The United Arab Emirates has pledged €40 billion, or about $46.4 billion, in new investments in Germany. The move comes as the two countries look to expand their economic and industrial partnership.
The announcement came during UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan’s state visit to Germany from September 9 to 11. It was his first visit to Germany as head of state. He met Chancellor Friedrich Merz and was received with military honours by President Frank-Walter Steinmeier.
The investment package includes advanced digital infrastructure. It also covers plans for new data centres with a combined capacity of about one gigawatt. Around €10 billion will be invested in Bavaria following a separate meeting between Sheikh Mohamed and the state’s minister-president, Markus Söder.
The two governments also agreed to explore “data embassies”. These would provide secure data-hosting arrangements as part of a new approach to technology diplomacy.
The new commitment adds to roughly €34 billion that the UAE has already invested in Germany, including in chemicals and renewable energy. During the visit, UAE and German companies signed 29 agreements worth more than €9.4 billion.
The two countries also launched a new Strategic Dialogue to revitalise their Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, which dates back to 2004. They agreed to establish a joint German-UAE Investment Council to strengthen business ties.
The leaders described the visit as taking place at a defining moment for both countries and the wider international order. Germany is also looking to diversify its economic and strategic partnerships.
