BERLIN — United Arab Emirates President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan is in Germany for a state visit aimed at taking bilateral relations into a new phase, with investment, artificial intelligence, energy and strategic cooperation expected to feature prominently in discussions.

The two countries are preparing several agreements worth billions of dollars, according to UAE officials. The planned cooperation includes investment, AI and energy, reflecting growing economic ties between the Gulf state and Europe’s largest industrial economy.

Sheikh Mohamed arrived in Berlin on Wednesday and received an official welcome that included a military aircraft escort, a 21-gun salute and a guard of honour. German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier and Chancellor Friedrich Merz are scheduled to hold meetings with the UAE president during the visit.

The visit is particularly significant because it is the first state visit to Germany by a UAE president. UAE officials describe it as an opportunity to expand a relationship that has developed across trade, energy, investment and technology.

Economic cooperation is expected to be one of the central themes. Non-oil trade between the UAE and Germany was around $15.5 billion in 2025, while more than 2,000 German companies operate in the UAE.

Energy will also be an important area. Existing cooperation includes renewable energy projects, hydrogen and liquefied natural gas, while UAE-backed Masdar has a stake in Germany’s Baltic Eagle offshore wind project.

The two governments are also seeking stronger cooperation in artificial intelligence and advanced technology. A proposed technology framework is expected to connect researchers, investors and businesses from both countries.

UAE officials have said the partnership could help connect German industrial and technological capabilities with UAE capital, energy resources and access to markets across the Gulf, Asia and Africa. A German-Emirati Investment Council is also being established to encourage long-term investment.

Beyond economics, the two sides are expected to discuss security and regional stability. The visit comes at a time of heightened geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, increasing the importance of strategic cooperation between the UAE and Germany.

The visit therefore represents more than a diplomatic ceremony. Both governments are seeking to build a broader partnership covering investment, AI, energy, industrial development and strategic cooperation, potentially giving UAE-Germany relations greater importance in the years ahead.