Abu Dhabi Delegation to Germany Aims to Deepen Economic and Innovation Partnerships
A high-level delegation from Abu Dhabi, led by Shamis Al Dhaheri, Second Vice Chairman and Managing Director of the Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry, will undertake an official visit to Germany from 15 to 18 September 2025. The mission underscores Abu Dhabi’s ongoing commitment to strengthening international economic partnerships and expanding its network of trade and investment cooperation with strategic global allies.
This visit comes at a pivotal moment for the global economy, highlighting the need for robust collaborations grounded in innovation and the exchange of knowledge. Germany, recognized as Europe’s largest economy and the world’s fourth-largest, remains a crucial partner for Abu Dhabi and the UAE.
Bilateral Economic Growth
The economic ties between the UAE and Germany have witnessed rapid growth, especially in non-oil trade, which reached AED 50.68 billion (US$ 13.8 billion) in 2024—a 5.4% increase over the previous year. The upcoming visit is expected to feature the signing of multiple agreements, reflecting a shared vision to advance economic cooperation, propel innovative entrepreneurial projects, and launch initiatives promoting sustainability and innovation.
Diverse Delegation and Strategic Focus
The delegation is composed of representatives from major organizations, including the Abu Dhabi Chamber, the Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO), Hub71 (a leading global technology ecosystem), and the Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation (ENEC), along with private-sector representatives and entrepreneurs. Deliberations during the mission will center on knowledge exchange, particularly in areas such as empowering small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), renewable energy, industrial innovation, technology, clean energy, financial services, and logistics.
Family Business Collaboration
A prominent theme will be the expansion of cooperation in the field of family businesses, where Germany is a global leader. German family enterprises account for 96 of the world’s 750 largest family businesses, with three among the top ten globally. These companies generate revenues exceeding AED 4.77 trillion (US$ 1.3 trillion) and employ approximately 3.9 million people. This presents significant opportunities for both nations to deepen expertise exchange in governance, sustainability, and growth strategies for family enterprises.
Strengthening Abu Dhabi-Germany Relations
Shamis Ali Al Dhaheri stated:
“This visit reflects the deep and longstanding relations between Abu Dhabi and Germany. It embodies our commitment to forge and cement long-term economic partnerships grounded in innovation and sustainability. With our shared vision for the green economy and digital transformation, Emirati German cooperation is set to achieve greater growth and prosperity.”
He continued by emphasizing that the economic and trade relations between Abu Dhabi and Germany are a model of integration and partnership. The growth in the number of German companies operating in Abu Dhabi and increasing trade volumes are testaments to rising confidence in Abu Dhabi as a global economic hub, supported by a favorable investment climate, modern infrastructure, and forward-thinking legislation.
In the first eight months of 2025, German business activity in Abu Dhabi has expanded, as evidenced by a 17% increase in memberships at the Abu Dhabi Chamber compared to the same period in 2024. This surge underscores the strengthening bilateral ties and further establishes Abu Dhabi as a preferred regional hub for German investors and businesses.
Shamis Ali Al Dhaheri concluded:
“We look forward to further strengthening this cooperation through joint initiatives that align with Abu Dhabi’s economic strategies. This will open broader horizons for Emirati and German companies to invest, innovate, and build a global model for sustainable partnership that can face challenges and create future opportunities.”
Team V.4-EM-UAE
