Abu Dhabi emerging as a premier destination for German businesses

Abu Dhabi is rapidly emerging as a premier destination for German businesses, with membership at the Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ADCCI) climbing 17 per cent by the end of August 2025 compared to the corresponding period last year.

This reflects the rising confidence of German investors in Abu Dhabi’s pro-business environment as the emirate is reinforcing its role as a global hub for innovation, investment, and enterprise.

Last year, non-oil trade between the UAE and Germany exceeded Dhs50 billion ($13.8 billion), reflecting a 5.4 per cent increase compared to the previous year.

To further enhance the strong business ties, a high-level UAE economic delegation is visiting Germany from 15th to 18th September. The delegation will engage with senior German officials to explore new opportunities for economic and investment cooperation and to reinforce strategic partnerships supporting sustainable development in both nations.

German companies are actively engaged across key sectors such as engineering, energy, aviation, logistics, and finance. This rapid expansion reflects the strong confidence the German business community places in Abu Dhabi as an integrated economic hub, supported by world-class infrastructure and investor-friendly regulations.

Emirati companies have strengthened their footprint in the German market through leading institutions such as Mubadala, DP World, Emirates Airline, dnata, Dubai Islamic Bank, and the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority. Operating across strategic sectors including aircraft maintenance, port management, finance, and clean energy, these entities embody Abu Dhabi’s economic ambition to forge robust links with one of the world’s foremost industrial economies.

Speaking on the occasion, Shamis Al Dhaheri, Second Vice Chairman and Managing Director of the Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said, “The economic partnership between Abu Dhabi and Germany is a prime example of international cooperation founded on complementarity and knowledge exchange. The marked growth in trade volume and the increasing number of German companies registered in Abu Dhabi reflect the strength of our economic ties and reinforce the emirate’s status as a global economic hub.

The Abu Dhabi Chamber is committed to serving as an integrative platform for the business community by providing comprehensive digital services, facilitating dialogue between the public and private sectors, and launching targeted initiatives focused on entrepreneurs, businesswomen, and family-owned enterprises. Through these efforts, we continue to empower the private sector as a vital engine of sustainable development.”

He stressed that the Chamber is actively forging strategic economic partnerships with international and regional entities, unlocking new global market opportunities for national companies and enhancing Abu Dhabi’s appeal as a preferred destination for long-term investment and collaboration.

Opportunities for deeper cooperation lie in manufacturing, advanced technology, renewable energy, and logistics - sectors aligned with the Abu Dhabi Chamber’s 2025-2028 Roadmap to advance diversification, innovation, and global competitiveness of the private sector.

Meanwhile membership in the Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ADCCI) has grown to 157,207 companies, a 4.9 per cent increase between September 2024 and June 2025.

The growth reflects the Chamber’s efforts to empower businesses through tailored services, bridge the private and public sectors, and improve access to investment opportunities.

At a press briefing, Abu Dhabi Chamber outlined key achievements over the last nine months, highlighting the Chamber’s commitment to supporting businesses in Abu Dhabi.

Since September 2024, ADCCI has hosted 69 business events with government bodies, welcomed 70 trade and diplomatic delegations, and signed 25 partnership agreements. It has also joined 11 outbound delegations and opened its first overseas representative office in Poland, a strategic step in expanding Abu Dhabi’s international economic footprint.

Shamis Ali Al Dhaheri, Second Vice Chairman and Managing Director of ADCCI, said, “Abu Dhabi’s economic strength is reflected in the number of new members, and we believe strong partnerships between the public and private sectors will continue to produce success. The rise in memberships highlights the Chamber’s strategic role as a key partner in economic development and a driver of competitiveness and sustainable growth. We stand shoulder to shoulder with the business community, sharing its ambitions and providing the tools and resources to compete on the global stage.”

The Chamber’s performance correlates with Abu Dhabi’s economic progress. The emirate’s GDP reached AED291 billion in Q1 2025, a 3.4 per cent increase year-on-year, driven by a 6.1 per cent rise in non-oil sectors to account for 56.2 per cent of total GDP, reflecting success of economic diversification strategy.

WAM