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UAE announces €40 billion investment in Germany targeting digital infrastructure
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During the first state visit by a UAE president to Berlin, Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz announced a new €40 billion investment package from the UAE into Germany. The funds specifically target digital infrastructure, including construction of state-of-the-art data centers with approximately one gigawatt capacity. This adds to a previous €34 billion commitment. Additionally, 29 letters of intent and agreements worth over €9.36 billion were signed between companies from both countries. The leaders agreed to launch a strategic dialogue to deepen cooperation in defense, trade, energy, and artificial intelligence. Security discussions included condemnation of Iranian attacks on the UAE and other states, calls for ending threats to merchant shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, and reaffirmation of a two-state solution for the Middle East conflict. Germany thanked the UAE for mediating prisoner exchanges between Ukraine and Russia, with nearly 8,000 prisoners released through this process. Joint humanitarian aid for Ukraine was also agreed upon for the winter.
Source report
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz (CDU, right) and UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. Source: Kay Nietfeld/dpa
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) have announced plans to invest an additional €40 billion in Germany, with a specific focus on digital infrastructure.
Investment Details
UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz made the announcement on Thursday during the first state visit by an Emirati president to Berlin.
- The new investment package specifically targets digital infrastructure, including the construction of state-of-the-art data centers with a capacity of approximately one gigawatt.
- The funds are intended to strengthen energy supply and supply chains, adding to a previous financial commitment of €34 billion.
- Companies from both countries signed 29 letters of intent and agreements with a total volume exceeding €9.36 billion.
"Germany has been an important strategic and economic partner for decades," said Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, the UAE's Minister of Industry.
Strategic Dialogue and Cooperation
To deepen cooperation in defense, trade, energy, and artificial intelligence (AI), Merz and the UAE President agreed to launch a strategic dialogue. Key areas of expanded cooperation include:
- Liquefied natural gas (LNG)
- Renewable energies
- Hydrogen
Germany also granted the UAE additional traffic rights in air transport.
Security and Geopolitical Discussions
Security policy featured prominently in the talks:
- Both sides strongly condemned Iranian attacks on the UAE and other states in the region, as well as on civilian infrastructure.
- They accused Iran of effectively closing the Strait of Hormuz and demanded an end to threats against merchant shipping.
- Regarding the Middle East conflict, Germany and the UAE reaffirmed their commitment to a two-state solution.
- They called for the disarmament of Hamas and the withdrawal of Israeli troops from the Gaza Strip.
Russia-Ukraine War
Russia's war against Ukraine was also discussed:
- Germany thanked the UAE for mediating prisoner exchanges between Kyiv and Moscow.
- Since the start of the war, nearly 8,000 prisoners of war have been released through this process.
- For the winter, Berlin and Abu Dhabi agreed on joint humanitarian aid for the Ukrainian population, focusing on decentralized infrastructure and food security.
The UAE President concludes his visit on Friday.
RTR/rct
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UAE pledges €40 billion investment in Germany for AI, energy, and defense