UAE pledges €40 billion in German investments and secures Berlin flights

Investment package and industrial agreements

During a state visit to Berlin on 10 September 2026, United Arab Emirates President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz announced a €40 billion investment package to support German industry. The capital commitment expands on an existing €34 billion in UAE investments across the German economy. The package directs funds toward artificial intelligence and digital infrastructure, including the construction of data centers with an estimated combined capacity of approximately 1 gigawatt. Corporate representatives from both countries signed 29 commercial agreements and memorandums valued at over €9.4 billion during the bilateral business forum. Both governments agreed to establish a German-Emirati investment council and restart their joint economic committee to oversee cooperation in hydrogen, renewable energy, and liquefied natural gas.

“Germany has been an important strategic and economic partner for decades.”

New UAE investment pledge40

Existing UAE investment34

Bilateral trade volume13

German exports to UAE11

Corporate deals signed9.4

German imports from UAE2

New UAE investment pledge

40 € billion

Existing UAE investment

34 € billion

Bilateral trade volume

13 € billion

German exports to UAE

11 € billion

Corporate deals signed

9.4 € billion

German imports from UAE

2 € billion

Data from the article text

Aviation rights and airline competition

As part of the bilateral accords, the German government granted additional air traffic rights enabling carrier Emirates to operate daily direct flights between Dubai and Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER). The agreement allows Emirates seven weekly flights from Berlin, adding a fifth German destination to its existing network in Frankfurt, Munich, Düsseldorf, and Hamburg. Under the negotiated terms, Emirates cannot increase its flight frequencies at those four existing airports. Berlin Mayor Kai Wegner and the government of Brandenburg welcomed the route, pointing to improved international transit connections for the capital region.

“The United Arab Emirates are an important and very valuable partner for the Federal Republic of Germany.”

The decision drew immediate criticism from German airline Lufthansa and government officials in Bavaria and Hesse, who warned that direct Berlin routes could divert long-haul passenger traffic from established transfer hubs in Frankfurt and Munich. Labor union Verdi, cabin crew union UFO, and the European Cockpit Association opposed the concession, citing concerns over unequal competitive conditions and employment stability across German aviation.

Defense, energy, and foreign policy

Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier welcomed Sheikh Mohamed with military honors at Villa Borsig ahead of an evening state banquet. Security policy formed a core component of the discussions, with German Economy Minister Katharina Reiche convening defense contractors from both nations to discuss cooperation in air defense, aviation security, and maritime mine clearance. Both governments issued a joint statement condemning Iranian strikes on civilian infrastructure and demanding an end to threats against merchant shipping in the Strait of Hormuz. Bilateral trade between the nations totaled approximately €13 billion in the preceding year, consisting of €11 billion in German exports and €2 billion in imports from the UAE.

Regional diplomacy and humanitarian aid

The discussions addressed regional conflicts in the Middle East and Eastern Europe. Both governments reiterated their support for a two-state solution, the disarmament of Hamas, and the withdrawal of Israeli troops from the Gaza Strip. German officials thanked the UAE for diplomatic mediation in Russia-Ukraine prisoner exchanges, which resulted in the release of nearly 8,000 prisoners of war since the start of the conflict. Berlin and Abu Dhabi agreed to coordinate joint humanitarian assistance for Ukraine ahead of winter, targeting decentralized infrastructure and food security. Demonstrators gathered near Berlin Hauptbahnhof during the meetings, displaying banners protesting diplomatic arrangements with the Gulf state.