UAE, Germany launch joint business council to strengthen economic ties

Dr. Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, UAE Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology and Special Envoy to the Federal Republic of Germany, and Katherina Reiche, German Minister of Economic Affairs and Energy, witnessed the official launch of the UAE-Germany Business Council (GUBC) during a high-level ceremony in Berlin.

The event brought together more than 150 prominent business leaders and senior officials from both countries and formed part of the official visit of Dr. Al Jaber to Germany.

The establishment of the UAE-Germany Business Council reflects the strong and long-standing economic partnership between the two nations, built over five decades of collaboration and mutual understanding.

The council aims to open new avenues for trade and investment, and to support sustainable development amid a rapidly evolving global economic and geopolitical landscape.

On this occasion, Dr. Sultan Al Jaber stated, “In line with the vision of our leadership to build high-impact partnerships that advance inclusive progress, we are committed to strengthening the deep-rooted relationship between the UAE and Germany and elevating it to new heights. The launch of the UAE-Germany Business Council will create new opportunities for cooperation across vital sectors of mutual interest, empower the private sector, and support sustainable economic development.”

The ceremony also featured the official signing of the UAE-Germany Business Council charter by Musabbeh Al Kaabi on behalf of the UAE, and Günther Oettinger, former Minister-President of Baden-Württemberg and Co-Chair of the Council, representing the German side.

Musabbeh Al Kaabi, Executive Director of Low Carbon Solutions and International Growth at Adnoc, and Co-Chair of the Business Council, added, “The UAE and Germany share a bold and future-focused vision for global progress. Driven by innovation and grounded in mutual interests, our partnership continues to evolve. I am confident the Council will accelerate our collaboration, foster sustainable growth, and reflect our shared ambition in a fast-changing world.”

During the ceremony, Masdar, a global leader in clean energy, also signed a Memorandum of Understanding with EnBW - Energie Baden-Württemberg, one of Europe’s largest energy companies. The MoU aims to explore collaboration on battery energy storage system projects in Germany and the United Kingdom.

The two companies will also assess joint opportunities in offshore wind projects in the North Sea and Baltic Sea, as well as in green hydrogen and other renewable energy technologies.

Earlier Dr Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology, Managing Director and Group CEO of Adnoc, and UAE Special Envoy to the Federal Republic of Germany, concluded an official visit to Berlin aimed at strengthening bilateral relations and exploring opportunities for cooperation in areas of mutual interest.

Dr Al Jaber also held a series of high-level meetings as part of the visit with senior German government officials and private sector leaders, accompanied by Ahmed Al Attar, UAE Ambassador to the Federal Republic of Germany.

Dr Sultan Al Jaber met with Dr Johann David Wadephul, Minister of Foreign Affairs; and Serap Güler, Minister of State at the Federal Foreign Office.

The meetings discussed ways to strengthen bilateral cooperation, with both sides emphasising the importance of the strategic partnership between the UAE and Germany and the need to explore new avenues of collaboration across key priority sectors.

Discussions also touched on advancing economic and diplomatic ties and enhancing cooperation in a way that supports sustainable economic development in both countries.

He also held a meeting with Katharina Reiche, Minister of Economy and Energy, during which they discussed the latest developments in bilateral relations and strategic initiatives, including the UAE–Germany Energy Partnership launched in 2017.

The meeting also addressed opportunities to broaden cooperation in sectors such as energy, renewable energy, industry, infrastructure, investment, trade, healthcare, and tourism.

Both sides underlined the importance of supporting the private sector and fostering a more enabling business environment, while affirming the central role of these sectors in advancing sustainable development and driving economic growth in both countries.

He also held bilateral meetings with Thorsten Frei, Head of the Federal Chancellery and Minister of State for Special Tasks, Dr. Levin Holle, Director General for Economic, Financial, and Climate Policy at the Federal Chancellery and the Chancellor’s Sherpa to the G7 and G20 Summits, and Hendrik Wüst, Minister-President of North Rhine–Westphalia. The meetings addressed ways to strengthen bilateral cooperation across several priority areas for both countries, including government operations, and explored opportunities to expand trade and industrial collaboration between the two friendly nations in a manner that supports sustainable development.

WAM