Informal connections date back much further, with the first German explorer arriving in Abu Dhabi in 1904 and a German company laying the city’s first drinking water pipeline in 1964.
The shared love for Mercedes-Benz cars, the installation of Siemens traffic lights in Dubai, and the UAE’s enthusiastic support for the 1990 World Cup highlight the cultural bond between the two nations. Politically, a strategic partnership was established in 2004, focusing on regional security, streamlined visa procedures, and collaboration across various industries.
Despite recent tensions, the UAE-German partnership remains robust, as demonstrated by the commitment to energy security, climate action, and joint projects in the energy sector.
Written by urgent.news from The National Business's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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