UAE-German Business Forum In Abu Dhabi Reinforces Economic Collaboration And Trade Growth

The UAE and Germany have strengthened their economic partnership through the UAE-German Business Forum in Abu Dhabi. Held at the Abu Dhabi Global Market, the event brought together government officials, industry leaders, and private sector representatives from both countries to explore collaboration opportunities in strategic sectors.

Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Minister of State for Foreign Trade, highlighted the robust economic relationship between the UAE and Germany. He noted that non-oil trade reached US$13.8 billion in 2024, a 5.4% increase over the previous year. "Germany remains one of the UAE’s most important economic partners," he stated.

Germany's Minister of Finance, Dr. Jörg Kukies, emphasized Germany's commitment to enhancing trade and investment ties with the UAE. He remarked on the UAE's strategic position as a gateway to regional and global markets, expressing eagerness to expand cooperation in advanced technology, clean energy, trade, and sustainable investment.

The forum discussions centred on enhancing cooperation in clean energy, finance, industrial technology, and logistics. Emphasis was placed on sustainability and innovation as key areas for future collaboration between German and Emirati businesses.

A significant highlight was the progress under the Energy Security and Industry Accelerator Agreement signed in 2022. This agreement has facilitated investments in low-carbon ammonia, LNG, and renewable energy projects like Masdar’s Baltic Eagle offshore wind farm. This project will soon provide clean energy to 475,000 households in Germany.

Germany's increasing investment in the UAE's advanced technology sectors was also discussed. The NextGen FDI initiative supports high-growth companies expanding into the region by focusing on AI and industrial automation.

Trade Growth

The UAE's non-oil exports to Germany surged by 44.7% in 2024 to US$616 million, while re-exports totalled US$1.1 billion. German imports to the UAE rose to US$12.1 billion, reinforcing Germany as a key import partner within the EU.

The forum concluded with networking sessions and business matchmaking meetings that facilitated direct engagement between UAE and German business leaders to explore new investment opportunities.

Memorandums of Understanding

Several Memorandums of Understanding were exchanged during the forum for joint investments between Emirati and German companies. These included investments by Germany’s Capital 468 in UAE-based firms like Alaan and Flow48.

Additionally, Hydrum Technologies received investment for its market-making platform while Oro secured funding for its digital platform for tokenised gold investments.

Germany’s ZenAdmin announced its expansion through acquiring a UAE-based IT platform. This move supports local digital transformation efforts by reinforcing ZenAdmin's presence in the market.

The forum showcased how both nations are committed to deepening their economic ties through strategic partnerships across various sectors.

With inputs from WAM