Why This Visit Is Different From Before
Sheikh Mohamed last visited Germany back in June 2019. At that time, he was the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, not yet the President. He was invited by the German leader at that time, Angela Merkel.
UAE Germany visit is one of the most talked-about events happening right now, as Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan begins his state visit to Germany.
Back in 2019, the world felt calmer. Germany’s ambassador at the time said the two countries wanted to work together on peace, culture, and stopping extremism. The biggest regional worry back then was the war in Yemen. Both countries wanted a peaceful solution there.
But a lot has changed since then. Today, the region faces bigger challenges. The UAE even faced a direct attack from Iran this year. Nobody expected that back in 2019.
“The UAE Germany visit began this week, and it is already one of the most talked-about trips of the year…”
The Chancellor’s Earlier Trip to Abu Dhabi
Before this visit happened, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz travelled to the Gulf region himself in February. This was his very first trip to the Gulf as chancellor. He visited three cities: Riyadh, Doha, and Abu Dhabi.
The German government said this trip was about building strong partnerships and working together for peace. During his stop in Abu Dhabi, Merz spoke with Sheikh Mohamed about serious topics like the talks between Russia, Ukraine, and the United States, which were actually held in Abu Dhabi. They also discussed Iran, Sudan, and Yemen.
Germany also showed interest in doing more business with the UAE, even suggesting they might set up a special trade agreement in the future.
Some big business deals followed this visit. Companies from both countries agreed to work together on things like natural gas and battery storage for energy. In 2025, trade between the UAE and Germany reached more than $15.5 billion, making the UAE the most important business partner for Germany in the whole Gulf region.
Gaza: A Topic Before the President Even Arrived
Just three days before Sheikh Mohamed left for Germany, the UAE joined several other countries in signing an important statement. This group included Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Jordan, Egypt, Türkiye, Pakistan, and Indonesia.
Together, these countries spoke out against any plans to forcefully remove Palestinian people from Gaza. They said such actions would break international law and would make peace even harder to achieve.
This timing was not by accident. When eight countries agree on something together, and then one of their leaders carries that message to a major country like Germany, it becomes a strong and clear message.
Germany is a tricky audience for this topic. Germany has always been very careful and supportive when it comes to Israel, so it has less freedom to change its position compared to some other European countries. But Germany’s opinion often influences what the whole European Union decides to say, which is why this message matters so much.
Iran and a Phone Call of Support
Iran is another major topic in the relationship between the UAE and Germany. In the past, the two countries did not always see things the same way. But recent events have brought their views much closer together.
Earlier this year, Chancellor Merz made three clear requests about Iran: that Iran should stop hurting its own people, that it should stop its nuclear weapons activities, and that Germany should work with other countries to reduce tension in the region.
Later, the UAE actually experienced a direct attack from Iran during 2026. According to Ahmed Alattar, the UAE’s ambassador to Germany, Germany was one of the very first European countries to speak out against the attack. Chancellor Merz even called Sheikh Mohamed personally to express his support, just weeks after his own visit to Abu Dhabi.
This shows how personal visits between leaders can create real trust, which becomes very important during difficult times.
Germany’s Growing Interest in the Gulf
Germany has been paying much more attention to the Gulf region lately, and not just with the UAE.
- The Emir of Qatar made his own state visit to Germany in July.
- Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Minister and Germany’s Foreign Minister recently agreed to hold regular high-level talks, focusing especially on keeping shipping routes safe, including the important Strait of Hormuz.
- Later this month, on September 21 and 22, Berlin will host a major meeting called the German-Arab Gulf Dialogue, where experts will discuss how the security situation in the Gulf has reached a very important turning point.
Sheikh Mohamed’s visit happens just two weeks before that big meeting, showing how eager Germany is to strengthen its bond with the UAE specifically.
What This Means for the Future
Back in 2019, Sheikh Mohamed wrote a friendly message in a guest book at the German President’s palace, talking about peace and friendship between the two nations. At that time, it may have felt like a nice, polite tradition.
Today, with serious topics like Gaza, Iran, Sudan, and Yemen all on the table, that same message feels much more like a real action plan between two important partners.
This visit shows that the UAE and Germany are not just trading partners anymore. They are becoming close partners on some of the world’s toughest problems too.
Quick Summary
- Sheikh Mohamed, President of the UAE, is on a state visit to Germany.
- He is meeting German President Steinmeier and Chancellor Merz.
- Business and trade between the two countries are strong, passing $15.5 billion in 2025.
- Gaza, Iran, Sudan, and Yemen are major topics of discussion.
- Germany has been building closer ties across the whole Gulf region this year.
- The UAE Germany visit began this week, and it is already one of the most talked-about trips.
Read More : Uae Weekly Mag
Reference By: Gulf News